Home Ideas

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

Even though you don’t see it after installation, the quality of any tiling project rests on mortar, the thick cement and sand adhesive that secures tiles to a home’s subfloor, or substrate. Selecting the right mortar is paramount, especially if you’re planning to DIY a tile floor. You might not want a version that dries so fast you can’t get tiles secured in the right place, but you also don’t want a process that drags on so long that you’re quite literally watching the floor dry.
Fortunately, there’s a type of mortar out there for every tiling project — many of which are available at The Home Depot — as well as some handy quick-setting products that don’t require it at all.

The makeup of mortar
Made out of cement, sand and a water-retaining agent, mortar keeps tiles firmly grounded, typically with a layer between a 3/16” and a 1/4”. Its mud-like texture also creates a connective barrier between the tiles and the subfloor, ensuring that excess moisture doesn’t leach through.
Much like grout, which fills the gaps in between tiles, mortar is available in mix-on-site or pre-mixed varieties, and which version you choose often depends on the space you’re working with and the type of tile that’s being used. (Just remember that once you mix up the dry version, you’ll have to move quickly to use it all or discard what’s left over!)

Modified vs. unmodified
The most common type of mortar used for indoor flooring projects is a modified thinset mortar. (You’ll find many companies and contractors use the terms “thinset” and “mortar” interchangeably: confusing, but common.)
The Layers of Tile Flooring

Made with plastic or latex polymers mixed in — which gives the mortar increased long-term performance and bond strength — modified thinset mortar repels mold growth and can really stand up to the elements with its flexibility: no shrinking or contracting based on changes in temperature or moisture levels. These properties make modified thinset mortar ideal for flooring areas of the home that will have to stand up to splashing or pooling water, like bathrooms (or tiled shower floors), laundry rooms and mud rooms. A soaking wet dog plodding in from the rain won’t even phase it.
Unmodified thinset mortar doesn’t have additional polymers in the mix, but is the mortar of choice in some specific circumstances, like when installing natural stone or when you’re working with a product that uses a moisture barrier over the subfloor. Both modified and unmodified thinset can also even out any small imperfections in the substrate before the tile goes down and is ready to be grouted.
For larger tiles, a medium-bed mortar is the way to go, which can be applied up to ½” thick and creates a significant barrier between the substrate and the tile itself, useful if a settling foundation shifts or cracks over time. Due to its use of coarse sand, though, medium-bed mortar takes significantly longer to dry than thinset: up to 72 hours.

Make it quick (setting)
So, when does it make sense to use quick-setting mortar, or no mortar at all?
When it comes to quick-setting mortar, small jobs like a shower floor and repairs are a great place to start for homeowners. The sweet spot for product quality and fast installation is a fortified, quick-setting mortar like SpeedSet thinset mortar, which dries in roughly six hours time.
(It’s worth pointing out that one of the most prominent “quick dry” options is epoxy tile mortar, which is water and chemical resistant with shock-proof bonding ability. But this product’s greatest strengths is why it’s typically only used by professional installers: the mortar sets completely in about two hours once spread, and its “pot life” — how long it can stay in the bucket without hardening — is only about 45 minutes.)
And then there are new, innovative products like Quictile by Daltile, which flips the whole notion of mortar on its head.

QuicTile 12 in. x 24 in. Calacatta Marble Polished Porcelain Locking Floor Tile (9.6 sq. ft. / case)
Daltile homedepot.com
$47.90

This type of tile uses three simple steps and what is known as the “floating floor” method to give you brand new flooring in as little as a day. Simply lay down the correct foam underlayment on top of an existing hard surface, click together the tiles of your choice (like marble-looking porcelain or driftwood-esque porcelain), seal with grout, and it’s a wrap. No need to rip out old flooring, no waiting on mortar to dry, and no racing against the clock if it starts hardening too quickly.
Whether you’re quick-setting, going a more traditional route, or trying a time-saver like Quictile, it bears repeating (yet again!) to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and make sure to measure properly to ensure the tile doesn’t end up obstructing any doorways or thresholds. Your tile (and sanity) will thank you. More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

If you’re accustomed to figuring out or completing home improvement projects on your own, knowing when to ask for help can, er, be a challenge. But one small slip-up, or one warning sign ignored could potentially snowball into a much bigger issue down the road, which might not only derail your project, but put your whole house in danger — particularly when you’re talking about flooring.
The Home Depot has a team of licensed flooring installers who can help with anything from carpet to hardwood. But it’s helpful to know what situations might constitute a red flag — here are 5 problems to be aware of that could necessitate help from experts (be they an exterminator or contractor).

