Are you contemplating a home renovation or pursuing a new build? These tips will help you select the best flooring for your needs and help protect it for a long-term investment:

1. If you go with hardwood flooring, make sure the boards are installed perpendicular to your joist to ensure strength and hinder warping.
2. If your area is more damp, i.e. a basement, consider engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood is real wood on the top with multiple pieces of plywood or fiberboard underneath.
3. Apply protective coating to your hardwood floors, not just stain. Stain merely changes the color, so add a protective coating or polyurethane to ensure a long life for your hardwood.
4. For areas with lots of spills, tiles are easy to clean and have a variety of looks and price options. Tile can also go beyond the kitchen and the bathroom, so don’t limit yourself if this fits your family needs better.
5. If you have pets, carpet can be harder to clean, but they also make the room feel cozier, especially in colder rooms and environments.