Today’s choices in flooring are more varied than ever, running the gamut of styles, finishes, and installation options. Product innovation is clearly blurring the lines between many flooring categories, and the raw materials used to create flooring types include gin bottles, corn sugar, and the staves from old wine barrels. The winner in this underfoot mash-up is the consumer, who benefits from an astonishing array of choices that fit any lifestyle and budget.
Sampling is Smart
Before you buy, bring home samples of your top flooring choices. Compare them side-by-side where they’re going to be installed. Getting an opinion from a salesperson, who is trained in interior design, is always ideal.
Measuring Avoids Mistakes
To determine how much flooring you’ll need, a member of our sales staff will measure the room’s square footage (at no charge!). We recommend that you buy 7 to 10 percent more than what is measured. This allows for possible mistakes and bad pieces. Plus, a little extra flooring on hand is great for repairs down the road.
Location
Carefully consider the location of your new floor. Is it below-, on- or above-grade? Basements are susceptible to ground moisture, so your flooring choice may be different from a bedroom on the second or third floor. Likewise, kitchens and bathrooms are prone to water damage and humid conditions, which should be a heavy factor in your decision-making process.
Also, be sure to observe the space throughout the day. Does it get a lot of direct sunlight? UV light can fade or darken certain flooring, so look to purchase resistant products for these spaces.
Function
Common high-traffic areas are entryways to rooms and to the house itself. If you have pets or kids, the family room can also be a busy place. These spaces require flooring that can stand up to the wear.
Ways to Save
Cooperatives work together to gain buying power and scale. This allows independent, family businesses, like Dalton Carpet One, to provide the most competitive pricing and value. Together, our cooperative of over 1,000 member store owners is the largest buyer of floor covering in North America. This means that we can negotiate great prices and pass those savings on to our customers- you.
Questions to Ask Yourself
A number of flooring choices are available for every room, so it pays to ask yourself the right questions:
- How long will you live in this space?
- What is the look you want to achieve in the room: rustic, traditional, contemporary, elegant, cozy, chic?
- Will this floor be installed on, above (second floor) or below grade (basement)?
- Do you have or plan to have children or pets?
- Are seniors or those with physical disabilities living in or regularly visiting your home? What sort of modifications will you need?
- Does anyone in your home have allergies?
- Is this a floor you’re willing to repair or replace over time?
- What type of routine cleaning are you willing to do?
- What is the room’s function: the first stop from outside, catchall, family night, entertaining?
- Have you factored trim, thresholds, padding, waste, etc. into your budget?
- Have you factored installation costs into your budget?
Take the Floor 