When choosing flooring, there are often many options available but little guidance to help narrow down your choices. Without understanding some important details about particular materials, it can be a little intimidating and easy to make a decision you may regret later. Here are three areas where mistakes are commonly made.

3 Tricky Factors When Choosing Flooring

1. Mil vs. MM

Understanding thickness is critical to avoid uneven transitions between rooms with different floor types. When shopping for vinyl plank flooring, it's important to know that manufacturers usually show the wear-layer thickness of their product rather than the actual thickness.

The actual thickness of most vinyl planks will be measured in millimeters (mm). You’ll see thicknesses ranging from 4mm to 8mm, depending on the quality of the materials. The wear layer, which is the protective coating over the flooring’s printed design, is measured in mil rather than millimeters. For your reference, one mil is one thousandth of an inch, and 1mm is roughly 40 mils.

2. Porcelain vs. Ceramic

When it comes to choosing a type of tile, you want to make sure your choice is best suited to its intended purpose. Porcelain is more expensive, but it’s less porous and more durable, making it a great choice for high foot traffic and areas that are subjected to a lot of water and freezing temperatures.

Ceramic tiles come in two styles: red body and white body. Red-body ceramic is the least expensive tile option, but it’s also more porous and not as durable under heavy foot traffic. White body is made with more refined materials, resulting in better color definition and less weight. However, it’s generally not hard enough for flooring and should only be used for wall coverings

3. Carpet Fibers

Modern carpeting offers a wide range of options, but the most important factor in your decision should be the type of carpet fiber. The four fiber options you’ll need to consider are nylon, triexta, polyester, and olefin.

Nylon is the most durable, relatively easy to clean, and a great choice if you have children or inside pets. Triexta is a new type of anti-stain carpet fiber that’s made in part from processed corn sugar. As a recent addition to the marketplace, the jury is still out on its durability, though it’s expected to be one of the longest-lasting synthetic carpet fibers.

Polyester, on the other hand, is a well-tested stain resistant fiber. Its low durability makes it better suited to low-traffic areas, however. Olefin fiber is inexpensive, stain-resistant, and durable, but it’s not as tough as nylon. It’s a good high-traffic carpet suitable for children’s playrooms.

If you’re looking for a big selection in flooring options but also need professional guidance, look no further than Shenandoah Flooring & Interior Design. The friendly and expert staff has been helping residents of Waynesboro, VA, and the Shenandoah Valley find quality, affordable home solutions since 1990. They also offer materials for kitchen and bathroom remodeling and design services. Call them today at (540) 943-2911 to ask about inventory or visit their website for more information on their products.