A high traffic room, the foyer’s flooring must be tough enough to withstand daily wear and tear as well as the cycle of harsh seasonal conditions, all while remaining beautiful.
Besides, this is the first area we encounter when we come home and the last area we see when we leave! Choosing a damage-resistant material that will look great for years to come is therefore essential.
Materials to Consider (Beyond Ceramic Tiles!)
The best entrance hall flooring materials stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and appearance. The products that generally meet these two criteria include wood, vinyl, stone, and ceramic tiles.
Wood
Wood, with its wide range of grains and stains, is a flooring material that add warmth to a room and that fits in with any decor style. However, in the entryway, wood is harder to maintain and more prone to damage. For example, wet winter boots may cause the planks to warp over time. An absorbent area rug can help with eliminating the excess water.
Vinyl
Vinyl’s principal advantage is its affordability. It mimics the appearance of higher-end materials (wood, marble, etc.) for a lower price. Unfortunately, you can expect to begin to see signs of deterioration after only five years of use. Indeed, vinyl isn’t the most durable material, unless you choose a particularly strong and good quality product.
Stone
Natural stone is spectacular, but quite expensive. With so many textures, tones, and colours to choose from, you will undoubtedly find something that suits your tastes and decor. Extremely sturdy, it is nevertheless difficult to install. You will have to hire a professional.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are arguably the most popular flooring material for Québec entryways. It’s durability, strength and lower cost make it an attractive option for foyers. Maintenance and cleaning are fairly easy, except for the grout which is sometimes prone to staining and discolouring. Using a specially formulated product or even applying a sealant can help. Keep in mind though that it can be very slippery when wet with snow or water. To solve this problem, simply add a rug on which to place damp boots and shoes.
It Has to Look Good, Too
Once you’ve determined which material is best suited to your daily needs, the next step is to decide on the appropriate style. This is the fun part!
Comfort and Visual Interest
The entrance hall’s area rug is more than the designated spot for dirty shoes. Choose one that is cozy under foot and that adds an interesting visual element, such as a pattern and accent colours.
Its Original Charm
It’s preferable in some situations to rip out the existing flooring and start from scratch. But if you want a classic timeless look, consider instead restoring the original floor by sanding it down and re-varnishing it, for example. It’s especially worth the effort in a heritage house!
For a Small Enclosed Entryway
You can enjoy both function and style! Contrary to an open-concept space, bold patterns are perfect for a tiny, enclosed entrance hall. Since you only pass through this room on your way in and out of the house, you can definitely afford to be a little adventurous in your choice of colours and designs!
Now that you have a handle on all three components—style, comfort, and durability—you have everything thing you need to create an entryway that will sweep you off your feet!