The floors of your home are one of its most important parts. They are both beautiful and functional, establishing a room’s purpose and tone. They must stand up to repeated footfalls, spills, and other hazards of living. So before you build your new custom home, educate yourself on flooring! We’re going over the pros and cons of the most popular choices.

Carpet

Carpet is sometimes seen as a little pedestrian, but its comfort is hard to deny. Its warmth and softness is ideal for a room you’re relaxing in, like a theater room or library. With all the colors and textures available, it also allows for a high degree of customization.

But carpet has the obvious problem of staining easily. It’s also susceptible to wear patterns from furniture and frequent foot traffic. Carpet is best for a private room out of the way.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is unique in that it mimics the look of more expensive materials without the cost, while also adding its own advantages. It’s water resistant, anti-static, and incredibly easy to clean. Vinyl is extremely popular for kitchens and bathrooms.

However, vinyl will never replace the real thing, and to the trained eye is quite obvious. Some types are also hard to remove, and can dent when overloaded with heavy objects.

Tile

Tile is one of the most elegant flooring types, with an almost palatial quality. It’s extremely durable and – so long as it’s properly treated – easy to clean. Combined with the variety of styles available, tile is ideal for rooms that need to make an impression, such as a foyer.

That durability works both ways though: if you drop something on tile, it will likely break. Tile also has a habit of taking on a room’s ambient temperature, so don’t put it in any room susceptible to extreme heat or cold.

Hardwood

Who doesn’t love hardwood? Beautiful and timeless, hardwood floors are often a non-negotiable for many home buyers. Their versatility and durability means they work in almost every room, and their multitude of styles fit in almost every home.

That being said, good hardwoods are expensive. They also require occasional refinishing, which can be a huge inconvenience. Quiet-seekers may also resent the louder footsteps on a bare hardwood floor.

Are you looking for a beautiful, luxurious custom home in the Triangle area? With nearly 30 years of home-building experience, Tingen Construction has built a reputation of great service, high-quality construction and a dedication to the craft.

Contact us today to learn about our current listings or to build a dream home of your very own!