Flooring is often called the fifth wall because it plays such a vital role in a room. The color, style, and material of the flooring can set the tone of the entire space. But this can also cause issues. Too many types of flooring in a home can make it feel choppy and small. That’s why many people have opted to use the same flooring throughout their custom home. But is that the right choice for everyone?
Here is everything you should think of when considering whether or not to use continuous flooring in your home.
Layout
The layout of your custom home will really determine whether or not continuous flooring is your best bet. If the home is more closed off with each room clearly defined by walls, it is a lot easier to get away with using multiple types of flooring. In an open concept custom home though, there is less opportunity for a good flooring transition, which makes continuous flooring a much better option.
Material
The tricky part of using the same floor everywhere is that every room isn’t used the same, and certain flooring materials aren’t well suited for certain rooms. Carpet in the kitchen is a big no-no, but it feels great in bedrooms. Hardwood may work great in most living spaces, but if you live in a wet climate it may warp near the entrance. If you want the same flooring, try finding a material that works for all spaces of your home.
Public vs. Private
When custom home buildings discuss using the same flooring in a home, we don’t mean every room has to be the same. Usually, it just refers to public living spaces. That means the entryway, dining room, living room, kitchen, etc. Spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc. are usually more closed off so they can have a different type of flooring.
Space
The more flooring transitions you have, the smaller the home will feel. That’s because the transitions create a choppy look and pull the eye in multiple places. A continuous floor will allow flow and make the home feel larger. So if you have a smaller home, you really should consider using the same flooring. A larger home may be able to get away with more transitions.
Money
So much of custom home building comes down to cost. A big hurdle in doing continuous flooring is the cost. Many people can’t afford to do their entire home in hardwood, so they only use it in the living room and opt for cheaper options in other areas. This is valid, but it’s important to remember that flooring cannot be easily changed out later on. Always consider the cost before deciding on flooring so that you don’t have to make hard sacrifices at the end.
Have any other questions about design features in your custom home? Feel free to contact us to discuss your renovation or design needs!
