Your flooring option is the first thing that catches your eye when you walk into a house, as it spans across the length and breadth of every room. It is also the surface that goes through the most wear and tear, and that’s why choosing the right material is of utmost importance.
With the range of flooring options available today, zeroing in on one is certainly difficult. That’s why we’ve given you a rundown of the different types of flooring option and their pros and cons to help you decide.

Granite

Granite is a popular choice in many homes and is also associated with kitchen countertops and backsplashes because of its rigidity and anti-staining quality. It comes in a variety of finishes such as sleek, glossy, muted, rustic, etc.

Pros

• Extremely durable and lasts for decades
• Resistant to scratches and stains
• Increases the overall value of the property

Cons

• Can be tedious to install as it is one of the heaviest flooring materials
• It is sensitive to harsh chemicals and hence maintenance can be time-consuming

Marble Flooring

A traditional marble floor brings warmth to your living room effortlessly and goes a long way in adding elegance to your home. Combining wood and marble further creates an ideal balance of natural materials. However, this sophisticated flooring comes with its benefits and shortcomings.

Pros

• Imparts an air of richness and radiates a royal look; case in point: the Taj Mahal, made of ivory-white marble
• It is a translucent material that glows when exposed to light, especially sunlight
• Eco-friendly – does not go through any chemical processing when manufactured

Cons

• Expensive as compared to other flooring materials
• Can be slippery, which makes it unsuitable if you have elderly members in your home
• Because it is a naturally occurring soft stone, it is prone to scratches and dents from sharp or heavy objects
• Periodic polishing and extensive maintenance is required

Wooden flooring

Wooden flooring lends a high-end cozy vibe to your room. You can go for plain and classy or opt for a pattern, and chose the wood according to its texture and age. Chevron floors add dimension and give your room a unique character. Depending on the impact you would like, the chevron pattern can be made as big or small.

Pros

• Durable and easy to maintain
• Increases your home’s resale value
• Extremely versatile as this flooring compliments almost all kinds of decor

Cons

• Prone to mold fungus and water damage
• Areas used most often may need frequent repolishing
• Vulnerable to scratches, which makes it pet-unfriendly

Tiles Flooring

Tiles are the most common and preferred type of flooring. They come in a variety of patterns, textures, styles and sizes, because of which they are not just restricted to flooring, but also used as kitchen countertops, bathroom walls, etc. (the applications are endless, really).

Pros

• Ideal low-maintenance flooring solution; durable and easy to clean
• Has a reflective quality that makes spaces look spick and span
• Impervious to stains, scratches and water damage
• Easy to install

Cons

• Cracks easily when something hard is on dropped it
• Can get really cold during winters, which makes it uncomfortable to walk on
• Grout, the paste that fills the crevices between tiles, is easily stained and might need to be cleaned often

Hand-Made Tiles

To add a colourful and ethnic touch to your home, go for handmade tiles on your floor. Whether it is ceramic or cement, these pieces of art can make the floor pop under your feet.

Pros

• Packs your home with elegance, style, and substance
• A wide range of colours and designs to choose from, and can even be customized
• Encourages local artisans and is environmentally friendly

Cons

• Can be expensive and difficult to source
• Cracks easily on impact

Mix And Match

Why restrict yourself to a single material when you can mix and match them? Different types of flooring can be used together to create zones, giving you a functional surface with a dose of design identity.
But remember that picking too many designs and materials will kill the look; and because these involve more than one material, you would need to keep in mind maintenance for all of these surfaces.

So, what’s your pick? If you are having trouble selecting the best flooring option and need a little help, consider contacting best interior designers in Chennai with great reviews.