The quick answer is YES! Using the same flooring throughout ties rooms together, improves flow, makes the home seem larger, simplifies cleaning and maintenance, and is often easier on the budget. If you feel you must use different flooring, limit it to two or three types.
We often work with homeowners who feel the urge to pick a different flooring for every room of their home, but there is absolutely no need to do this. Your home will look best if you create one consistent look that travels from room to room. Avoid contrast.
Using the same flooring in every room of the home creates a look with clean lines. However, there's no rule that says you can't use different flooring. The only real problem with two different floorings is if you use two that are almost, but not quite the same. It will have a jarring effect.
In terms of practicality, vinyl is the best option. It's built to withstand a high level of wear and tear and any spills can quickly be wiped up without the worry of water damage. Waterproof laminate – If you want something a little more luxurious, waterproof laminate flooring is a great choice.
While some people think that they should match the floors throughout their homes for a sense of uniformity and space, it is unnecessary to do this. At Classic Floor Designs, we recommend that you consider mixing different types of wood on the floors throughout your house for a stunning result.
Can you mix two different hardwood floors side by side? Yes, you can mix two different wood floors side by side. However, whenever homeowners have two different hardwood floors adjoining each other, they often try to match the colors for continuity in visual aesthetics.
There's nothing wrong with using the same flooring throughout your home. There's nothing wrong with using different floorings. But what you don't want to do is use two that are almost the same, but not quite.
When it comes down to finding the best flooring to increase home value, it all boils down to your market. Hardwood will likely give you the highest return, but laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring also offer plenty of perks to buyers.
In high-traffic areas it can show wear and tear, and laminate can't be sanded or refinished for an updated appearance. Because of its lower price point, laminate also won't do much for your home's resale value.
Even though it's not true hardwood, buyers will still appreciate the aesthetics and feel of these durable floors. This is what buyers really care about at the end of the day. So yes, installing new vinyl flooring in your home will raise your property value.
New flooring can add a ton of perceived value, encourage higher offers, and even make a home sell faster, but it may not add dollars to your appraisal. Buyers may like the updated flooring and offer more as a result, but don't expect a higher appraised value.
“Hardwood flooring is stylish and sustainable, comes in a variety of natural colors, and doesn't absorb dust or debris, making it easy to clean and maintain,” he says. Murphy says it is also a good choice for the kitchen because you rarely need to replace hardwood flooring.
The Rule of Three
The flooring “Rule of Three” states that from any point in the home, you should see three different types of flooring, or less.
Put simply, the answer to the question do wood floors have to match room to room, is entirely one of personal choice. You can choose to have different flooring in each room if that works for you, but synergy and flow from selecting one central flooring material can look wonderful too.
When it comes to floors and cabinetry in a kitchen, you might think you have to find materials that are an exact match. However, as interior design experts recommend, the idea is to mix complementing materials, not match them.
Transitioning to a Different Laminate Floor
You simply change the boards in the middle of the doorway and continue the installation in the other room with the new flooring. The transition line looks best when it's under the closed door or lined up with the front edge.
It'll be impossible to match the color, but consider a tone that is similar but a shade or two lighter or darker. A tile border or inset that is closer to the wood tone will help coordinate the flooring. And choose area rugs with tones similar to the kitchen tile for the living and dining spaces.
Solid wood expands and contracts as moisture and temperature level change. Contrary to solid wood - engineered hardwood flooring is perfect for the kitchen, as it is much more durable and able to resist fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Sweep or vacuum the floors regularly in order to keep them free of dirt and grit that can scratch the wood and wear away the finish. As a general rule, it is best to mop wood floors only occasionally and to do so with a slightly dampened mop or towel.
The good news is, engineered hardwood floors are created with durability in mind. Plus, with a resistance to changes in humidity, they're less likely to warp or buckle in a room where water is just a part of life, making the LIFECORE Hardwood Collection a great choice for the kitchen.
Unless the amount of clutter begins to affect the structural condition of a home, it will not affect an appraisal. The cleanliness of a home also has no impact on the value. It is not uncommon for an appraiser to walk into a cluttered, messy home.
"Having brand new, fresh carpet increases the value of the home because it is the main focal point of the room (along with the paint) that buyers see when they tour a property," explains Samuel.
Appraisals can come in low for a variety of reasons. Many factors are at play including market conditions, the appraiser doing the work, the subject property being appraised and the comps. Sometimes the appraisal is not even low; misplaced expectations were merely set too high.
The disadvantages of vinyl floors
Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Shorter lifespan than wood floors. No impact, or negative impact, on home resale value. Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation.
Vinyl stands up the best against excess moisture and spills, and it can be less expensive than laminate. However, laminate gives a more realistic wood look to enhance the design aesthetic in your home.