We're looking at re-doing the entire house flooring. We're in west central Florida so just about every house is a concrete slab and then it's either carpet, wood or tile laid on top. Right now the house has the original carpeting (+25 years, yuck-O) and some vinyl tile (also yuck-O). Personally carpeting is always problems. Holds dirt, harbors mold and pests like fleas and ant and food scraps, and if it ever gets wet (i.e. tropical storms, hurricanes, etc) it's never right again. I like the sound dampening qualities of carpet, but that's about where it ends.
Right now we're looking at ceramic tile inside the front door, the entrance way and down the main hallway. Tile also in the kitchen and both bathrooms. Then wood flooring in all three bedrooms, the living room, and the dining room. We are concerned about sound especially in the living room and wondered if any certain types of flooring are better for sound then others. Or throw carpets do it or what?
The concrete floor in the porch we were going to tile but I kind of like the smooth texture to roll the grill around on, move outdoor furniture and all. Tile gets to be a pain catching chair legs and not staying clean with our hoizontal rains and pollen issues we have. We were thinking of just a good concrete stain/paint out there.
Any suggestions, hints or secrets would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!