Sometimes, you want to refresh your home’s look without making extensive changes. Updating your flooring can make a big difference, and you don’t always have to fully rip out the old one to do it. Many options can give your space a new feel while working with the existing floors. In this article, you’ll discover the top 7 flooring options that can enhance your home’s style and functionality without the hassle of a full replacement.
See also: 7 stunning marble inlay flooring designs
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or plank
- LVT and LVP come in many styles that look like real hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile, giving you the look you want without the high cost or upkeep.
- These floors can handle a lot of foot traffic and resist scratches, dents, and stains, making them great for busy areas like kitchens and hallways.
- They’re perfect for places prone to spills and moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, thanks to their water-resistant properties.
- Unlike hard materials like stone, LVT and LVP feel softer underfoot, which helps reduce foot fatigue.
- They cost less than natural materials, making them a budget-friendly choice.
How to install?
- You can often lay LVT or LVP over your old floor, saving time and money.
- Ensure your current floor is mostly level to avoid problems with the new flooring.
- Installation Methods:
Stick the tiles or planks to the floor with adhesive.
Snap the edges together without glue for a faster setup. Some options don’t need glue or clicking, making them easy to replace.
Source: Pinterest
Carpet tiles
- Carpet tiles are simple to install compared to traditional carpets. Most people can lay them down themselves, saving on installation costs and time.
- If a tile gets damaged or stained, you can replace just that tile without needing to redo the whole floor. This is handy for high-traffic areas or homes with pets.
- Cleaning carpet tiles is straightforward. If there’s a spill or stain, you can clean or replace the affected tile easily.
- Carpet tiles come in many colours, patterns, and textures, allowing you to design unique looks or even include logos for commercial spaces.
How to install?
- Make sure your existing floor is clean, dry, and even. This helps the tiles stick properly.
- Decide on the design and layout before you start placing the tiles.
- Most carpet tiles have an adhesive backing, so you just stick them to the floor. Some may need extra adhesive or tape for a more secure fit.
- If necessary, cut the tiles to fit the room’s size and shape.
Source: Pinterest
Paint
- Painting your floor is much cheaper than replacing it entirely.
- You can pick from a wide range of colors and finishes to create a personalised look.
- Modern floor paints are made to be durable and resist everyday wear and tear.
How to paint your floor
Choose the right paint
- For concrete: Use paint made specifically for concrete floors. It’s designed to handle heavy foot traffic and resist stains.
- For tile: You can use floor paint or tile paint, but make sure it’s compatible with your tile type (like ceramic or porcelain) and sticks well.
Prepare the surface
- Get rid of dirt, grease, and wax from the floor.
- Fix any cracks or holes with a concrete repair product.
- Apply a primer that’s suitable for your floor type to help the paint stick better.
Apply the paint
- Roll paint on large areas for efficiency.
- Use a brush for painting around edges and corners.
- Put on at least two coats of paint for even coverage.
- Let the paint dry completely before walking on it or putting furniture back. Follow the instructions on the paint can for best results.
Source: Pinterest
Stenciling
- Pick from tons of designs and colours to make your floor reflect your personal taste in stenciling option
- Stenciling can cover up small imperfections in your current floor.
- Get the appearance of high-end tile or carpet without the hefty price tag.
How to stencil your floor
- Choose a stencil that fits the look and size of your room.
- Clean the floor thoroughly, and make sure it’s dry and free of debris. You might need to use a primer for better paint adhesion.
- Use painter’s tape to keep the stencil in place and avoid paint bleeding.
- Use a stencil brush or foam roller to carefully paint inside the stencil. Avoid too much paint to prevent it from spreading under the stencil.
- Carefully move and align the stencil to continue the pattern seamlessly.
- After the paint dries, apply a sealant to protect your design and make it last longer.
Source: Pinterest
Bamboo flooring
- Bamboo grows quickly, making it a more sustainable option compared to traditional hardwoods.
- Bamboo is tough and can handle heavy foot traffic. It’s also resistant to scratches and dents.
- Bamboo flooring gives a warm, natural look that fits well with different interior styles. It has a unique charm that can resemble hardwood.
- Bamboo naturally resists allergens, making it a good option for those with allergies.
How to install bamboo flooring?
Like other types of flooring, bamboo needs a flat subfloor for proper installation. Uneven areas could affect how the floor looks and lasts.
Different installation methods
Nail-Down: Planks are nailed to the subfloor.
Glue-Down: Planks are glued directly onto the subfloor.
Floating: Planks lock together without the need for nails or glue.
Consider Underlayment: Sometimes, adding an underlayment is helpful for extra cushioning, soundproofing, and moisture protection.
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FAQs
Consider levelness, underlayment needs, room size and use, and maintenance requirements.
Saves time and money compared to removal, and offers a refresh without a full replacement.
If the existing floor is severely damaged, uneven, or has moisture problems, replacement may be necessary.
A level floor is crucial for a good installation and to prevent problems like uneven flooring or gaps between planks/tiles.
Follow the specific maintenance recommendations for the chosen flooring type, and address any moisture issues promptly to prevent damage to both the new and existing flooring. What factors should I consider when choosing a flooring option to install over existing flooring?
What are some of the benefits of installing a new floor over existing flooring?
Are there any situations where I shouldn't install a new floor over existing flooring?
How important is it to ensure a level floor before installing new flooring?
What are some tips for maintaining a floor installed over existing flooring?
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