Choosing flooring for your home may seem simple, but the process can be stressful and overwhelming. That is why we have put together this list of 5 tips on how to choose the best flooring product for your home.
1. Prepare a Pinterest Board or Idea Collage
While it may seem silly, having a Pinterest board or idea collage of the types of flooring that catch your eye can be extremely helpful when choosing a product. Search for key terms such as “vinyl flooring“, “patterned carpet“, or “dark hardwood floors” to find images that best represent the look that you are trying to achieve.
Not only will a Pinterest board help you to visualize different options and styles, it will also help your salesperson to find the exact product that you are looking for. Any showroom salesperson that knows a lot about their selection will be able to help you perfectly or very closely match your vision.
A Pinterest board can also be very helpful in choosing other aspects of your renovation, such as cabinetry, countertops, wall paint, and even interior decor.
2. Take Samples Home
Now you’ve found a product that appears to match your Pinterest board ideas, but lighting and photos can be deceiving to the eye. It is always recommended to take sample boards home with you to see them in your home’s lighting and compare them to your furniture. Bright overhead showroom lighting can distort how the flooring will truly appear, and the last thing you want is to finalize your choice before seeing its true form.
Most flooring showrooms will offer sample sign-outs, and allow you to take products home for up to a week to see it in your space. When you get the samples home, set them in a common area next to a wall, to see how the paint colour interacts with the flooring. Make sure to pay attention to how the sample looks at different times of the day – some products can change drastically between day and night, and you will want to be aware of these characteristics before making your final decision.
3. Don’t Second-Guess Yourself
Renovations are no small task, and it is common for people to second-guess their choices in products. However in most cases, people end up going back to one of their original choices. Second-guessing yourself only adds more time and stress onto the project, and can distract you from the product that is best for you.
Trust your instincts, and don’t over-saturate your pool of options. Having too many choices can add to uncertainty in your decisions, and make it more difficult to narrow down your options. Avoid taking that “one last look” around the showroom, especially if you have more than five products to consider.
4. Know When to Take a Break
Similar to second-guessing yourself, spending too much time looking at flooring products can induce decision fatigue. People often find that after a certain amount of time spend on selections, the options begin to blend together and it can be difficult to make a good choice.
If you start to feel frustrated by the options, or don’t feel like anything is standing out to you, it is completely okay to step back and put the selections appointment on pause. Some people get tired of having to make decisions, and they pick the first thing they see without taking the time to consider if it is right for them or not.
Your flooring salesperson is there to help, and if you feel like you need to step back and take some time to breathe, don’t hesitate to let them know. We would rather you delay the appointment and come back when you are ready than have you make a choice that you end up regretting.
5. Ask Questions About Your Flooring
While you should be able to trust your salesperson, it is always best to ask questions about the flooring options that you are considering. Having information on warranty, wear-layer, and availability can help tremendously when making your decision. If you don’t know which questions to ask, bring someone with you to your appointment so you can have multiple perspectives on the products you are presented with.
Not only should you ask questions about the product, but you should also be asking questions about the installation process (if applicable). Knowing general timelines and details of what is included in your quote can be the final push towards choosing a product and installation method that is best for you and your home.
Now that you have these tips, you can feel confident that you are making the best choice for your new flooring.
