Flooring

5 Unconventional Flooring Ideas to Try on Your Next Remodeling Project

FindItMore | The floor is probably the most underappreciated yet most useful part of the house. It takes the brunt of daily household traffic and activities as well as provides added aesthetic charm and value to the property.

For this reason, it is imperative that you think about redoing your floor on your next remodeling project. Aside from looking at the available traditional flooring materials on the market, you might also want to think out of the box and consider using unconventional materials to reimagine the look and functionality of your floor.

Since the floor can lend a dramatic change to the entire space, you should carefully think about what you need to do next. To help you out, here are five ideas for flooring materials that are so unconventional, you probably haven’t considered doing them in your home until now:

1.   Rubber

Using rubber as the main material for the floor may seem new to homeowners, but it is a material that has been used for ages in commercial interior design. In fact, many home design experts consider it a functional and aesthetically appealing choice for residential units.

In terms of style, it offers an inviting vibe to the house with just a hint of industrial edge. It is also sturdy enough to withstand abuse and is very easy to clean, especially in spaces that often get wet (think: laundry rooms or kitchens).

Because of their malleability, rubber floors tend to offer better comfort for homeowners who spend a lot of time walking and standing up. The textured surface also provides ease from fatigue that is most useful for the chefs of the house. Also, the rubber is very child-friendly.

2.   Reclaimed Wood

Hardwood floors are a classic and timeless choice that will never get old. However, if you’re looking to save on costs while adding personality to your home, you might want to consider a floor made from reclaimed wood.

This material can come from barrels that used to contain whiskey. It offers the same aesthetic with a much appealing tag price than traditional oak flooring. When appropriately preserved, this type of wood can also provide a unique aesthetic from the brand markings left by whiskey, bourbon, and sherry manufacturers.

3.   Concrete

While concrete may not be as uncommon as the other materials on this list, it is mostly associated with a specific type of architecture that doesn’t usually offer that “homey” vibe.

This is where it gets better.

Aside from being the best choice for minimalist architecture and interior design, concrete flooring can also serve as a decorative feature of the house. In fact, some products made from this material have been developed to match varying personalities and tastes through staining or tinting.

These decorative concrete floors are quite similar to wood in terms of appeal and beauty while maintaining their main advantage over hardwood flooring: durability. Since concrete is scratch-resistant, it can withstand wear and tear while maintaining its original luster even with a lot of stress due to traffic from children, pets, and sharp shoe heels. It may also come with a glossy, reflective effect, thanks to a procedure that coats it with resin.

4.   Bamboo

While it is technically taken from big species of grass, bamboo has a lot of similarities with hardwood, especially when used as a material for the floor. It exudes a zen-like vibe that is unique to wood materials.

However, it also has a lot of advantages over hardwood. Aside from being environmentally friendly, bamboo is also more resistant to moisture and can withstand wear better than wood taken from oak and other big trees. It is also easy to maintain and can be refinished or sanded to improve its appearance.

5.   Cork

Cork is another unique material used in flooring that is sustainable, much like bamboo. It has a natural springiness that offers similar – if not better – comfort offered by rubber floors. It is also very durable and highly resistant to dings and dents. What’s more, it has a very unique flair due to its texture.

However, you should keep in mind that not all cork materials for flooring are made equal. The finish will determine the extent of cork’s water resistance.

A Floor to Remember

As one of the most important parts of the house, the floor can serve both decorative and functional purposes if you choose the right kind of material for it. Aside from the ideas presented in this article, you could also use unique interior paint for your walls to achieve that dreamy aesthetic for your home without sacrificing comfort and function.

Ralph El Eid

Ralph El Eid is the Business Development Manager at COLORTEK - Wall & Floor Fashion. EQUIPAINT is the franchise owner of COLORTEK in Dubai (U.A.E.) and Doha (Qatar); an international paints manufacturer specializing in the widest range of decorative paints and seamless concrete & resin flooring, with a unique showroom concept, and thus an ideal destination for homeowners, consultants, architects, interior designers and paint applicators.

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