Problem: You’re removing potentially hazardous old flooring
Many types of flooring and flooring adhesives common in the mid-20th century didn’t adhere to the environmental and health-conscious practices of today. This is particularly true when it comes to asbestos black mastic: a type of adhesive used well into the late 1970s that contains a fibrous material (asbestos) which can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer.
If you remove old vinyl, tile or linoleum and see a black, thick adhesive, do not try and scrape it up, scrub it or grind it off. Instead, ask an expert to come in and assess the situation. If it is asbestos black mastic, a professional will likely advise you to leave it in place — not remove it!— and cover it with sealant and new flooring.

Problem: Your house has serious structural issues

Ah, older homes: they’re full of charming details and enough character that we can overlook their minor imperfections — until those flaws turn into major problems. If you’re preparing for a flooring job and notice any of the following, it’s best to call in an expert:

A sloping or sagging floor, which can indicate weakened or broken floor joists
Doors and windows that stick when you try to close them, which can indicate issues with the home’s foundation
Paint that’s blistering on the walls, which can point to excess moisture in places it shouldn’t be, like the walls and floors
Major cracks in existing tile, which could signal foundational issues
A chimney that’s leaning significantly or has cracks in the external mortar
Fixer-uppers can be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make an existing, perhaps historic structure wholly your own, but if the bones of the house aren’t right, you’re likely in for future headaches.

Problem: You notice some creepy crawlers

No one likes to think about little critters scuttling into their homes, but when it comes to flooring projects, some types of bugs are more important to check for than others. Namely: termites. If you see any collections of small, translucent wings around the perimeter of your home, tiny holes in your structural wood or “mud tunnels” through damaged wood, termites have probably taken up residence, and need to be dealt with promptly.

Problem: You don’t understand the instructions
Most flooring materials — laminate, vinyl, grout, you name it — come with extremely specific instructions for how to complete a proper installation, and must be followed to the letter or you risk losing your warranty (yikes!). If you feel completely lost after digging into the instruction manual, don’t take a “try it and see!” approach. Ask an expert for a consultation before you make a mistake that can’t be taken back easily.

Problem: You have water issues

Water damage is a nightmare for homeowners, particularly when it comes to flooring. If there’s any history of water damage inside a home (basement flooding, slow-leaking refrigerator line, etc.) or you notice any signs of water damage — water rings on the ceiling or walls, a mildew-like smell inside the room where you’re planning to work — it’s best to ask an expert to assess the situation before you lay the first tile.

Problem: Your safety is in jeopardy
If there’s ever a point where you feel in over your head — a tool that’s a little too unfamiliar, a material that’s become unmanageable, or you run into a potentially dangerous unforeseen problem (like sketchy electrical wiring or crude, previously-done renovations), call in an expert to help. There’s no need to try and be a hero. More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

Water finds its way onto floors throughout a home, whether via that post-shower tip-toe, a dripping colander, or rain-soaked galoshes.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect flooring against the wrath water can unleash (mold, mildew and decay, oh my!), no matter what kind of material is underfoot. Whether you are installing tile, laminate, vinyl or hardwood, here are methods and products — all of which you can find at The Home Depot — that can bring peace of mind when water is present.

Tile
Tile is often seen in bathrooms, entryways and mudrooms not just for its good looks and durability, but because it’s often fairly impenetrable to water, particularly if it’s porcelain tile (for more on it, visit the letter P). The grout that fills in between tiles, though, is porous and susceptible to water damage — it needs a little additional help in repelling moisture.

RedGard 3-1/2 Gal. Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane
Custom Building Products homedepot.com
$143.00

A waterproof membrane that’s added between the substrate and the tiles is key for providing the strongest line of defense against floor damage in a tiled room, followed closely by treating your grout with a specialized grout sealant, which works to create an impenetrable barrier against damage not only from water, but any type of sudsy shampoo (or other chemicals). Sealed grout should last between 5 to 10 years without needing another coat, so think of this as an afternoon’s worth of work that’ll last almost as long as a new roof.

