Flooring 101
Understanding the Language of Flooring
Starting Your Flooring Journey
Whether you're renovating your home or building a new one, choosing the right flooring is a crucial decision. Our Flooring 101 guide provides essential knowledge to help you make informed choices for your space.
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Types of Flooring
Explore different flooring materials and understand their unique properties, benefits, and ideal applications.
Learn MoreRoom Considerations
Find the perfect flooring solutions for specific rooms in your home based on functionality, style, and durability needs.
Learn MoreInstallation & Maintenance
Learn about installation methods, maintenance requirements, and care tips to keep your flooring beautiful for years to come.
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Types of Flooring
Stanton offers a wide range of premium flooring options to suit every style, budget, and lifestyle need. Understanding the characteristics of each type will help you make an informed decision.
Durability & Longevity
Different flooring types offer varying levels of durability and lifespans.
Aesthetics & Design Options
Consider the visual impact and design versatility of each flooring type.
Comfort & Practicality
Evaluate comfort underfoot, sound absorption, and maintenance requirements.
Carpet & Soft Surfaces
Comfortable underfoot with excellent sound absorption, carpeting adds warmth and texture to any room. Available in countless colors, patterns, and pile heights.
Luxury Vinyl
Modern luxury vinyl offers exceptional durability and waterproof protection while realistically mimicking the look of hardwood, stone, or tile at a more accessible price point.
Hardwood
Timeless and elegant, hardwood floors add value to your home with their natural beauty and longevity. Available in solid or engineered constructions in numerous wood species.
Area Rugs
Perfect for defining spaces and adding layers of texture and color, area rugs offer design flexibility while protecting your underlying flooring.
Room-by-Room Flooring Guide
Each room in your home has unique requirements. Here's how to select the best flooring option for different spaces.
Living Room
As the central gathering space, living rooms benefit from flooring that balances style and comfort.
Recommended Options:
- Wool or nylon carpet for comfort and durability
- Hardwood for timeless elegance
- Luxury vinyl for versatility and maintenance
Define conversation areas in open-concept spaces with area rugs that complement your main flooring.
Bedroom
Bedrooms call for warm, comfortable flooring that creates a peaceful retreat atmosphere.
Recommended Options:
- Plush carpet for warmth and sound absorption
- Area rugs over hardwood for versatility
- Wool carpet for natural insulation
Consider a low-pile carpet if allergies are a concern, as they trap less dust and allergens.
Kitchen
Kitchens need durable, water-resistant flooring that can withstand spills, temperature changes, and heavy foot traffic.
Recommended Options:
- Luxury vinyl for waterproof durability
- Porcelain or ceramic tile for classic appeal
- Engineered hardwood for warmth with stability
Add comfort underfoot with anti-fatigue mats in food preparation areas while maintaining easy-to-clean surfaces elsewhere.
Bathroom
Bathrooms require water-resistant, non-slip flooring that can handle high humidity and frequent moisture exposure.
Recommended Options:
- Porcelain tile with textured finish for slip resistance
- Luxury vinyl tiles or planks (100% waterproof)
- Natural stone for luxury with proper sealing
Consider installing radiant floor heating beneath tile for added comfort during colder months.
Dining Room
Dining rooms benefit from elegant, stain-resistant flooring that creates a sophisticated atmosphere while standing up to spills.
Recommended Options:
- Hardwood for traditional elegance
- Stain-resistant carpet with pattern to hide spills
- Luxury vinyl with wood or stone look
Use area rugs under dining tables to define the space and protect your flooring from chair legs.
Basement
Basements require special consideration due to potential moisture issues and concrete subfloors.
Recommended Options:
- Luxury vinyl planks with waterproof core
- Indoor/outdoor carpet with moisture-resistant backing
- Engineered flooring with vapor barriers
Always address moisture issues before installing any flooring in a basement environment.
Installation & Maintenance
Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential to maximize the life and beauty of your flooring investment.
Installation Methods
Different flooring types require specific installation methods to ensure optimal performance and longevity. While some installations can be DIY projects, others are best left to professional installers.
Carpet installation typically involves:
- Stretch-in method using tack strips and knee-kickers
- Direct glue-down for commercial applications
- Double-stick method for areas requiring maximum stability
Professional installation recommended for best results and warranty protection.
Luxury vinyl can be installed using:
- Click-lock floating systems requiring no adhesive
- Glue-down methods for maximum stability
- Loose-lay options in some residential applications
Proper subfloor preparation is critical for successful LVP installation.
Wood flooring installation methods include:
- Nail-down for solid hardwood over wood subfloors
- Glue-down for engineered wood over concrete
- Floating systems for engineered products
Acclimation of wood flooring materials is essential before installation begins.
Care & Maintenance Tips
Follow these guidelines to keep your floors looking beautiful for years to come.
Carpet Care
- Vacuum regularly, ideally twice weekly in high-traffic areas
- Clean spills immediately by blotting (never rubbing)
- Professional deep cleaning recommended every 12-18 months
Luxury Vinyl Care
- Sweep or vacuum regularly with soft brush attachment
- Damp mop with manufacturer-approved cleaner
- Use furniture pads to prevent scratches and dents
Hardwood Care
- Dust mop or vacuum with hardwood floor attachment
- Clean spills promptly to prevent wood damage
- Maintain consistent indoor humidity levels (35-55%)
Area Rug Care
- Rotate rugs periodically to ensure even wear
- Vacuum both sides regularly, avoiding fringes
- Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
Important Note
Always refer to the manufacturer's specific care and maintenance instructions for your flooring product. Using improper cleaning methods or products can damage your flooring and potentially void warranties.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Visit a Stanton dealer near you to see our premium flooring products in person and get expert advice tailored to your specific needs and design vision.
