Choosing a floor can be a difficult decision. What style? What colour? What texture? And that’s just the aesthetics! Style aside, you need to consider a lot of other things like budget, lifestyle, care and maintenance.

But don’t make up your mind just yet! We put together a list of important Do’s and Don’ts for when it comes to deciding what floor is best for you – and how to enjoy it for years to come.

Do… Evaluate your space
Are you planning on refurbishing your bathroom or laundry? Areas likely to incur moisture, humidity and temperature fluctuations are the last place you want to put hardwood flooring. Perhaps you’re installing Vinyl floors in a big beautiful lobby with floor to ceiling windows… But did you know Vinyl can fade under direct sunlight? Where you want to install your flooring can play a big role in determining what your options are.

Don’t… Forget your budget
When planning your budget, keep lifespan in mind. While hardwood floors are expensive initially, if well maintained they’ll last for decades without needing to be replaced. Carpet and Vinyl on the other hand, has a much shorter lifespan of 10-15 years and will need to be replaced more often. So will your budget cover you in the short-term or long-term? You can always consult with a flooring company to learn about instillation/material costs.

Do… Keep your lifestyle in mind
Natural stone is beautiful, but it’s probably not the best choice if you have a house full of toddlers taking tumbles. What you want might not always be the best or most pragmatic choice. So when choosing a floor, consider your lifestyle and what will best suit that. Need help? Check out our blog on choosing the right floor for you.

Don’t… Be close minded
To some people, it’s either carpet or floorboards. But there’s a world of flooring out there that many people don’t even know about. Are you struggling to find the budget for the hardwood floors you so desperately want? Vinyl floors imitate the look and feel of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Being open minded and doing your research more than pays off! Learn more about the other benefits of Vinyl floors here.

Do… Use doormats and rugs
When it comes to dealing with wear and tear, prevention is key. To avoid any unnecessary damage to your floors, invest in a few doormats and area rugs to protect your floors – especially in high traffic areas like entrances, hallways, living rooms and kitchens.

Don’t… Forget about your furniture
Dirt and debris isn’t the only thing that can lead to scratches or dents. Furniture is another major culprit for damage, so we recommend using felt furniture pads and floor protectors on your chairs, tables and sofas.

Do… Clean up spills immediately!
While that’s a given for hardwood floors, even water-resistant flooring like Laminate and Vinyl are still susceptible to water damage if a spill is left for a significant amount of time.

Don’t… Use the wrong cleaning materials
Always read the care and maintenance instructions for your floor before you clean it. Using the wrong cleaning materials can lead to irreparable damage. So before you grab the mop, wax or vacuum – double-check if you’re allowed to use it first. If you’re unsure, speak to the manufacturer.

Do… Keep up with maintenance
The lifespan of your floor varies depending on its material. But just because the manufacturer says it can last for 10 or 20 or even 100 years – it doesn’t mean that it will. How well your floor lasts depends on YOU and how well you maintain it. With regular cleaning and preventative measures, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy your floors for many years to come.

Don’t…. Forget to clip your pet’s nails
Even with heavy-duty protective wear layers and finishes – no floor is completely safe from Fido’s claws. So to prevent scratches, clip your pet’s nails regularly. Learn more about pet-friendly floors here.

Do… Hire a Professional
Installing your flooring yourself CAN save you quite a bit of money. But consider how much money you’ll need to spend if you don’t do a good job. Hiring a professional can save you thousands in service fees and additional materials if they require replacement.