Admin

New Construction Terms Part 6: Types of Flooring in a New Home

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Bluegrass Homes & Farms Realty, Agent Know How

New Construction Terms Part 6: Types of Flooring in a New Home

You are having a new home built in Louisville, Kentucky or the surrounding area. What type of flooring should you choose? We will provide you with updated information and trends to help you decide the floor that will look best in different rooms of your home.  

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring in a new construction home

One of the most popular choices for flooring in new homes is hardwood flooring.  Hardwood comes in many types of wood and many different shades. Trending in Louisville right now, many people are opting for dark wood, even ebony colored. The downside to this type of flooring is it is easily susceptible to water damage and is the most difficult to maintain. You may want to think twice before putting hardwood in kitchens or bath areas for this reason. Some builders use reclaimed hardwood from older buildings in an effort to go green and it creates an interesting look.

 

Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring in a new homeLaminate flooring can look a lot like hardwood flooring, but it can also be made to look like other materials such as stone. It is easy to take care of and much more affordable than hardwood or stone; however, it doesn't look as fancy. Although it too could be damaged by water, it is much less susceptible than hardwood flooring.

 

 

 

 

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring - image courtesy of floorproducer.comBamboo flooring is an alternative to hardwood that can be more or less expensive but high maintenance. It is easily scratched and water damaged, but can last a long time if taken care of properly. Bamboo flooring is becoming more trendy in Louisville.

 

 

 

 

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring in a new homeCork flooring is a fairly new option for homes and is soft to stand and walk on. However it is not recommended for high traffic areas. If you have heavy furniture to put on this type of flooring be sure you won't want to move it any time soon because it will leave a mark on this type of flooring.

 

 

 

 

Stone Flooring

Stone (marble) flooring - image courtesy of timeamao, Wikimedia CommonsStone flooring includes Marble, Granite, Slate, Travertine, and any other kind of stone that flooring can be made of. Stone is a superior product for floors as it is easy to clean, scratch resistant, and beautiful. However, it is also the most expensive option for your new home. Many people opt to put stone flooring in an entry foyer because it provides a dramatic first impression without breaking the bank. Another downside is if someone should slip and fall, stone flooring is the hardest material.

 

 

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring in a new homeAn extremely popular option in kitchens and bathrooms is tile flooring. This comes in ceramic and porcelain. Tiles are easy to break and chip, and the grout used between the tiles can get dirty quickly if not maintained on an almost daily basis. However, maintaining tile flooring is easy as you just sweep and mop. The great thing about tiles is you can arrange them in endless ways to create different looks and patterns.  

Another trendy use for tile besides flooring is to create a tile backsplash in the kitchen. The patterns and colors that can be used for tile backsplashes as well as flooring is endless. 

 

Concrete Flooring

Acid-stained concrete flooring in a new homeIt is amazing what contractors can do with concrete flooring these days. It can be glazed, or stamped to make it look like any type of flooring you want, even wood! But it is very durable and lasts for a long time. This image makes concrete flooring look like tile flooring. Many people opt to put concrete flooring in basements. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Carpeting

Berber carpeting in a new home

Carpet flooring has been around for a long time, but still remains popular for the comfort and color options it provides. There are four types of carpet: 1) Cut and pile, which is the best selling kind and the most luxurious option; 2) Cut and loop, which hides footprints well;  3) Level loop, (for example, Berber carpeting) which works well for high traffic areas; and 4) Multi-level loop, which gives the appearance of different heights. A drawback to carpeting is it must be vacuumed frequently. 

 

 

 

Glass Flooring

Glass flooring in a new home - image courtesy of SIMGO200, Wikimedia CommonsGlass flooring is used mainly for accenting and stair steps but is beautiful and different. It could be used to let light pass through the floor to the one below it.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you need help in choosing flooring options when building a new home? Considering having a licensed REALTOR® to represent you who knows the business. Contact Brenda Doll at 502-639-9303 to get started today! 

 

Did you miss the rest of the New Construction Terms series? No worries, we have the links for you here:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3366837/new-construction-terms-part-1-types-of-windows-in-a-home

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3386165/new-construction-terms-part-2-types-of-ceilings-in-a-home

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3418132/new-construction-terms-part-3-types-of-doors-in-a-home

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3459888/new-construction-terms-part-4-types-of-lighting-in-a-new-home

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3474042/new-construction-terms-part-5-types-of-hvac-in-a-new-home

Show All Comments Sort:
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Lynda-That's a good snapshot on flooring options. I was not aware of the glass. Thanks.

Dec 03, 2012 02:23 AM
Lynda White
Bluegrass Homes & Farms Realty, Agent Know How - Louisville, KY
Admin. Mgr., Keller Williams Realty

I wasn't aware of glass as a flooring option either, Wayne, until I researched it! I'm so glad I started this series because I am learning a lot about homes, which I will absolutely need when I become an agent.

Dec 03, 2012 02:33 AM
Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Hi Lynda,

That's a lot of options for the buyer to go through.

At leats the buyers do have options. :-)

Have a great eveining in Louisville.

Best, Clint McKie

Dec 03, 2012 10:15 AM
Michelle Gibson
Hansen Real Estate Group Inc. - Wellington, FL
REALTOR

Lynda - What a great list of the different types of flooring out there. I absolutely love hardwood floors, which aren't too common down here because of the humidity. 

Dec 03, 2012 10:48 AM
Lynda White
Bluegrass Homes & Farms Realty, Agent Know How - Louisville, KY
Admin. Mgr., Keller Williams Realty

Thanks Clint, it seems like everything we do has tons of options, doesn't it? 

Michelle, I love them too, with a pretty area rug on top, but not so big that it would hide the floor's beauty.

Dec 03, 2012 08:52 PM
Liz Hill
YOUR CHOICE REALTY CORP BROKERAGE - Barrie, ON

Lynda thanks for displaying the pictures and descriptions so well. I will bookmark to share with my community.

Dec 05, 2012 03:59 AM
Lynda White
Bluegrass Homes & Farms Realty, Agent Know How - Louisville, KY
Admin. Mgr., Keller Williams Realty

Awesome Liz, thanks! :)

Dec 05, 2012 04:04 AM