Floors can act as heat stores: when exposed long hours of sunshine through a south-facing window, they collect heat during the day and keep a gorgeous warmth through the night.

You can also warm your tile floor with an electric floor warming system to keep it warm any time of the day, when you and your family need it. Click here to find out how you can add floor warming to your kitchen.

It's not only about visuals... tactile sensations are very important in a floor because feet are very sensitive. Walk on a thick carpet and you will feel a sense of comfort. Walk on cold tiles and you will feel very cold. Walk on warm tiles and you will feel comfortable and warm.

What about laminate floors?

Despite all the alternatives available today, genuine hardwood continues to attract admirers with its timeless appeal and warmth.

At one time, choices in hardwood floors were fairly limited. Homeowners had only a handful of options. But that has changed dramatically. Recognizing the increase in demand, flooring manufacturers have broadened their product lines to reflect the diversity in tastes and budgets.

For example, today’s homeowners can choose whether they want plank, strip or parquet hardwood flooring, and in what width or thickness. They can determine whether they prefer solid wood or engineered wood. Of course, homeowners must also select the species they want, and what grade. Grade is generally determined by how clear or variegated the appearance of the wood is. Most types of hardwood are available either pre-finished or unfinished. Special “hand scraping” techniques are also available to give floors an aged look and feel.