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If you're getting tired of your well-worn carpeting and you'd like a change of pace, a world of flooring options lies just at your doorstep. From hardwood to tile to stone, you can select the flooring that best suits your taste for fine decor. And if you're about to sell your home, it just may prove an added value that could put more cash in your pocket.

It wasn't too long ago when linoleum sheeting was popular in kitchens. In recent years, however, ceramic tiling has become all the rage due to its durability, longevity, resistance to moisture, and ease of cleaning. Many new homes today boast ceramic tile kitchens and entryways.

Wood floors have always been very popular, giving the home's interior an elegant, stately look. As opposed to carpeting, wood floors don't wear out. They may become slightly scratched or dulled in high-traffic areas over the years, but unlike carpeting, they never require regular shampooing or vacuuming. Often times homeowners will purchase decorative rugs to enhance the decor, for example a large oval-shaped rug placed underneath the dining room table. Decorative rugs can also hide defects in the wood floor such as scratches, dents, and discolorations.

The term "wood" actually encompasses several different types of flooring material. The most expensive is solid wood flooring which is popular in luxury homes and older residences. Depending on the finish, solid wood floors may need an occasional waxing to keep them clean and attractive. However, if you prefer the look and feel of a wood floor and you have pets and/or children, you might want to consider the other option: laminate flooring.

Laminate wood flooring is commonly used in newer homes and is generally made of a blend of natural and synthetic materials. While the wood floor purists in our midst would cringe, laminate is popular due to its durability, wear, and ability to resist stains and moisture. Almost glassy in appearance, laminate wood flooring is very easy to install (just click pieces together) and needs no glue or nails.

In addition to solid wood and laminate flooring is a third option that truly goes hand in hand with today's growing focus on environmental awareness and sustainability. Bamboo is not derived from trees, but rather is a tall, stiff plant that is so fast-growing that it needs annual trimming if grown in a smaller area such as a residential yard. This valuable resource can be grown in most places across the United States, giving it much potential to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions through local production and distribution. Bamboo flooring is coated with a laminate that makes it not only attractive, but also highly durable and moisture-resistant. It is truly eco-flooring at its finest.

Wood flooring is attractive and easy to care for, but you probably won't want it for your entire home. For example, you may want a ceramic tile or marble entryway for easy cleanup of dirt and mud stains. If you have a sunporch attached to your home, you may want to use stone flooring.

Keep in mind also that health considerations play an important role in your flooring selection. Carpeting is popular due to its plush, soft feel on one's feet; yet it can harbor dust, fungi, bacteria, pollen spores, dust mites, even fleas if you have pets. This makes carpeting a poor choice for those with allergies or compromised immune systems.

If you feel your home needs a new look, changing your flooring is a great place to start. You'll be amazed at the results!

Learn more about this author, Daniel J. Gansle.
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