by Angela Hope

Created on: June 14, 2008   Last Updated: June 06, 2010

Married to a carpet layer for 27 years, this is one subject I feel really comfortable with. Carpet installation with underlay is not only a comfortable asthetically pleasing to the eye addition to your home but it acts as an insulation against the weather extremes. Most people think that carpet is just to keep the house warm in winter but believe me if you have wooden floors carpets will help to keep your house cool in summer too.

Carpet installation makes a house cosy but be sure you choose one that is suitable for the area you want to carpet. There is no point choosing the thick white fleece for a thoroughfare, because it won't look like it did in the shop for very long. Quality of carpet depends on your budget of course but servicability is by far more important. The most expensive carpet is not always the best one to buy. Choose a carpet that is not only in your price range but is right for the area you want to cover and will last.

Remember that it will require cleaning so perhaps pure wool carpet although beautiful may not be the best option. Carpet cleaning really needs to considered. Wool carpet smells like wet dog when you wash it so you wouild need to be able to dry it as quick as possible. Don't rule pure wool carpets out though because they really are beautiful and if looked after correctly they are a good investment. It can be a costly expense if the carpet you choose is too light coloured. Carpet cleaning can be done professionally of course or by your own vacuum carpet cleaning equipment, or the type of carpet cleaning equipment that can be hired from your local supermarket, but be aware that once you clean your carpet for the first time any scotch garding in the new carpet will be removed with the cleaning agents.

Hardwood is a beautiful option if sealed and polished correctly. It can be expensive to keep doing every few years when the sealer has worn off and the whole floor needs to be resanded and repolished but the results are stunningly beautiful, very servicble and suprisingly warm in winter and cool in summer.

Natural stone such as slate or terracotta have wonderful insulative properties. with a good heater whether it be slow combustion wood or gas/electric natural stone flooring retains heat and is not as cold as one would think it to be. Of course in summer it will actually help to keep the house cool. Both natural stone and wood are a good option for any family with an asthmatic since dust is easier to keep under control.

Vinyl flooring although probably the cheapest option of all here is one worth considering because of the variety available. Whether you choose sheet vinyl, vinyl tiles or vinyl planking there is one that will suit your colour scheme and taste. Vinyl will insulate your floors but not as well as the other options. It will brighten your home but won't last as long as the more expensive options.
Overall when choosing your flooring, there are several things to consider. Of course how it looks is important, but all options offer beautiful solutions.

Insulation is probably one of the top reasons we cover our floors, but cleaning it and how it will be done is important too. Dust factor for families with an asthmatic and last of all comes cost. Although many might think cost is the number one thing to consider it's important but don't let it be the one that guides your final choice. Choose the happy medium that covers not only your floor but your taste, your budget and your lifestyle.

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