Comfort

Home > Floor Buying Guides > Floor Features > Comfort

Comfort refers to how soft or hard the flooring feels underfoot, how warm or cool it is, and how it affects the overall physical ease and relaxation of the occupants of a room.

Comfort is an essential consideration when choosing a flooring type for one’s home because it can significantly impact the overall quality of life and well-being of the occupants. For example, a comfortable flooring type can help reduce fatigue, minimize the risk of injury, and promote relaxation, while an uncomfortable flooring type can have the opposite effects.

Why comfort is an important aspect to consider when choosing a flooring type

The importance of comfort in relation to other factors such as durability, cost, and aesthetic appeal may depend on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner. However, in general, comfort becomes more critical in situations where the flooring will be subjected to heavy use, such as in high-traffic areas or in homes with young children or elderly occupants.

Comfortable Flooring Options

The types of flooring that are typically considered most comfortable are those that are soft and warm underfoot.

Carpet

Carpet is considered among the number one choices when looking for a flooring type with maximal comfort. The soft fibers that carpet is composed of results in a plush, cushioned, and comfortable underfoot. Carpet also has natural insulation properties, which can help to keep a room warm and cozy.

Cork

Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. Cork flooring is naturally cushioned and resilient, which means that it can absorb the impact of foot traffic and furniture better than some other flooring types. It is also warm and soft underfoot, making it a comfortable choice for homes with children or elderly occupants.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered wood flooring is made up of multiple layers of wood that are fused together to create a strong and durable flooring option. They can also be quite comfortable, particularly if you seek out the following qualities:

Thicker Top Layers – Engineered hardwood floors with thicker top layers tend to be more comfortable because the real hardwood layer provides more cushion and a more natural feel underfoot. A top layer that is at least 2-3mm thick is recommended for maximum comfort.
Underlayment – Some engineered hardwood flooring options come with an attached underlayment, which can help to provide additional cushioning and reduce noise. Underlayment can also help to insulate the floor, making it warmer and more comfortable.

Certain Wood Types

Some hardwood species, such as walnut and cherry, have a naturally softer texture than others, making them a more comfortable wood flooring option. These woods also tend to have warmer tones, which can help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in a room.

Less Comfortable Flooring Options

Compared to flooring types mentioned above, other flooring types such as laminate or vinyl are generally considered to be less comfortable.

Laminate flooring is a hard, rigid flooring material made up of multiple layers that are bonded together. It is typically installed as a floating floor and can be quite thin, which can make it feel hard and cold underfoot. While laminate flooring can be an excellent choice for areas with high traffic or moisture, it is not as comfortable as some other flooring types.

Luxury vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic flooring material that is designed to look like natural materials such as wood or stone. It is generally thicker and more cushioned than laminate flooring, which can make it more comfortable to walk on. However, luxury vinyl flooring is still a hard, rigid material that can feel less comfortable than softer flooring options like carpet or cork.

Compare Collections / Products

Compare Collections / Products

Comfort

Why comfort is an important aspect to consider when choosing a flooring type