There may be no upgrade that transforms your home more dramatically than new flooring. Whether for your own enjoyment or to prep your house for sale, a new floor can unite a space and add wall-to-wall ‘wow’ factor. But what to choose?
In Southern Oregon, wood is king. Whether using traditional or engineered wood flooring, durability, ease of maintenance, and enduring style make wood floors the top choice for homeowners in the Rogue Valley.
Traditional wood flooring has been in style as long as modern homebuilding has been around, and the look, feel, and durability of a real wood floor can’t be replicated. As for longevity, a wood floor can be sanded and refinished many times, meaning that once you install it, it stands a good chance of being the last floor you’ll ever install. It is, however, the most labor-intensive flooring option, and the nature of wood is that it responds to moisture, expanding when wet, and potentially developing gaps over decades of use.
Engineered wood flooring is another great option for those who want the look and feel of a wood floor, but some of the benefits of a more modern solution. Engineered wood flooring uses a plywood core and wood veneer top infused with resins that give it far better resistance to changes in moisture than traditional wood while retaining the great look of a real wood top. Engineered wood also implements a floating, locking panel design that makes for a quick (and therefore less expensive) install. The downside is that it is still vulnerable to moisture, and due to the thin veneer top, it can only be sanded a few times before it needs to be replaced.
And while wood is the top choice in Southern Oregon real estate, the most popular flooring in the nation is carpet. With waterproof options and bolder colors and patterns, carpet is making a comeback. And with waterproof carpet competitively priced compared to traditional types, you can install that light beige or gray you’ve been dreaming of without a worry. Speaking of colors, gray continues to outsell every other color choice, both for its versatility and its overall visual appeal.
In addition, easy-to-install carpet tiles are making a splash this year, as are bold-colored area rugs for every room of the house. Patterns in both wall-to-wall and area rugs are becoming more popular, as well.
If indeed you’re looking for easy-to-install, easy-to-clean wood-grain flooring, looking no further than laminates and tile. For the DIY-er, it’s never been easier to install a professional-looking and ultra-long-lasting floor that will be in style in this new decade and the next. Available in a variety of shades, grains and styles, wood-grain flooring continues to sell very well because of its visual appeal and ease of maintenance.
Whatever your preference, science and a variety of choices have made it easier than ever before to get a great floor that will last for decades. Go ahead, floor it. Now’s the time!