Floorings

TO HELP OUR CLIENTS…

There are many flooring choices available today. Our list features the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision. We’ve included a few brand websites for you to explore. Popham does not endorse these resources, but only supplies them as a convenient source of information.

Popham also encourages you to visit local business resources to learn more and to view samples in person. Local businesses that specialize in flooring include Benny’s Carpet One and Greer’s Flooring America.

Types of Flooring

Though you’ll find a growing array of styles, most flooring falls into one of the following types. The type of flooring you choose will depend on your taste, needs, and budget.

• Bamboo – Bamboo flooring displays a tight grain and uniform color. It is stronger and harder than many hardwoods. With its rapid harvest time and regeneration properties, bamboo flooring is the leading eco-friendly flooring choice. Just like wood or laminate options, bamboo flooring comes in strips or planks that fit together. It is available in colors and patterns.      www.ecotimber.com  www.teragren.com
• Ceramic, Porcelain, or Stone Tile – This classic material tends to resist wear, moisture, scratches, dents, and stains. Many decorative options are available including the look of natural granite, slate, travertine, limestone, marble, quartzite, terracotta, and even woods and metals. But tiles can crack, and grout can stain, and dropped cups and dishes break more easily on its hard surface. It’s also relatively expensive and difficult to install.  www.emser.com  www.casadolcecasa.com
• Cork – Made from the bark of a cork tree, cork flooring is environment-friendly by its regeneration properties. Its tiny air-lock pockets are resistant to pressure and provide soft cushioning and sound proofing. Cork’s natural properties make it warm, anti-allergenic, and insect resistant. Indentations can form from heavy furniture, and cork can fade from sun exposure.     www.corkfloor.com  www.apccork.com
• Engineered Wood – This flooring uses a thin veneer of real wood or bamboo over structural plywood. Most engineered wood does not wear as well as solid wood or plastic laminate. It also dents easily, and small spills can be damaging.     www.mannington.com  www.mohawkflooring.com
• Linoleum – Made of linseed oil and wood products, linoleum is a natural, resilient material that is perfect for high-traffic commercial uses. Many styles and colors are available. Linoleum fends off dents and discoloration from sunlight, but resistance to wear, scratches, and moisture varies widely from product to product. Linoleum can also be relatively expensive.     www.armstrong.com  www.shawfloors.com
• Solid Wood – Advantages include its natural warmth and the ability to be sanded and refinished several times. Solid wood can dent and scratch, but many homeowners love its natural look, including any imperfections. Wood flooring should not go in basements and other damp spaces.     www.bruce.com  www.tarkett.com
• Vinyl – This lower-priced flooring option can fend off wear, dents, scratches, discoloration from sunlight, and stains. There are more color and design choices than before, including imitations of stone, tile, and even oak, but even the best quality products still look like vinyl.     www.tarkett.com  www.johnsonite.com

Floor Heating

Floor heating systems are a popular energy efficient choice to enjoy the comfort of warm tile, stone, laminate, and engineered wood floors. It’s important to research which system will work best for your flooring choice.     www.energysavers.gov