Types of Soft Floorings

Knowing the different options will help you make the best choice.

Carpet

Carpet is a widely used soft floor covering made of wool, nylon, and polyester. It is available in a broad range of colors and patterns. It can also be purchased in different depths of pile -- the length of the material used to create the texture. Because carpet is laid on top of a soft pad about half an inch thick, it is flat and even, regardless of whether the subflooring is level or not.

Linoleum

Linoleum is a natural floor covering made from linseed oil and pine resin, fillers such as cork dust, and jute or burlap backing. Like carpet, it is available in an extensive array of colors, patterns and textures. In addition, linoleum is manufactured in matte and polished finishes. It has a naturally anti-bacterial surface and is available in tile or sheet form. Tiles are helpful for rooms with complicated shapes, as each tile can be individually and accurately cut to size.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a man-made flooring made of polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as PVC. Because it is durable and waterproof, it is deal for wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including faux wood and stone effects. It is easy to lay but prone to damage from heavy objects dragged over it. Like linoleum, vinyl is available in tiles and sheets.

Cork

Cork is a natural product that is ideal for wet areas because of its inherent water and stain resistance. It is available in natural shades of pale to dark brown, as well as green, gray and blue. It is a comfortable and environmentally friendly flooring often used in commercial buildings because of its high level of durability.