Who says all floors have to look alike? Check out these different types of flooring and try mixing it up a little by adding a little personality to your home.
So you want to re-do your flooring, awesome! But how do you want to do them?
What if you want to do something unique? Can you?
The great news is, you absolutely can! While most people use tile, laminate, or hardwood, that doesn’t mean you have to.
Plenty of materials can be used for flooring, and some of them are way out of the box. If you want to add personality and uniqueness to your home, floors are a great way to do that.
Whether you’re remodeling your home or just getting new floors, there’s something out there you’re going to love.
So what, exactly, can you use as flooring? Keep reading and we’ll tell you. here are five different types of flooring you can use to make your space scream “you.”
1. Cork Flooring
Cork is a great option when it comes to flooring, especially if you’re looking for something that’s easy on the feet. Naturally cushiony, cork is softer than other flooring materials but can be just as beautiful and easy to install.
If you’re picturing a floor made of wine bottle corks, that’s not what we’re talking about here. Though, you couldn’t definitely go that route if you wanted to. Cork that’s specifically made for flooring can be glued or clicked together.
If you tend to use or carry sharp objects in a certain area of your home, don’t use cork there. It can be easily damaged by sharp objects.
Though this flooring material is unique and beautiful, it may not be your cheapest option. If you’re on a budget make sure you check out your options first since prices will vary depending on the material you use.
2. Concrete Flooring
Concrete is a great flooring option if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. You won’t even have to pull out your vacuum.
Even better, concrete is an inexpensive type of flooring, so it won’t set you back as much as some other materials will.
Though concrete is easy to install and convenient in many other ways, it does have a few drawbacks you’ll need to consider, though. Because, well, it’s concrete. If you’re looking for comfy, warm floors, this definitely isn’t the material for you.
Seal your concrete floor with epoxy to reap even more benefits, including waterproofing, resisting germs and bacteria, and protection against cracks and stains.
If you’re wanting a high-end floor but don’t want to pay for it, concrete is your best friend. This type of flooring can be left to look industrial, or made up to look like a fancy imported stone.
If you’re intrigued by concrete flooring, you may want to check out a similar flooring material, liquid screed. Learn more about this material and see which option is best for you.
3. Stained Plywood Flooring
Plywood may sound like the cheapest and most basic flooring you could find, but hear us out. You won’t just be laying down a big old piece of plywood and calling it good. Instead, you’ll find a great stain to make it look fantastic.
And you don’t have to leave the plywood in sheets. Instead, cut it into planks or squares, or really any shape you want to create your own design.
If you’re in the mood for DIY, pull up your existing floor and refinish the plywood subfloor that’s already in place.
Just make sure you do your research into caring for your plywood floor. It’s different than hardwood!
4. Bamboo Flooring
Do you like hardwood flooring but don’t want yours to look like everyone else’s? While bamboo isn’t actually wood (it’s a grass) it will give you that wood-like look all the same. Plus, you’ll gain a sleeker, more elegant look, too.
Bamboo is new to the flooring material scene, but it isn’t a weak contender. You won’t be limited to one color, and bamboo is good and strong. And it won’t just withstand the wear and tear you put it through; it will look good while doing it.
You’ll need to watch out for moisture if you go with bamboo, though. Moisture will need to be cleaned up quickly. You should also note that if bamboo flooring is exposed to sunlight it may get darker over time.
Bamboo can be laid in two ways, vertically or horizontally. Either way, a laminate will be used to help install the flooring.
5. Leather Flooring
If you’re looking for something really unique, try using leather for your flooring material. Yes, you read that right.
Choose from many different colors and patterns. Or get your DIY on and make your own leather floor using leather belts. Just know that you’ll need a lot of belts for that, so plan ahead!
Leather flooring is eco-friendly since it’s made from recycled leather. Think purses and clothing that were thrown out. Pretty cool, huh?
And not only is leather flooring eco-friendly and versatile, it’s durable too!
Don’t Be Afraid to Choose Different Types of Flooring
It may feel a bit overwhelming to think of using a non-traditional material for your flooring. But there’s no need to fret! The biggest thing is making sure you know how to care for whatever material you decide to go with.
Different types of flooring will require different amounts and types of attention, but that doesn’t mean they’re hard to use. Consider the looks and styles you like, then research how you can get that look, whether through traditional materials, or something totally different.
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. Any of these five materials will make an awesome floor, but maybe you’ll come up with an even better idea on your own. Let your imagination run wild!
Would you like to learn about even more flooring options? Check out our post on 15 DIY flooring ideas.