Planning New Floor

Replacing your floor covering requires careful planning and decision like any other successful remodeling project. Through careful planning, you can choose flooring that can be used successfully in multiple rooms, or select a pattern or design that?s repeated throughout the room or in adjacent rooms. Keep in mind that your flooring design will last a long time, especially if you?re installing ceramic tile or wood. In most cases, the only way to change the design of your floor is to install a new floor covering. The design you choose is there to stay for a long time, so plan accordingly.

Because floors are highly visible, appearance is one of the most important considerations when choosing flooring. Start your search by browsing through magazines and visiting flooring retail stores.

There are other characteristics besides appearance to keep in mind when choosing a floor covering. Cost and ease of installation are key concerns for most people. For others, durability and how the flooring feels underfoot are important factors.

In a room subject to moisture, heavy traffic, or other special conditions, consider how different floor coverings will perform under these situations. Some flooring cannot be installed in moisture areas, while others can fade or scuff under heavy traffic. See the comparisons on pages 10 and 11 for help in choosing a floor covering that best fits your needs.

When estimating materials for your project, add 5 to 10% to your total square footage to allow for waste caused by trimming. For some carpet installations, you?ll need to add even more. After your project is completed, save any extra flooring material in case future repairs are required.