Home flooring products have come a long way over the years. Newer materials such as bamboo, and a large array of carpet, tile, and hardwood, give home buyers the flexibility to include flooring materials into the overall design of a property. This article contains a few different flooring options for McHenry County homes, or homes in the greater Chicago area.
Carpet is a traditional flooring option that continues to be used. There are many textiles, patterns, and grades to choose from. It is fitting for bedrooms and living spaces. Unlike other types of flooring, carpet offers plenty of comfort beneath the feet. Additionally, it is good for cooler regions since it acts as a add thermal (not to mention a sound) insulator. This flooring material is helpful during the cold winter months in Chicago. However, carpet is fairly difficult to lay and maintain, and is much less stain, mildew and insect resistant. It does not carry as much value as hardwood floors do.
Hardwood has always been a popular flooring option. It offers a richer finish to any space, is easy to clean, is pretty durable, and adds value to homes. There is also a pre engineered hardwood flooring option that is more popular right now. It is slightly thinner than the full ¾” thick hardwood, it does not shrink or expand as much leaving gaps in your floor. McHenry County homes go through a lot of change with extreme temperatures year round, so be careful when using full ¾” thick hardwood. On the other hand, hardwood is more difficult to install or touch up, may wear more easily and is not a great heat or sound insulator.
Laminate is a material that has gained more use recently in both McHenry County homes and in the surrounding suburbs. It is simple to install, scratch and dent free, and easy to keep clean. It is also extraordinarily strong. It’s an ideal floor for pets and small children. It is not as costly and therefore more economical than hardwood. However, it is thinner than hardwood and most do not offer the luxurious look of real hardwood, nor does it last as long. Also, if you plan on selling a home, laminate is a good option to use and there are nice modern and updated options available.
Looking for more different flooring options for McHenry County homes? Tile is very popular and is often used in kitchens and baths. It is really durable, easy to clean, and there are some really nice different styles and variations you can choose from. However, comparable to hardwood and laminate, it is more complex to lay, does not provide any insulation for sound or heat, and may feel hard and chilly on the feet. This is great for the warm summertime but a bit cold on the toes during winter months.
With so many home flooring options available, it is helpful to be aware of the pros and cons of each one. You should also keep things such as expense, temperatures, and usage of the space in mind. In our area, McHenry County, homes can see so much variation in temperature and humidity throughout the year, so keep that in mind! Some areas within a home will warrant specific flooring materials. Consult a flooring professional before making any major decisions!
Questions or feedback? Contact Pat Kalamatas at 103 Realty via phone at (312) 880-7862 or email patrick@103realty.com