Choosing flooring for your condo building is much more complicated than finding a great looking product! From moisture to durability and cost, many other factors influence your flooring purchase.
Ask yourself the following four questions when making a flooring decision for your condo building:
Where Will the Flooring be Installed?
Consider the moisture level in the area you’re installing the flooring.
A lobby space will experience a lot more moisture from outside weather conditions such as snow, rain and mud. Corridors, on the other hand, see an entirely different moisture level since residents’ feet will be primarily dry.
Some flooring options – including concrete, ceramic and vinyl tile – are better suited for a high or medium moisture level.
How flooring is installed plays a large part in how long the product will last. Be sure to choose a reputable installer to have your flooring investment last as long as possible!
What Will the Foot Traffic Be?
Do you allow pets in your building? Are there many residents with children?
Flooring types such as ceramic or porcelain tile, laminate flooring and plank vinyl flooring have a superior wear resistant.
If you’re considering carpet, choose a structured-back carpet that can better handle spills and debris.
Be sure to do your research. Some flooring that appears wear-resistant actually is not.
What is the Square Footage Budget?
Similar to any other building improvement project, the budget your Board of Directors has will play a large role in the type of flooring product chosen.
The most economically priced flooring product is laminate. Although ceramic and porcelain tile is another economical option, they require a more labour-intensive installation.
For a mid-range price point, you can obtain a domestic solid hardwood, engineered wood flooring or a more attractive laminate. A higher budget will get you the best in quality flooring; options include premium laminate and luxury vinyl.
What Type of Maintenance is Required?
Why invest in new flooring if you have to replace it only a couple of years later?
Vinyl flooring requires the least amount of maintenance with laminate being a close second. Although solid or engineered wood requires a higher level of maintenance, it’s time well spent when admiring the results produced.
Ceramic tile, stone and cement floors are more difficult to maintain. Although auto scrubbers are most effective at cleaning hard-surface flooring, they can be expensive. Plus, their large sizes can present storage issues.
The right flooring choice and proper maintenance will result in years of major savings and long-lasting service. For assistance with choosing a suitable flooring product for your condo building’s needs, contact the knowledgeable team at Folio Interior Design Group today for more information.
By Sarah McKenzie
