Three Types of Resilient Flooring for Your Old House

During the early 1900s, the opulent carpets and rugs that graced many homes began to fall out of favor. Not only were there questions of how sanitary the floor coverings were, the trend toward hard-surfaced floors led many homeowners to opt for elegant hardwoods.

For those who couldn't afford the more expensive woods, resilient flooring was an attractive option. Not only were they as sturdy as traditional hardwood floors, resilient flooring was often cheaper, easier to install and maintain, and more comfortable for the feet.

Resilient Flooring in Your Old House

Old house restoration demands as many authentic elements as possible, so it's a good thing that resilient flooring is now available in a host of types, styles, and prices.

• Cork flooring. A sustainable product harvested from the bark of cork trees, cork flooring was first popular during the 1930s. It is known for natural colors and a distinctive "bounce" that makes it easy on the feet. Cork flooring also holds in quite a bit of warmth, so the "shock" of a cold floor on warm toes is diminished. The excellent soundproofing of cork makes it perfect for homes with lots of traffic; in fact, one of the most common historical uses of cork was in the flooring of libraries and public buildings.
• Rubber flooring. Available in a variety of colors and styles, rubber flooring has grown in favor over the years. It is extremely easy to maintain, rarely shows any signs of wear, and can be purchased as a completely recycled material, making it perfect for environmentally-conscious homeowners. As an added bonus for those with kids or elderly family members, certain rubber flooring can make falls less dangerous.
• Linoleum flooring. Since the invention of linoleum flooring in the 1860s, this product has become a household staple around the world. Very easy to install and equally easy to maintain, linoleum is made of products that are easily renewable, making it an even more appealing option. It helps that the low price is rather attractive, too.

Certain types of resilient flooring are better for different areas of your house. For instance, cork flooring doesn't hold up well to moisture, so it might not be the best idea for entryways. However, the gorgeous colors make it a perfect addition to formal areas, such as a dining room. Linoleum is often perfect for bathrooms or pool areas, while rubber is good for mudrooms and areas that might get a great deal of traffic.