Did you know that three in five US households did some type of major home improvement last year? Not only was this trend about repair, but a lot of it was about remodeling. But do you know what one of the top trends was?
That was for home entertainment in the form of the games room. Read on as we help get your perfect space by discussing your flooring choices when building your ideal games room.
Laminate
Laminate is one of the most affordable flooring options. It can give the appearance of hardwood or even tiles but is created from synthetic materials. This also makes it extremely durable and easy to clean.
The only downside is that large patches of liquid can stain. The more expensive the laminate, the more water-resistant it generally becomes. You may also find that increased heat can cause cheaper laminates to bend, creating humps and dips in your flooring.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is another option that is easy on the wallet. Not only is it easy to lay, but it also has a softer feel, better for homes with families, or laid as gym flooring. It is easy to clean with a broom and mop and is water-resistant.
It is another synthetic material. However, unlike laminate, it is not laid in planks but long rolls, almost like carpet. It can have a number of appearances, often mimicking hardwood floors.
The only downside is that while being resistant to water, if left, spills can seep into the seams between the joins. Make sure you mop them immediately, and vinyl can last a very long time while maintaining a high-end finish.
Carpet
Carpet brings an extremely unique characteristic to your game room flooring. Firstly, it has a level of comfort other floorings do not. It is cozy, and the softness allows children to play and people to sit on the floor itself.
In addition, colors and patterns are almost endless. You could go for a plain color and texture to fit in with the decor or pick a bold print for a retro bowling alley look. It is also very hard to damage carpet with scratches from furniture or large impacts.
The only real downside to a carpet is its ability to lock in moisture. This means it is not good for damp or humid conditions, like mold, mildew, and all manner of nasty things that can proliferate in the fibers. If you have lots of heavy footfall, you may also find that your carpet can wear down in a few years and may need replacing.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood is the ultimate luxury flooring option. There are numerous appearances and types of wood available so you can get a variety of looks. These give you a real upmarket, classy feel to your room.
Hardwood is extremely durable. With the right care and attention, it can last a number of decades. All you will need to do is apply the correct treatments, waxes and do occasional maintenance.
The only downside is that as a porous substance, it does stain from spillages easily. Make sure they are mopped and dealt with immediately. You may also find it as a high-quality material, it is very expensive, and may not be budget-friendly in larger games rooms.
Tiles
Tiles are usually more associated with bathrooms and kitchens. However, they do have a huge number of benefits for a games room. They are extremely durable and resistant to spillages and staining.
In addition, tiles come in a variety of shapes and styles. You can go for a checkerboard diner feel, or even give it some Mediterranean flair.
Tiles are quite cold, and this can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the room. You will find they are also extremely hard and unforgiving, meaning you may want to avoid them if you will have children running around.
Considerations to Make
Unfortunately, it is not as easy as simply picking the look you want. You need to consider a number of factors when choosing game room flooring, to get the look you desire.
How Will You Use It?
The first consideration is how the room will be used. If you want to double it up as a home cinema, then you are going to want a certain level of comfort. If you will have children using the space, then you need something soft that does not stain easily.
Also, consider how often the room will be used. If it is getting the same traffic as the rest of the house, you may need durable materials to last a long time. If it is an occasional place for you and your friends to hang out, it does not matter so much.
What Is Your Budget?
Secondly, you need to consider your budget. In the scheme of your overall games room, how much are you going to allocate to flooring? You may decide the money would be better spent on a pinball machine or pool table.
Size
The larger the room, the more it is going to cost. So if you have a smaller games room, you could budget for expensive materials like hardwood and it may not be as expensive. You may be able to cut costs on other items such as furniture to get better quality flooring.
Getting Assistance With Flooring Choices
When considering your flooring choices, don't be afraid to get expert advice. A good flooring supplier will be happy to discuss your options. You can then install flooring with peace of mind, and concentrate on enjoying your games room.
Your first stop should be National Floors Direct. We have everything from carpet to hardwoods. Contact us here for a free, no-obligation quote and make the first step to game room heaven today!