Laminate and vinyl
Laminate flooring companies pride themselves on creating products that stand up against stains, scratches, spills and other flooring disasters. And, as many satisfied customers will tell you, they definitely live up to the hype. When it comes to water damage, though, most laminate flooring is “water-resistant” (not easily damaged by water), not totally waterproof.

SimpleSolutions Medium Tone Laminate Floor Sealant
Pergo homedepot.com
$10.28

This is a situation where product guarantees, manufacturer protocol and the warranty vary greatly from brand to brand, so it’s important to read the fine print. A large portion of “water resistant” laminate can hold its own against daily household spills if the liquid is cleaned up immediately. Some companies recommend using a sealant around vulnerable areas (like kitchen counters and dishwashers) to further prevent water damage. In large part, though, laminate will still buckle and warp when faced with any major flooding incident — a broken pipe, a leaking washing machine — and that isn’t covered by the warranty: something to keep in mind when choosing where laminate should go in your home.
And what about vinyl? Many engineered vinyl planks are already 100 percent waterproof, making them a strong choice for bathrooms and basements. And if you’re looking for an extra layer of security (or your subfloor requires it), consider installing a waterproof membrane or underlayment.

Hardwood

Hardwood is, without a doubt, the most finicky of all flooring when it comes to water, moisture or humidity. That’s why applying a finish on hardwood floors is critical for both their longevity and beauty as the years roll on.

1 Gal. Clear Satin Ultra Thick 2X Water-Based Floor Polyurethane (2-Pack)
Varathane homedepot.com
$108.96

A polyurethane finish (either oil or water-based) is a smart option for protecting hardwood floors because it stands up well against the puddles and splashes of life. Some engineered hardwood is treated with a water resistant sealant by the manufacturer, so double-check the warranty before purchasing so you know how to properly care for it.
And don’t forget to waterproof any outdoor wood floors! All decks, porches and sitting areas should be treated with an outdoor-specific wood sealant in order to guarantee you’ll be able to enjoy your backyard oasis for years to come. More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

Grease tracked onto tile after working in the garage. Science experiments gone awry in the kitchen. Muddy paw prints on the living room carpet. There are countless ways that messes find a way inside our homes.
Fortunately, most situations that seem like a major mess at first glance are actually not too tough to deal with, as long as you don’t let them linger. Below are five tools — affordable, handy workhorses you might not think are as crucial as they are, all of which you can find at The Home Depot — that will ensure your floors stay in tip-top shape for years to come. (For even more information about cleaning ideas for different types of flooring, don’t forget to reference their specific letter in the A to Z Flooring Handbook.)

Tool: Boot Brush
The first thing a cleaning expert will tell you about keeping floors neat is to ban outside shoes from coming inside the home.

Boot And Shoe Scrubber
Sontax homedepot.com
$22.87

“That is my number one [piece of] advice: Take your shoes off at the door,” says Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab. “You may not want to ask guests to take their shoes off, but even if the family itself has [the] habit, it does an amazing job of keeping floors looking better.”
But if there are holdouts among your ranks, or guests don’t quite understand what the hubbub is all about, general contractor Mark Clement of MyFixitUpLife suggests purchasing a shoe and boot brush and parking it right outside the entryway. Ideally, it’ll encourage anyone coming inside to clean off their shoes before entering your home. (Placing welcome mats where shoes can be wiped outside the front door can also help mitigate any superfluous dirt.)

Tool: Wet-Dry Mop
Ditch the dirty mop water and bucket for good with a wet-dry mop, like the GH Seal holder Swiffer Sweeper Dry and Wet Mop. This tool can clean up dust and debris that collects on hard surfaces when in the dry mode, then seamlessly switch into its mop version for bigger jobs, for which wet cloths are attached.
There are even products that come with a built-in spray system for cleaning solution if you’re working in a larger space but still prefer a tool that’s lightweight and more streamlined than a traditional mop. (Yes, please!) Both the wet pads and dry pads from wet-dry mops can be tossed after use, making clean up a breeze.

