Home Extension Flooring Options

When adding an extension to your home, the likelihood is that it will be for a specific purpose. This means everything is designed and chosen with that functionality in mind, including the flooring.

There are a number of extension flooring options available, each with advantages and disadvantages and each suiting different uses.

Getting the floor right is a critical part of your extension as it can enhance or detract from the usability of the space, creating a love or dislike for using it. So, what are your options, and how do you choose the right one?

At Richard Thomas, we have been helping residents across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire expand their homes with thoughtfully designed extensions, conservatories and orangeries. With over 15 years of experience, we know how flooring will impact your space and its uses. In this blog, we discuss your options and what you should consider when making the decision so you can make an informed choice when the time comes.

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Flooring Options for Home Extensions

The first thing you need to understand in this decision is all your options.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors offer a natural look while providing durability, making them a good choice for extensions for all purposes.

Advantages of hardwood flooring include:

  • A timeless appeal
  • Durable
  • Adds a warm tone
  • Compatible with underfloor heating
  • Easy to clean

However, considerations are:

  • Can be more expensive than other options
  • Requires more maintenance

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for extensions.

The benefits of this material can include:

  • Affordable
  • Easy-to-install
  • Variety of colours and styles

But, you must think about:

  • It is prone to water damage
  • Warps in high humidity
  • Not as durable as other options

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl tiles are another popular extension flooring choice.

Pros of this material include:

  • Water-resistant
  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Available in sheets, planks or tiles

Drawbacks include:

  • Can fade when in direct sunlight
  • Limited lifespan compared to natural materials

Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain or ceramic tiles are often used for kitchen extensions or spaces that are likely to get high traffic.

Advantages of them include:

  • Highly durable
  • Easy to clean
  • Resistant to water and scratches

However, their disadvantages include:

  • Cold underfoot without underfloor heating
  • Hard surfaces which can be uncomfortable

Carpet

If you want a softer feel underfoot, carpet is the way to go.

Benefits of this type of flooring include:

  • Comfortable, soft underfoot
  • Noise-reducing
  • Suitable for living spaces such as bedrooms or living spaces

But you will need to consider the following:

  • Difficult to clean
  • Prone to fading
  • High foot traffic can damage it
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Key Considerations When Choosing Flooring for Your Extension

With there being so many extension flooring options, there are a few things you will need to consider when making the choice.

Purpose Of The Room

If you are having a kitchen extension built, laminate, vinyl or tiled flooring is a better option because they are easy to clean and are suitable for high-foot traffic.

However, if you are creating additional lounge space or a bedroom, you are likely to consider carpet, which offers a cosier space.

How Many People Will Be Using The Room

If you think a lot of people will be using the room and there will be high footfall, you will want something durable.

Hardwood flooring, vinyl, tiles, and carpet are all able to withstand heavy foot traffic without damage, making them appropriate for spaces such as kitchens, dining rooms or living areas.

Exposure To Moisture Levels

Some extension flooring options are water-resistant, while others are prone to water damage.

So, if you are adding a bathroom to your extension, you will need to consider how moisture levels impact the floor.

Hardwood and laminate flooring are prone to damage in moist spaces, meaning they aren’t good options for bathrooms or kitchens.

How Much Maintenance Are You Prepared To Do?

Some extension flooring will require more maintenance than others.

Hardwood flooring can get damaged easily if you drop something or scrape a chair across it.

Meanwhile, laminate flooring can be damaged by excessive water exposure, porcelain or ceramic tiles need grout cleaning, and spillages on a carpet can stain easily.

Each flooring option has some maintenance requirements, whether it is clearing up spillages in a certain way or padding the bottom of furniture to prevent marks and dents.

So, you will need to discover what maintenance will be needed for each and what you are willing to do to keep it looking new.

Do You Need It To Be Compatible With Underfloor Heating?

Not every extension flooring option will be compatible with underfloor heating, so if you want to install that feature as an energy-efficient heat source, you will be limiting your options a little.

The following flooring is suitable for use with underfloor heating:

  • Hardwood flooring
  • Laminate flooring
  • Vinyl flooring
  • Porcelain or ceramic tiles
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Discuss Your Options With Our Extension Experts

There is a lot to think about when choosing your extension flooring, and the decision could enhance your space or prevent it from functioning the way you want it to.

So, if you aren’t sure which flooring option to go for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Richard Thomas is a leading home improvement company in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

Our comprehensive services include the design of your bespoke extension, bringing your dreams to life. We use the modular hup! System from Ultraframe, making design and installation simple and quick.

Our accredited team can talk you through your flooring options, explaining the benefits and drawbacks of each for your purpose and space and all other queries you might have about your extension.

Call us on 01202 488944 or complete our online enquiry form.

Is your extension a conservatory? Take a read of our conservatory flooring options blog and learn more about conservatory-specific options.

Conservatory Flooring Options: Pros and Cons of Different Flooring Materials

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