Resilient flooring is one of the most cost-effective choices when it comes to home floors. For as little as $1 per square foot, you get a floor that’s attractive, easy to maintain, and will last years of constant use. Its name says it all—it’s extremely resilient and can withstand heat, cold, moisture, and even mold and bacteria. It needs little to no maintenance, and can suit virtually any homeowner’s lifestyle.
Most people write off resilient flooring as cheap and unstylish, but today’s manufacturers have changed all that. Resilient floors now come in practically every color and pattern, and can even be made to look like real wood, stone, and marble. If you’re going for a green home, it also fits the bill—most resilient flooring is made from all-natural biodegradable materials. Here are some resilient flooring options worth checking out.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is known for its water and bacteria resistance, making it a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Older vinyl floors were thin and tore easily, but manufacturers have come up with a stronger variant that withstands most forms of abuse. There are also newer designs and patterns, so there’s sure to be one that suits your home décor.
Like all resilient materials, vinyl flooring is available in tiles or rolls. Tiles are usually better if you’re installing them yourself, although rolls give you more flexibility. You can get tiles in different patterns so you can mix and match your designs. Some tiles are available pre-glued, but this will require a bit more precision. Make sure to plan your installation carefully, because it can be hard to remove a vinyl tile once it’s glued down.
Rubber
Most people associate rubber flooring with gyms, hospitals, and commercial centers. This is because rubber is easy on the feet, and it takes off the pressure when you’re standing or walking all day. Rubber is also highly resistant to everyday wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Manufacturers now make rubber in colors besides the usual blue and gray, and in a wide range of designs and patterns to suit every home.
Rubber floors work best in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. Its texture provides natural traction to prevent slips and falls. But one place you can’t use it is the kitchen, or any place where it can mix with grease. Rubber catches fire easily, so it’s important to keep it well away from fire hazards.
Cork
If you like the look of wood but can’t invest in a hardwood floor, cork flooring is your best alternative. Cork floors are made from bark bits of the oak tree, which gives you virtually the same consistency as oak itself. But since the inside is mainly air, it also doubles as a soundproof and insulating material. Cork floors work particularly well in basements and home theaters.
Cork is moderately sensitive, so it’s best to use them in areas with light to moderate foot traffic. The tops are sealed with urethane, a clear, glass-like substance, which protects it from scratches and dents. However, it’s prone to skid marks from the furniture. To avoid this, use light furniture or regularly rearrange your room to distribute the weight. You’ll also need to reapply the urethane from time to time, depending on how much wear and tear your floor gets.
Linoleum
Next to vinyl, linoleum is one of the best known resilient materials. Linoleum flooring is made from linseed oil, wood fibers, and a variety of plant by-products, making it completely natural and safe for your home. It’s also hypo-allergenic, so it’s perfect for baby rooms and homes with allergy-prone kids. And because it’s hard and thick, linoleum also suits busy areas such as the kitchen.
Linoleum floors also keep their color better than other resilient materials. This is because the colors are diffused throughout the material instead of applied on top. Even in high-traffic areas, it won’t show signs of wear as fast as wood or even stone. Its only enemy is grit, which can scratch the surface and create dirt traps. This is usually avoided with regular sweeping and mopping.
Resilient flooring maintenance
Despite its durability, resilient flooring has its weaknesses just like any other floor. Some of the most common problems are stains, scratches, and gouges. Over time, they can also develop bumps and bubbles from air build-up underneath. You may also notice the edges start to curl, especially if it wasn’t installed properly.
Fortunately, these problems are easy to fix and avoid. The first and most important step is to keep them clean and dry at all times. Expect to spend at least ten minutes a day sweeping off dust and dirt from the floor. Wipe off stains as soon as possible to keep them from settling. Finally, replace damaged tiles as soon as possible—you don’t want dirt getting underneath and damaging the rest of the floor!
has its weaknesses just like any other floor. Some of the most common problems are stains, scratches, and gouges. Over time, they can also develop bumps and bubbles from air build-up underneath. You may also notice the edges start to curl, especially if it wasn’t installed properly.
Fortunately, these problems are easy to fix and avoid. The first and most important step is to keep them clean and dry at all times. Expect to spend at least ten minutes a day sweeping off dust and dirt from the floor. Wipe off stains as soon as possible to keep them from settling. Finally, replace damaged tiles as soon as possible—you don’t want dirt getting underneath and damaging the rest of the floor!
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