Tool: Surface-Specific Cleaners

Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Floor Cleaner Spray, 32 oz, 32 Fl Oz
Bona homedepot.com
$7.97

When it comes to cleaning, it’s always best to follow manufacturer’s instructions and the advice of experts, lest you end up with a messy mistake that can’t (easily) be undone. While flooring isn’t a place to improvise with whatever cleaning products you might have on hand, there is often some overlap for which types of flooring they can tackle.
The cleaning process for laminate floors is a good example. “Many cleaners that are safe for hardwood are safe for laminate, too,” Forte notes.
There are also cleaners that pull triple-duty for laminate, stone and tile. (Tip: if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection to make cleaning even easier down the line, consider applying a sealer to appropriate flooring styles, like tile.)
And if you’re an allergy-sufferer, there are cleaning products, like Bona’s Free and Simple for hardwood, that are specifically formulated without dyes and scents.

Tool: Microfiber mop

O-Cedar Dual-Action Microfiber Flip Mop with Telescopic Handle
Brand: O-Cedar homedepot.com
$12.97

Spills turn into stains on floors when they’re not dealt with in a prompt manner, making time seriously of the essence whenever an accident occurs. Whether the mishap takes place on hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or tile, a microfiber mop is a tool you can turn to for its multi-use properties: try it dry for capturing dust in tight spaces, damp for general cleaning, and wet when spills occur.
To use one effectively, Forte recommends working on a small, three-foot square section at a time: Apply the cleaner you are using, mop it with a microfiber mop, and then let it dry. Also take care to buff off any cleaning residue that might linger on top of floors and give them a cloudy look. The goal is a floor that’s spic-and-span, but also shiny.

Tool: Stick Vacuum
It’s not news, per se, but outside of one-off disasters, regular attention and care will keep your flooring in pristine condition for years. One of the best ways to accomplish this is regular vacuuming at least once a week, and a stick vacuum is the space-saving, lighter-weight way to make this task as easy as possible.

V11 Torque Drive Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson homedepot.com
$699.00

“Dust and dirt is abrasive: if you look at sand, dirt and grit, it’s sharp,” Forte explains. “If you walk on that stuff day to day, it can eventually dull the [floor’s] finish.”
Stick vacuums can often pack the same punch as their bulkier canister counterparts (particularly for apartment dwellers or people living in smaller homes) and have some serious perks, including cordless models, versions specifically designed to tackle pet hair and the ability to convert into a handheld model to clean effectively in crevices.
If you have carpet in the house, it doesn’t hurt to call in the pros once a year or so. “Besides vacuuming and removing spills, it’s important to have wall-to-wall carpets professionally deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months,” Forte advises. “Professionals can reapply a stain protecting coat that will help carpets look good longer.” More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

The spectrum of tools needed for different flooring projects can undoubtedly seem intimidating at first (so many saws! so many applicators!) but using the right ones can be the difference between a finished project and a flop. You wouldn’t try to paint a watercolor masterpiece with a kitchen whisk or dig in the garden with measuring spoons, would you?
Fortunately, following a few guiding principles, as well as consulting with professionals like those at The Home Depot, will help ensure you have all the right instruments for the job.

Materials dictate the tools
Not surprisingly, the flooring material you’ve selected is the single biggest determining factor when it comes to what tools you’ll need to get the job done. (For example, the trowels necessary for installing tile have nothing in common with the pneumatic nailer you’ll need for hardwood.) The difficulty level of installation and the number of tools needed to complete the job properly should play into the decision-making process for anyone planning to DIY their own flooring installation or project. For example, renting a drum sander for refinishing your hardwood floors is only a worthwhile endeavor if you’re confident you can successfully use one.

Should you rent vs. buy?

Tools can be a smart investment if you plan on future projects, but when it comes to flooring, how many do you need to actually take home with you forever? To ensure your budget doesn’t take a major hit, you should carefully weigh cost versus return on investment and frequency of use when considering whether to rent flooring tools or buy them. Joe Truini, general contractor and weekly host of Today’s Homeowner Radio, advises homeowners to be honest with themselves about this kind of purchase.
“Some of the tools can be relatively affordable, but are you ever going to use them again?” he inquires. “How many floors is the average person going to install in their lifetime? It may make financial sense to add tools to your garage if you’re building a new house and want to install all of the floors yourself, but otherwise, it’s likely renting is the way to go.”

There’s a saw for that

Saws are integral to so many different types of flooring that you’re bound to use one during a DIY flooring installation. Even with the seriously easy-to-install floating floors like laminate, you still have to cut the boards precisely with a circular saw or jigsaw for where they meet the wall.
And when it comes to actual hardwood? Miter saws, jamb and undercut saws and table saws will become your close personal friends. Tile even takes its own type of saw, the wet saw. If you’re feeling uncertain about which will work best for your project and level of expertise, make sure to ask an expert for guidance.

