Flooring plays an important role in your home. It’s the first thing you feel underfoot in the morning and the first thing you see when you enter your front door, so it needs to work with how your house will be lived in. Whether you’re considering hardwood, carpets, or matching wall and floor tiles, here are eight tips to help you make the best decision!

1. Focus on high-traffic areas

Certain parts of your home, such as stairs, entrances, and hallways, experience heavy foot traffic. We recommend choosing durable flooring options like hardwood, high-quality carpet (e.g., twist pile), or laminate for these areas. Durable materials require less need for repairs and replacements, meaning you can enjoy your flooring for longer and save money!

2. Consider carpets!

Hate cold winters? Opt for this warm and comfortable flooring choice for bedrooms, as it retains heat better than alternatives like hardwood. We’d recommend a carpet with a deep pile if you’re looking for added luxury!

3. Determine the desired look and maintenance

Once you’ve decided on the style and budget for your home, choosing flooring should be easy! But don’t forget to consider how flooring options will maintain their appearance as some materials may be more prone to staining, scuffing, or dirt accumulation. Muddy paws and a cream carpet may not be the perfect combination!

4. Consider installation and replacement costs

Always dreamed of having stone flooring in your kitchen or hardwood in your living room? These options can both look and feel incredible, so it’s worth considering the complexities and costs of installation, as they can be more challenging to fit than carpet, laminate, or engineered wood. One to ask the experts to fit! Don’t forget to think long-term, factor in the expenses involved in removing and replacing the flooring when it naturally wears out.

5. Underlay! Underlay! Underlay!

Using a high-quality underlay is really important to prolong the life of your carpet or laminate flooring, as it helps the flooring retain its bounce and prevents excessive pressure to help reduce wear and tear. It can also provide sound insulation, prefect if you work from home to reduce the noise of footsteps upstairs!

6. Consider future needs

While certain flooring options may be ideal when you first move in, they might not be as practical as your household changes over time. A beautiful marble flooring in your kitchen may not be suitable with toddlers running around! But don’t worry… all situations are workable and totally depend on your needs!

7. Check compatibility with underfloor heating

If you plan to install underfloor heating, ensure it is compatible with your chosen flooring. For example, stone or ceramic tiles work best with underfloor heating systems. If you are opting for carpet, make sure the combined tog rating of the carpet and underlay doesn’t exceed 2.5. We’d recommend checking with your carpet/heating suppliers!

8. Evaluate ease of cleaning

This is something important to consider! Do you have eager toddlers or excitable pets? We’d recommend choosing a stain-resistant and easy-to-clean flooring option. Laminate, tiles, or wooden flooring are good, hard-wearing and low maintenance choices, but a short pile carpet can also be a great alternative!

When buying a new build property, you have the opportunity to customise your flooring choices to your personal tastes and needs, creating a home that is truly unique to you!