Putting new floors in your mobile home may be a very appealing idea, especially if your own floors are in pretty sad shape. If, for instance, you’re dealing with stained, snagged linoleum, the idea of re-flooring may be a breath of fresh air. Or perhaps your carpet seems to be in a permanently smelly, soiled state. And even your efforts to clean it up don’t pay off the way you’d like.
IDENTIFY YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES
What is the single best floor for a mobile home? Of course, this is a tricky question, and we won’t be able to give you a simple answer.
First off, consider that “best” is subjective. Suppose you think that the “best floor ever” is the one that’s easiest to clean. On the other hand, somebody else’s idea of an ideal floor is one that looks like real tile but doesn’t freeze their feet on cold mornings. Thus, your own priorities and preferences will inform what you think is the best kind of floor for your home.
LIST WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
Take a moment to list what qualities your ideal floor should have. For example, you could select some priorities from the list below:
Easy to clean
Isn’t very cold to the touch when the temperature is cold
Easy to install
Won’t harbor pet dander
Good for little children to play on
Obviously, the list could go on. However, use this as a jumping off point for your own priorities.
JOT DOWN YOUR INSPIRATION
If you remember a home you’ve been in that exemplified your ideal floor look, now’s the time to put that memory to use. Note what kind and color floor it was, and ask yourself what made it so appealing. Was it the way it complemented wall color, perhaps?
SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR LOOKS YOU LIKE
Take a quick spin around the internet for inspiration. Look at flooring options in pictures of homes, and note what really sticks out to you.
KNOW YOUR BUDGET
Next up, clarify how much you can afford to spend to re-floor your mobile home. Perhaps you’ll find it useful to specify a range – with the low end being the absolute least you think it would cost. Of course, the high end would be the maximum you’re willing to spend.
COMPARE AS YOU GO
Let’s say you know you can’t go over your budget. So, as you plug away with the re-flooring, take time to see how you’re measuring up. Before you make a major purchase, check out how much of your budget it will “eat up.” Will you have enough left to complete the project? In short, keep tabs on yourself and your spending as you go.
OPTIONS, OPTIONS, OPTIONS
The good news about floors is that you have options. Of course, this is also the bad news about the project because sometimes decision-making is hard.
RESEARCH
Once you’ve identified what you do and don’t like, you may still be left with options. At this point, you could always take a little time to learn a little more about the remaining flooring types. Searching the internet for pros and cons is one option.
ASK OTHERS HOW THEY LIKE THE FLOORS THEY HAVE
Additionally, you can look for info by word-of-mouth. For example, if you know others who’ve installed hardwood, ask how they like it. Would they do it over again? Leverage your friends’ first-hand knowledge of options you’re considering.
SOMETHING TO GET YOU STARTED
If you’re searching for a little more info about some of the flooring options out there, take a look at the list of articles below. First, though, check out the answer on
LumberLiquidators.com to this question, “What types of floors do you recommend for Mobile homes?”
Hardwood – head over to Myra Smith’s Installing Hardwood Floors in a Mobile Home on eHow.
Linoleum – check out DIY Network’s The Pros and Cons of Linoleum Flooring by John Riha.
Laminate – take a look at Home Flooring Pros’ post called Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring vs Hardwood, Vinyl & Other Flooring
Tile – read up on this flooring with Joseph Lewitin’s Ceramic Tile Flooring Pros and Cons on The Spruce.
Carpet – now, take in Giselle Diamond’s How to Install Carpet in a Mobile Home on Hunker.com.
BONUS: REMEMBER RUGS
If you’re torn between carpet and a solid-surface floor, just keep in mind that you could put an area rug over hardwood, linoleum, etc. You may find this is a good compromise.
Whatever flooring you go for in your new mobile home, take time to research your purchasing options. See if you can land a better deal by purchasing online and having it shipped.
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