Spring for an all-in-one installation kit

Pro Flooring Installation Kit for Vinyl, Laminate and Hardwood Flooring
Roberts homedepot.com
$32.55

A useful new development in recent years has been the arrival of flooring toolkits, which package together many of the basic instruments needed to install flooring material properly. Most often made for the installation of luxury vinyl planks, laminate and engineered hardwood, these affordable kits provide items like expansion spacers, tapping blocks and pull bars into a single, ready-to-go bundle, taking the guesswork out of your tool-gathering process. (Bonus: all the items are reusable if you plan to tackle another flooring project.)

Take your room’s temperature

Contractors may use a moisture meter or hygrometer to take an accurate reading of the moisture levels in a home’s substrate and general environment, which can inform material decisions. (For more on waterproofing, visit letter W.) Once your materials have been delivered, it is important to store them in the space they’ll be used so they can adjust or expand to the present moisture level.

Yes, math skills are an essential tool

There’s no getting around that math is one of the most-used tools in flooring projects. A measuring tape, speed square, pencil and more are just a few of the instruments that you’ll need on hand in order to ensure proper installation. Don’t be afraid to use the backs of floor boards or even underlayment to do a bit of addition, and nobody said you couldn’t use a calculator. More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

High-end design has leaned toward minimalism for the past several decades, evangelizing a streamlined life and home. (Think: the International Style championed by midcentury architect Mies van der Rohe; the black-and-chrome interiors typified by upmarket 1980s apartments; or Scandinavian-inspired white and wood that rose to popularity in the 2010s.) Fortunately for the more maximalist among us, the tide is beginning to turn—and kitsch is here to help.
A little over-the-top and a whole lot retro, playful kitsch flooring is making a comeback as homeowners liven up their indoor spaces with a winking nod to the past. The Home Depot offers several options that will read fresh, not fusty, when it comes to injecting a little design nostalgia into your home—four of which are delved into below.
“There’s this move currently towards more of the kitschy, weird, almost campy-looking design, particularly among a lot of up and coming edgier designers,” says Hadley Mendelsohn, House Beautiful’s design editor.
The key to kitsch is embracing the idiosyncrasies of your space, and learning to figure out the unique way that seemingly off-beat pieces, colors, or textures might actually work well side-by-side.

The key to kitsch is embracing the idiosyncrasies of your space.

“If you inherit a room with really old-fashioned wallpaper—like toile or something that’s just not your style—but then you mix it with flooring that’s really funky, like an over-dyed Persian rug, the room can actually end up looking more modern,” Mendelsohn says. “It’s taking that wallpaper out of its initial intended context and making it fresh and more useful again.” Read on to learn more about a few of our favorite retro flooring trends.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo is a durable, statement-making type of retro flooring that, in the U.S., hit peak popularity in the 1960s. It’s eye-catching while remaining subtle enough to serve as a foundation for a variety of interior stylings.

Rizzo Gray 24 in. x 24 in. x 9mm Semi Polished Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile (3 pieces / 11.62 sq. ft. / box)
Ivy Hill Tile homedepot.com
$82.39

Terrazzo features chips of marble, glass, or quartz flecked into a cement or epoxy-resin base, allowing for an infinite number of color combinations and a range of size options for the chips themselves. The tiles become individual, shimmering, but understated, works of art.

Terrazzo can be poured like concrete in situ, but most often it’s purchased and installed in tile form, making it ideal for any high-traffic area such as entryways, hallways, or laundry rooms. If you’re looking to ease into a kitschier lifestyle, terrazzo hits that sweet spot between contemporary and vintage.

Parquet
Parquet floors provide the same “everything old is new again” vibe for a home, particularly for those who are interested in installing hardwood but want a little bit more pizzazz.
Select a parquet square and see it populate below

Gothic Engineered Parquet Hardwood Flooring (17.22 sq. ft./case)
Islander homedepot.com
$186.91

A mid-century modern favorite, parquet flooring tiles are made by arranging pieces of hardwood in a repeating geometric pattern (the most popular is herringbone). Parquet floors already come pre-stained, can typically withstand one refinishing, and are far easier to install than traditional hardwood planks: simply glue the tiles to the level, above-grade subfloor.

