It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when shopping for flooring for the first time. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or engineered hardwood? Oak or maple? Wide planks or traditional widths? With so many choices, you know this is a high stakes decision that you can’t get wrong.
At Easton Flooring, we’ve learned the “best flooring” isn’t one perfect product, but what fits your home, lifestyle and priorities. For example, a home with three kids and two dogs will need different flooring from a quiet empty-nester home. In the same way, a rental property won’t have the same needs as a home where you plan to raise your family. Let’s find out how to approach this without the extra stress.
Think About How You Live
Before you start choosing floors and finishes, think about what happens in your home. Ask yourself a couple of these questions:
- How many people (and pets) walk across these floors every day?
- Do you have kids running through or is it just you and a partner?
- Does your family entertain in the kitchen or is it somewhere you pass through?
- Are you settling here long-term or is it a starter home?
In our showroom, we talk about how you live before recommending anything. That’s not marketing talk, it’s how we help you find flooring you’ll love in ten years.
Consider Pennsylvania Living
Homes in East Montgomery and Bucks County have their own sets of flooring challenges.
The biggest one would have to be the changing seasons. Bitter cold winters can make rooms feel uninviting, muddy spring weather tracks dirt through entryways and summer humidity causes wood to expand. With heating and cooling systems constantly battling seasonal extremes and Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles, moisture levels, especially in basements, can be unpredictable.
What flooring materials are best? Consider the following:
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Waterproof as long as you clean up standing water, muddy boots, spills and basement moisture are no problem for these floors. The image layer resembles hardwood and the wear layer resists scratches and scuffs while being easy to clean.
- Engineered Hardwood: Think real wood beauty that handles humidity and temperature changes. The design consists of a real wood veneer top and a layered core that resists expansion and contraction. Get the authentic wood grain and warmth without the worry.
- Solid Hardwood: This beautiful material is perfect for climate-controlled living areas and bedrooms. Oak and maple are the most popular species that can add real value to your home with proper care. Just keep it out of basements and moisture-prone areas.
- Porcelain Tile: Stunning, tough and waterproof, this tile is best for mudrooms, bathrooms and kitchens where moisture and dirt are constant. Remember to properly seal and clean grout lines to avoid trapping anything.
Trying to find the right flooring for your home? Visit our Willow Grove showroom or book an in-home consultation. We’ll show up with samples based on your preferences and recommend flooring materials that make sense for you.
Matching Floors to Your Lifestyle
When it comes to flooring, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. However, if you consider your lifestyle, you can narrow down the playing field. Here’s what we recommend:
Active Family Homes
Kids, dogs, spills, constant foot traffic, all of these are a recipe for disaster for the wrong flooring material. You need floors that can take a beating without showing signs of wear. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) can be a lifesaver. It looks like hardwood, has a dense wear layer and a waterproof core that stands up to splashes and spills. Engineered hardwood in a species like oak can also work, especially those with textured finishes that can camouflage minor scratches. Tile works best in entryways and mudrooms.
Quieter Homes
Empty nesters and retirees don’t have to worry as much about damaging their floors. That means looks and quality come first, especially if this is your forever home. Solid hardwood adds style and value to any home. Plus, you can refinish it enough times to last a century. Premium engineered hardwood in wide planks is contemporary and high-end. This is when you get the luxury of choosing what you love, not just what survives.
Comfort-Focused Spaces
Bedrooms and living rooms need flooring that’s warm underfoot, especially during those dreaded Pennsylvania winters. Modern stain-resistant options are available and believe us, they work better than the carpet your parents had. Homeowners love to mix hard surfaces with carpet throughout their homes.
Find Flooring That Works for Your Home
Right flooring for you comes down to your lifestyle, priorities and budget. At Easton Flooring, we ask the right questions to help you find it. For over two decades, we’ve been finding out what works in East Montgomery and Bucks County. Trust us to help you make the right choice for your home.
Ready to discuss your project? Visit our Willow Grove showroom or contact us to book an in-home consultation today!
