(NAPSA)—Knowing more about flooring may help you hit the ground running when it comes to shoppingfor floor coverings. ceramic, stone and well-seasoned hardwood. * Consider the cost of installing the floor as well as the purchase price of materials. Most retailers will be willing to estimate your costs with or without installation. The amount of day-to-day maintenance you are willing to undertake may influence your The most important considera- tion is to tailor the floor choice to the people who useit, according to the World Floor Covering Association. Will kids or pets increase wear and tear? Is comfort important, as in a kitchen where you are usually on your feet for long periods? There are new andelegant choices available you may not have considered the last time you bought new flooring. The choice of flooring must include practical considerations, such as cost, usage and style preferences. Carpets, for example, are soft and comfortable to tread on with bare feet but can become damaged quickly in damp conditions such as a steamy bathroom. Materials such as vinyl, while not as long-lasting as natural substances, are inexpensive and easy to replace when worn. All surfaces have advantages and disadvantages—depending upon yoursituation. It’s important to think through your needs. For example, hard surfaces such as natural stone or hardwoodareclassic and can add elegance to any room. While harder surfaces can amplify sound, this can be muted by using area rugs or creative insets of carpeting. Surfaces such as tile, vinyl and linoleum can sustain a lot of wear and do well in areas with high moisture. The key is to identify each space’s unique characteristics and needs. Thatwill guide you in the selection of materials right for each space. Here are some points to con- sider from the association’s Web floor choice. Some materials, such Photo courtesy of Mannington Mills, Inc. Flooring plays an important role in whether a room is cheery or dark, formal or casual, traditional or modern. site at www.wfca.org: Consider whether the floor covering material that you select will complement the furniture and other objects that will be in the room. Do not forget to take into account the floor in adjacent rooms. Too many changes offinish from one room to the next in a small house can appearfussy. * No matter how good the flooring you choose, incorrect installation will result in an uneven surface that will wear badly. Always have flooring installed professionally. Plain colored flooring shows marks more quickly than floors with a patterned surface. If you are planning neutralcolored walls to create a feeling of space, consider a natural-colored floor to add warmth. Busy or large-scale floor patterns may overpower the rest of the room. * Under-floor heating (radiant heat) is compatible with most types of hard flooring, particularly as wood, require more care, especially around a sink, where water can damagethe varnish. * You can get flooring ideas from visiting model homes orlooking through home or decorating magazines. If you see a look that you find appealing, jot down the information or clip the picture to share with yourretailer. Before shopping for flooring: Draw a simple diagram of the room(s) and indicate where entrancesare located. Measure and write down both the width and length of the room(s).Includeclosets orother areasthatwill need flooring. Most retailers will want to re-measurejust fo insure they order the right amountof product. Make a note of the color schemes and flooring typesin adjoining rooms. Determine how much naturalsunlight enters the room, which direction the room faces, and any sliding patio doors. If possible, find out what is under the existing flooring. Wheneverpossible, take samplesof any fabrics, paints or wallpapersused in the space.