Much like hardwood floors, parquet can buckle, so it shouldn’t be laid in bathrooms or other moisture-dense areas. But parquet is perfect for adding a throwback foundation to a den or living room.

Concrete or Linoleum
Kitsch also encourages a great deal of creative license, including using more basic forms of flooring in a space and adding the funky elements yourself.
“If you have concrete floors—for example, in a warehouse loft—you could repaint the floors and do something wacky with splatter painting,” Mendelsohn suggests. Concrete floors can also be successfully stained, either in a solid color or variety of colors. “Or, if you’re using a material like a linoleum, take a giant brush and do random abstract swirls. That can end up making it look like a gallery!”
And then there’s the practical side of kitsch: it’s more sustainable.
As an alternative to buying or replacing every element of a room when remodeling—new wallpaper, new hardware, new lighting fixtures—kitsch encourages repurposing and thinking outside the box to create a one-of-a-kind, mix-and-match space that’s yours, and yours alone. More

How to choose the right one for your space. (Hint: go big on personality and style.) More

What’s under your feet (or however you get around) is as important as anything when it comes to home. That’s why this fall, we collaborated with The Home Depot on an A to Z guide that’ll give you the confidence to make flooring choices you’ll love. Check out the A to Z handbook here.

When you think of or are a designing a house fit for kids, the likes of playrooms, backyards and dens come to mind. But one of the most critical ways to make children feel comfortable in their space — from the time they are an infant to when a closed-door policy becomes the norm —is the look of the flooring. (Really!)
The Home Depot has decades of experience lending families a hand to outfit houses that becomes homes. When your own brood expands, here’s what to consider when it comes to flooring that’ll age well for everyone.

Give them a soft place to land

Pure – Color Butternut Pattern 12 ft. Carpet
Lifeproof homedepot.com
$39.51

The physical nature of child’s play — from roughhousing with a sibling to practicing cheerleading jumps indoors — often means young ones spend an extraordinary amount of time in close contact with the floor. Since bare elbows and knees appreciate a soft landing, it’s no wonder that wall-to-wall carpet is a top choice for their areas.
In addition to being far more appealing to crawl around on than, say, laminate, carpet is great for insulation and sound absorption. This means that if your budding diva loves to belt out movie theme songs 40 times a day, you’re less likely to hear it in other parts of the house, or if your toddler jumps for joy (over and over) every time their favorite show comes on, the thuds won’t be quite as noticeable.
Recent developments in carpet technology have also cut down on the previous drawbacks of putting carpet in a kid’s room — most notably, in the spills and messes category.

Opting for carpet that combats pills, messes, and stains is one way to keep things clean when there are kids at home.

Stain-resistant carpet does exactly what it promises in repelling spots and discoloration. Innovations like SoilSheild technology stands up against not only juice box disasters, but everyday dirt and grime that can potentially cause allergies to flare up.
Carpet tiles are another good option for kid-friendly spaces, thanks in particular to being easy to replace. (For more information on carpet and carpet tiles, check out letter C.)

Pair hard surfaces with a soft layer
If your home has hard flooring, like luxury vinyl, hardwood and laminate, an easy fix is to lay down something plush: an area rug (more on that under letter A). Using area rugs also allows for changes over time as preferences shift. You can definitely swap out a powder-pink high-pile rug for a black-and-white swirled one as whims morph — a whole lot easier than tearing out carpet that’s highly-specific to the interests of a five-year-old. (Hello, dinosaurs!)

Interlocking foam or rubber tiles, like those used for home gyms, are also a simple way to keep knees from getting banged up without a permanent change. Adding interlocking foam tiles over other flooring — like hardwood — works especially well if you’re thinking about selling your home in the future and won’t want to replace existing kid-approved flooring with something new to increase curb appeal.

Cork is durable and eases transitions

Burnished Straw Plank Cork 13/32 in. Thick x 5-1/2 in. Width x 36 in. Length Cork Flooring (10.92 sq. ft. / case)
Heritage Mill homedepot.com
$43.46

If you aren’t interested in carpet but still want a softer, full-coverage option, cork is cushiony and resilient but still looks cool. It comes in sheet or tile form, and is also ultra stain-resistant when installed and sealed correctly.

The anti-microbial and anti-static properties of cork work to keep a room as naturally dust-free as possible, and the material can easily smooth the transition from playful kids to teens with overflowing laundry hampers: no complete flooring redesign necessary. More