When it comes to flooring, most of us think of four basic looks – wood floors, laminate floors, tile floors, or carpeting. Each of these provide us with a list of pros and cons, and each has a very definite place in the home construction industry.
But for some, the quest for more economical, more flexible, or simply more creative is never ending. Seeking and finding “the next best thing” is exciting. And let’s face it – often the solution we are looking for is a bit off the beaten path. If you are building a new construction home, or looking for a fun and innovative renovation – consider these unexpected flooring options. 
Photo Credit – https://festoonhouse.com.au/festoon-lights/
What’s New in Flooring Options
There are a few design choices which make more of an impact than your flooring. If you don’t think that is the case, imagine if your home had an unfinished, concrete floor. Welcoming people into your home would be uncomfortable at best, as the entire place would look unfinished and crude. Similarly, old fashioned flooring can date your home, and thankfully – innovative, creative flooring can invigorate your home’s style and make it truly stand out. In the past, laminate flooring was the breakthrough which allowed homeowners to simulate the look of wood – and subsequently, tile – at a fraction of the cost. What are the new materials being rolled out today?
- Cork Flooring: A cork floor is a great insulator, and is also soft to the touch – therefore easy on your feet! If you have children you will probably love the fact that cork absorbs noise, is naturally mold resistant and antimicrobial. Sadly, this beautiful material easily dents when furniture is placed on it, so moving furniture around may not work – and too much sunlight or too many spills can cause damage as well.
- Wood Pallets: As people continue to find creative uses for those discarded wood pallets, flooring was only a matter of time. However, they do provide a rustic, wood floor which can be stained or painted to match any décor – and just think of the cost savings.
- Foam Floors: Although many think of foam floors only as bright, primary colored squares in your kids bedroom, foam floors now come in a variety of designs, even simulated wood. They are very soft on your feet, and easy to clean, or to replace a section. For kids rooms, craft studios, exercise areas, or any place you may want to change the look now and again, look into today’s foam options.
- Faux Brick Floors: You may need a bit of painting prowess to pull this off, but faux brick floors are really just sanded scrap wood end pieces, arranged in a brick pattern and stained and painted to look like brick. Because brick is an expensive flooring option, this is a unique way to get the look without the cost.
- Rubber Flooring: Although a great material, rubber is primarily appropriate in one main setting – a gym or workout studio. Rubber has natural “give” to it and will feel good to your joints as you work out. Rubber will also absorb sound well.
- Peel and Stick / Vinyl Floors: This is not your mom’s vinyl flooring. Offering a myriad of designs and ease of installation, a vinyl floor can mimic the look of virtually any other flooring option, at a fraction of the cost.
Finally, stone and concrete are among the best flooring options in Sarasota as they both keep your room (and feet) cool, are long lasting, and can be painted, stained, or polished for any number of looks. Just remember to keep some slippers handy, as these floor can be quite hard on your joints.
At Lindahl Construction, we are always open to new and innovative design choices which make our client’s custom home’s stand out. If you have ideas of questions, give us a call. We have been building Florida dream homes for decades, and look forward to building yours.