QA

Question: Should Basement Flooring Match The Rest Of The House

The easy answer to whether or not your finished basement needs to match the rest of your house is “No.” And “Yes.” Since a finished basement usually serves a different purpose than main-floor living spaces, the general style need not be the same.

Does flooring have to match throughout house?

While there’s nothing wrong with keeping floors the same, they do not have to match. There are many options for wood floors that differ between rooms (or even areas) and many perks to having a combination of floors in the home. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal style and taste as to which one you select.

Does basement floor need to match upstairs?

Basement floors do not need to match the flooring upstairs.

Do upstairs and downstairs flooring have to match?

Are the stairs supposed to match the floor upstairs or downstairs? Interior designers and flooring experts universally agree on the answer. Stairs act as a transition between both floors, and therefore, should coordinate with both the upstairs and downstairs flooring.

Should flooring match from room to room?

There is absolutely no need to change flooring from room to room. We often work with homeowners who feel the urge to pick a different flooring for every room of their home, but there is absolutely no need to do this. Your home will look best if you create one consistent look that travels from room to room.

Do buyers prefer carpet or hardwood in bedrooms?

Carpet is usually the best choice for bedrooms and master bedrooms because it is soft and cozy. It is warm and can reduce sound, versus hardwood, which helps sound resonate and makes bedrooms feel cold.

Can you put two different wood floors next to each other?

Yes, you can mix two different wood floors side by side. However, whenever homeowners have two different hardwood floors adjoining each other, they often try to match the colors for continuity in visual aesthetics.

Should you use the same carpet throughout the house?

Using the same carpet throughout the house gives a feeling of continuity and helps small homes feel more spacious but complementary carpet designs can deliver a similar effect while linking rooms more creatively.

Do dark floors make a room look smaller or bigger?

You may be surprised to learn that dark wood flooring can help to make your room look bigger too. Darker flooring offers an inviting feel and opens up a space. Dark wood is not to be afraid of, and once paired with the right cooling shade for wall colour, a space really can appear much bigger than it is.

Are carpeted stairs safer?

Carpeted stairs are safer, too, lessening your chances of slipping. Avoid utility-grade carpeting. Stairways get heavy wear, especially along the tread nosing. Because you want a long, narrow runner, you may be able to buy remnants of high-quality carpeting at much less than the going rate for a room-size piece.

Does kitchen floor have to match living room?

Using the same flooring creates a clean, uniform look that flows nicely from room to room. Matched floors can also help a space look larger. However, no rule says your floors have to match throughout the house.

What to do when flooring is discontinued?

There are two ways to do this. One, you can send a sample to a specialty manufacturer; they can make it for you. Or, you can buy an unfinished hardwood, and take an old piece of the product to a local hardware store and have them match the stain color. You can then stain and finish it yourself.

Should wood flooring be the same direction throughout the house?

Wood floors should always be laid perpendicular to floor joists—across rather that in between them. So, there is no right or wrong way to lay your wood flooring. Choosing which hardwood floor direction is more a matter of personal taste and the layout of your space.

What flooring adds the most value?

When it comes down to finding the best flooring to increase home value, it all boils down to your market. Hardwood will likely give you the highest return, but laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring also offer plenty of perks to buyers.

Do solid wood floors add value to your home?

80% of estate agents surveyed by the National Wood Flooring Association agree that installing wood floors increases home value by 1% – 10%. Furthermore, 12% of the estate agents surveyed agree an even larger increase in value is likely.

Is it cheaper to carpet or hardwood?

Price. When you need to replace flooring, carpet is generally cheaper than hardwood. You’ll find plenty of styles, textures and types on the market with price ranges to fit any budget. Plus, since carpet is easier to install than hardwood, DIYers can save on installation costs too.

Can you put hardwood floors on a cement slab?

If you have a concrete slab main floor or basement, you may be wondering if it’s possible to install hardwood flooring directly on top of the concrete. The short answer is yes.

What color carpet hides dirt best?

As you might expect, brown is a good option for hiding dirt. The darker the shade, the better the dirt will blend into the carpet. Powder and dust won’t show up against the dark brown color. While a lighter brown can also be an attractive option, it won’t hide as much dirt.

Should floors be darker or lighter than walls?

Many home experts agree that the floor color should be darker than the walls. The rule generally applies because lighter walls and a dark floor make the room seem larger. Most homeowners prefer a spacious looking interior. However, the rule can change with low ceilings.

How often should you change your home carpet?

While carpet has changed over the years, today, its lifespan is usually anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The length of time that a specific carpet lasts depends on the type of carpet, carpet cushion, carpet fibers, and wear and tear the carpet is exposed to.