How to Choose the Right Flooring

How to Choose the Right Flooring

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your new or existing home, you'll find just what you need at Banter Floors & More of Cedar Lake.The 38,000-square foot showroom offers examples of everything from carpeting to specialty flooring. And, as the company's name indicates, Banter offers much more including cabinetry and countertops and kitchen and bathroom fixtures."Flooring decisions should be based on a number of things," says Mike Shore, operations manager of the company owned by Paul Banter.Your lifestyle is important in choosing flooring. "Do you want to go green? Is your home a showplace or do you live in it?" Shore says.

The traffic patterns also make a difference. Do you have small children and/or pets? Are there multiple ways to walk in various rooms or one basic pathway?Also consider your expectations of the product you're purchasing, he says. If you want the carpeting to last for decades, you'll want to look at carpets designed for durability."Identifying the style that is appropriate for your home, color and durability are all important," he says.Save money on indoor outdoor carpeting.Are you eco-conscious? Then perhaps sustainable products, such as bamboo flooring, are products to consider, Shore says.

Having a budget in mind before you shop for flooring is another important consideration. Always ask about installation fees in addition to the price per square yard or other measurement, he says. High-end products can cost two to three times more and a portion of those costs can be the labor of installing the flooring.Today's flooring tends to be easier to maintain than earlier products, Shore says. Most household cleaners work well.The flooring choices are extensive today, he says. You can select carpet of all grades and materials, carpet squares, hardwood, laminate, tile, stone, rubber, luxury vinyl and more.