The right flooring can set the tone for the entire atmosphere of your home. It’s one of the first things you and your guests notice when crossing the threshold. Here in North Idaho, we have a wide range of climate and, equally, a wide range of lifestyles and activities that most often result in bringing the outside in. This is especially true if you have kids or pets! Therefore, flooring choices in our area warrant careful consideration. While everyone is familiar with the common options, such as wood, tile, laminate, and carpet; it gets complicated quickly when juggling bids, timelines, and disruptions during a remodel. We created this reference guide to help you quickly understand the differences and benefits of each major flooring option and help you make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and our area.
Understanding Northern Idaho's Climate
Our climate in North Idaho varies throughout the year. We experience cold winters and hot summers. Our region gets plenty of precipitation and cloudy days through much of the year. In fact, most people new to our area are surprised to find out they are living in an Inland Temperate Rain Forest. Our hobbies center around outside activities which often bring the outside in (especially if you have kids, and even more so with pets!), which calls for flooring choices that can withstand fluctuating temperatures, moisture, and pets. Here are pros and cons of each major flooring choice:
Wood Flooring
Solid wood flooring, such as oak, is a timeless choice found in many of our older homes throughout Sandpoint and the region. It is durable, warm, and has natural beauty. While wood can be more susceptible to water damage, proper sealing and regular maintenance can mitigate this risk.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is an excellent option for mud rooms and bathrooms in our area because of its water resistance and durability.
Tiles come in a wide range of size, color, and designs. Furthermore, tile can be laid in a wide range of styles to suit individual preferences. As with wood, grout lines require sealing and regular maintenance to prevent discoloration and water damage.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has come a long way over the years. Laminate has many styles mimicking hardwood flooring and is much more affordable. Its durability is excellent making it an ideal choice for many of the homeowners in our area.
Laminate is much less susceptible to moisture than hardwood, however, it is not impervious and is important to clean up spills to prevent water damage. Laminate flooring may look simple to install, but improper installation can cause bubbles in the flooring because it is not glued to the subfloor. Avoid these mistakes.
Carpet Flooring
Carpet adds comfort and warmth to any room, making it an inviting choice, especially for bedrooms. However, it may not be the most practical choice for high-traffic areas, homes with pets, fireplaces, or in rural areas of North Idaho (i.e., mud season anyone!) as it can be challenging to clean and maintain.
Selecting the Perfect Flooring for North Idaho Homes
Consider the following factors when selecting the perfect flooring for your North Idaho home:
- Climate and Humidity: Choose flooring that can withstand both the cold winters and the occasional moisture that comes with the thawing season.
- Lifestyle: If you have pets or young children, consider flooring that is easy to clean and maintain.
- Aesthetics: Think about the overall style and design you want to achieve in your home. Each type of flooring can contribute differently to the ambiance of a room.
- Budget: Evaluate the initial cost and long-term maintenance requirements of each flooring type to ensure it aligns with your budget.
Ultimately, finding the perfect flooring for your home involves striking a balance between functionality, durability, aesthetics, and budget. While there are many options out there, we here at Ponder Construction have been specializing in Laminate, Vinyl, and Hardwood flooring. We are your local flooring specialists and pride ourselves on values of honesty, integrity, dependability, and friendliness. Our work is high quality, completed in a timely manner, and we give you a personal touch. Please contact us for your free quote today.