I don’t like cold floors in the winter.  What sort of flooring should I install to warm things up?

Answer:

In the flooring industry, autumn brings with it renewed interest in flooring products that provide insulation and warmth.  The choices are influenced both by the flooring options and existing subfloor the new one will be installed over.

If your home is built on a cement slab, or atop a crawlspace, floors such as ceramic tile or sheet vinyl most definitely will feel cold underfoot. There are some toasty options to consider as we look forward to another Indiana winter.

Flooring options

Products such as hardwood, bamboo and cork provide added insulation between the subfloor.  These natural products not only feel relatively ward when walked on, but also provide the best return on the investment when it comes time to sell the home.  Given the same conditions, laminate flooring is slightly less desirable, but can be a good value depending on the quality and price.

Floor heating systems

These can be installed under virtually any flooring product.  They still are relatively expensive, but quality systems will operate without fail for years and provide an alternate heat source for the home.  They’re definitely worth consideration.

Carpeting

The most practical option in terms of comfort and warmth remains the old reliable: carpeting.  A thick carpet pile combined with a dense cushion creates and nice, toasty feel atop any slab or crawlspace.  A thinner carpet will provide less insulation.  Don’t, however, confuse carpet thickness with durability.

If your home has a basement, the situation becomes a bit different.  An unfinished basement without climate control will maintain a fairly constant temperature year-round — usually between 50 and 60 degrees.  In this scenario, porcelain tile and sheet vinyl will be cool but not cold.  Hardwood, bamboo and cork flooring products have sufficient insulating properties to keep warm over an unfinished basement, whatever the season.  The same holds true for carpeting.

Regardless of the season, no flooring category is necessarily better than another.  People prefer different floors for different reasons — such as insulation, price point or aesthetics.  If you select a floor that feels cold in January, a thick pair of socks inside a nice pair of slippers can be the best solution of all.

This article originally appeared in the “Ask an Expert” section of the Indianapolis Star.

Styles fall into the following categories:

Loop – Commonly called “berber”

Pros: Low, dense construction makes loop carpet very crush resistant.

Cons: Style not as soft underfoot as others.  Styles with large loops can be snagged by pet claws.

Loop/Cut/Loop – A combination of styles create a pattern

Pros: Elegant Styling

Cons: Construction process involves more cost, making this style the most expensive.

Frieze – Referred to as “new shag”

A very popular style. Fibers are twisted to provide a durable, informal look.

Pros: Twist provides long-term appearance retention.

Cons: This style can look “sloppy” between vacuuming, especially on stairs.

Textured – Sometimes called “trackless” carpet

A dense weave coupled with a rough, two-tone cut.

Pros: Minimized foot printing and sweeper marks.  The most practical, cost-effective style.

Cons: None that we can think of.

Indoor carpet is constructed with four types of fiber.  Here are some general guidelines:

• Olefin Fiber: Used sometimes for loop carpets.  Moisture resistant.  Tends to dull over time.
• Polyester Fiber: Stain resistant, inexpensive, not recommended for high traffic areas.
• Nylon Fiber: Stain resistant, cost-effective, appearance retentive.  The most practical fiber for every area of the home.
• Wool Fiber: Natural, extremely durable. Used primarily for stairs due to cost.  Beautiful feel and appearance.

Please come in and talk to any of our in-house project managers. They will assist you in making your carpet selection the right one for YOU!

Wood substrates need to be flat as well. A new plywood subfloor will need to be sanded and swept prior to installation. At the time of installation both the subfloor and the new hardwood should be moisture tested to insure a proper balance.