Flooring - talk to me please

[maggiethecat]

We have just bought house and need to look at doing flooring.

Afraid I'm not much in the loop about what's available (did up last house 6 years ago).

We have a family room (adjoining kitchen) that has small step down to garden. There is carpet there at the moment but I think the practical thing to have is hard, washable surface instead of carpet because of the potential for running in and out.

Don't think we'll do tiles because of the coldness - what other options are there?

[eatyourveg]

Lots of people go for the laminate flooring thing - don't shoot me down but you could go for lino (think its called vinyl now). I know it sounds naff but there are some really good designs out there now that are made to look like wood which also have a grooved texture to them so its not smooth shiny stuff these days. easily washed and can be covered with a rug/runner or mat where there are large spaces.

We've just done our bedroom with this its great for those with dust allergies

[PedallingSquares]

It depends on your budget.

A solid wood floor would be lovely but quite pricey. They do last well though.

Laminate is cheaper but I would avoid the really cheap stuff and go for real wood laminate as a minimum. This is what we have. It wears well, is easy to keep clean and looks quite nice

A friend has vinyl as she has lots of dogs including one that pees everywhere and it is probably the easiest flooring for keeping really clean.

[maggiethecat]

We previously had the engineered wood which was nice - colour matured over time and it was hard wearing.

Vinyl looks like it could offer quite a range of possibilities.

[FishfingersAreOK]

I suppose it also depends on what you want it too look llike. Engineered wood is another option. Or if you want colourful these are marvelous - www.harveymaria.co.uk/ - go bright and colourful, mix up your tiles or go Cath Kidson, feathers, go wild

[maggiethecat]

Did not know that Linoleum was different - will have a look.

Fishfingers, we've had engineered wood before and it was really beautiful. See where elsewhere you have said you are having it laid atop underfloor. This is something we would consider too for reasons including doing away with radiators in a room where good use of space is important.

Can you recommend a company for the heating and roughly what kind of cost would I be looking to add on with all of the extras associated with UF heating?

(Harvey looks good but too much choice is not a good thing for me!)

[FishfingersAreOK]

Underfloor heating...ummmmm...no idea...builder sorted it...cost....not sure as is all tied in with the costs of totally reflooring/filling in suspended flooring and extension...will see if I can find out more details tomorrow.

[jollydiane]

I actually like laminate. I recently dropped beetroot jar all over the floor in the dining room, a quick mop and there was no evidence of my clumsiness. If that had been a solid floor it would have been ruined.

Not all laminates are equal. I think Quickstep is worth a look. For bathrooms I don't see how you can go wrong with vinyl. Its warm, can be steam mopped and can look really good.

[TalkinPeace2]

Bamboo