What You Need to Know Before Buying Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right flooring for your home is a significant decision that can impact your living space for years to come. With so many options available, it's essential to be well- informed before making your purchase. Here's what you need to know before buying flooring to ensure you make the best choice for your home.

1. Understand Your Lifestyle Needs

The first step in selecting the right flooring is understanding your lifestyle needs. Consider the following questions:

• Do you have pets or children? - How much foot traffic does the area receive?
• Are you looking for something low-maintenance?
• What other rooms are connected to the room you want new flooring in?

For high-traffic areas, durable options like tile, hardwood, or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) may be best. For bedrooms and living rooms, you might prefer the comfort of carpet. Pets can be a large factor in the type of carpet or hardwood you choose. Many brands make pet friendly flooring like Karastan’s SmartStrand. This flooring is made to be stain resistant and easy to clean accidents. Kids or how many other members are living in the home are also something to consider.

2. Consider the Room’s Function

Different rooms have different flooring requirements. For instance:

• Kitchens and Bathrooms: These areas are prone to moisture, so water-resistant options like tile, vinyl, or engineered hardwood are ideal.
• Living Rooms and Bedrooms: These spaces benefit from the warmth and comfort of carpet or the classic appeal of hardwood.
• Basements: Basements can be damp, making materials like vinyl, tile, or concrete preferable.

The functionality of how your flooring performs should make sense for the space.There are products available for each room type. Make sure your choice is a good fit for the room. A good flooring store will have a knowledgeable staff that can guide you through this process.

3. Room Size

Know your measurements needed for your room. If you feel confident in measuring what you need it is possible to do so on your own. It’s good to know the approximate size of the room. Even if you feel sure about your measurements we recommend using a professional to verify the measurements in your home. Having a professional measure for a flooring installation is a wise decision. Professionals have the expertise and experience to take accurate measurements, accounting for every nook, cranny, and irregularity in the room. They understand the intricacies involved, such as accounting for expansion gaps, transitions, pattern repeats, and the direction of the flooring, which are crucial for a flawless fit. A professional can also provide valuable advice on the amount of material needed, helping to avoid the pitfalls of over or under-ordering. By using a professional flooring salesperson, you eliminate guesswork and reduce the risk of errors that can lead to additional costs and delays. Ultimately, professional measurement sets the foundation for a smooth installation process and a beautifully finished floor.

4. Evaluate Maintenance Requirements

Some flooring types require more maintenance than others. Hardwood floors, for example, may need a refinishing at some point, while carpets require regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning. Consider the care that is necessary to maintain your floors. Make sure you know the recommended products to clean and well as what not to use on the floors you are considering. Some carpets may not be compatible with self-adjusting vacuums. Check for details on the best way to prolong the life of your floors. Low maintenance flooring that has a durable quality is preferred by most but maybe your situation is different. Spare bedrooms or rooms that are not used as much don’t need high durability flooring.

5. How Long are you Planning to Be in the Home?

When choosing new flooring, it's important to consider how long you plan to stay in your current home. This factor plays a significant role in determining how much you should invest. Is this your forever home or a home you plan to one day move out of. This goes without being said but you will constantly use the floors of your home. It’s one of the things you use the most in a home. If you intend to live in your home for many years, investing in high-quality, durable flooring is a good decision. On the other hand, if you plan to move at some point, you might opt for more cost-effective options like laminate or mid-range carpet that still provide a fresh and attractive look without a hefty price tag. By aligning your flooring investment with your expected duration in the home, you ensure that your choice meets both your immediate needs and long-term plans.

6. Think About Aesthetics

Your flooring choice should complement your home’s overall design and aesthetic. Consider:

• Color: Lighter colors can make a room feel larger and more open, while darker colors add warmth and coziness.
• Texture: Smooth finishes offer a sleek look, while textured surfaces can add character and hide imperfections.
• Pattern: Patterned tiles or wood grains can add visual interest to your space.

Coordinating the color of your space is important. Everyone wants their new floors to not only perform well but also look beautiful too. Some stores include interior designers in the sales team. Speaking with an experienced professional salesperson can tremendously help guide you in the right direction. At Bockrath Flooring and Rugs we provide 2 professional interior designers on our staff that are willing to help make any project look stunning.

7. Installation Process

Ensuring your floors are correctly installed is crucial for both the longevity and appearance of your investment. Hiring a trained professional installer guarantees that every step of the installation process is handled with precision and expertise. Professional installers have the experience and knowledge to deal with various types of flooring materials, ensuring they are laid correctly to prevent issues such as uneven surfaces, gaps, or premature wear. They also have access to specialized tools and techniques that can enhance the final look and durability of your floors. By entrusting your flooring installation to a skilled professional, you can have peace of mind knowing that your floors will look beautiful and perform exceptionally for years to come. Most flooring stores have set crews they work with consistently. These professionals know the product and the staff which helps the job get even more efficiently. Ask the store you are shopping from if they have professional craftsmen they work with to install their floors.

Make sure you are aware of your responsibilities for installation in your home. Do you need to move anything? Toilet plumbing, pool table, piano? Some stores do not coordinate companies to do these things. At Bockrath Flooring and Rugs for the convenience of our customers we coordinate all of these services but other stores may not.

8. Warranty and Return Policy

Before making your final decision, review the warranty and return policy for the flooring you’re considering. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment. Understanding the warranty and return policy of the flooring you're shopping for is essential to protect your investment. A comprehensive warranty can provide coverage against defects in materials and workmanship, giving you confidence in the product's quality and durability. It's important to read the terms carefully, noting the duration of the warranty and what specific issues are covered. Look beyond product warranties and see what your store has to offer. Knowing the return policy is crucial in case there are any unforeseen issues after purchase. Do you receive anything from buying at that store? Any special offers? For example at Bockrath Flooring and Rugs we offer a lifetime installation guarantee. Bockrath will warrant the installation for the full extent of the manufacturer's warranty, including lifetime guarantees along with if there are any installation issues to ensure your floors are installed to perfection. By being informed about these policies, you can make a more confident and secure decision, ensuring that your flooring purchase is a satisfying and worry-free experience.

9. Get Samples and Pictures

Always take a picture of the room you are looking to get flooring in for reference. Having a picture of the space can help you and a professional sales representative see what you are working with and provide you with the best options. Request samples and see how they look in your home’s lighting and décor. This hands-on approach can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you’re happy with your choice.

Flooring visualizers are becoming very popular as a great way to view what new floors will look like. A digital flooring visualizer is a powerful tool that revolutionizes the way you shop for flooring. This innovative technology allows you to see how different flooring options will look in your own home before making a purchase. By uploading a photo of your room or using a sample room, you can experiment with various styles, colors, and materials to find the perfect match for your space. This interactive experience helps you visualize the final result. The digital flooring visualizer takes the guesswork out of flooring selection, saving you time and reducing the risk of choosing a product that doesn't compliment your home's décor. Most flooring websites have this feature but some stores have an in person kiosk available for use. If you have questions about using the visualizer don’t be afraid to ask a staff member.Embrace this cutting-edge tool to transform your flooring shopping experience and bring your design vision to life with ease.