Home Design – Material Selection 101

Introduction

When you’re building a home, there are many choices that go into the design. From flooring, to paint colors and fabrics, there’s a lot of options available. But when it comes down to the materials that make up your home, they all have varying degrees of durability and price points. Choosing the right material for you is an important step in creating a beautiful home!

All About Materials

Your home is made up of a variety of materials. The type you choose will determine the look, feel and durability of your home. Natural materials are derived from living or non-living things; synthetic materials are manmade by humans.

Materials can be divided into two categories: natural and synthetic (or “man-made”). Natural materials include wood, stone and brick; synthetic ones include vinyl siding or aluminum windows.

Wood

Wood is a great option for kitchen cabinets, floors and countertops. Wood can also be used in other parts of your home as well. There are many different types of wood available that will fit any style or need you may have.

Wood is a natural material that can be stained or painted to match any color scheme in your home. It’s durable and lasts a long time so if you don’t mind spending more money upfront on wood products they will last longer than other materials like granite countertops which can chip easily over time when used daily by multiple people at once (like in a family).

Concrete

Concrete is a great material for countertops, floors and walls. It’s durable and easy to clean, but it can also be made to look like other materials such as stone or wood.

Concrete has been used for thousands of years by people who lived in caves because it was so readily available; it was one of the first man-made building materials ever created! Concrete is made from sand, gravel (small stones), water and cement–a powdery substance that holds everything together when mixed with water.

Granite and Marble

Granite and marble are both natural materials. Granite is more durable than marble, so it’s a good choice for kitchen counters and bathroom floors. Marble is a good choice for bathroom walls and shower stalls, but it can be damaged if not properly cared for by homeowners.

Laminate and Plank

Laminate is a thin layer of wood that’s bonded to a plastic core, while plank is a single piece of wood. Laminate and plank are both good choices for high-traffic areas like kitchens, because they’re durable enough to withstand years of wear and tear. If you’re looking for something more affordable than real hardwood flooring, laminate offers many of the same benefits without breaking the bank.

Tile and Stone

Tile and stone are natural materials that can be used to create the look of any design style. They’re durable, easy to clean and maintain, and they’re both porous–meaning they need to be sealed. Tile is also heavy so it can be expensive to install.

Solid Surface Sinks

Solid surface sinks are a man-made material, made from resin and other ingredients that create a hard and durable surface. Solid surface is scratch resistant, making it easy to clean and maintain. It’s also more affordable than natural stone or marble.

Solid surfaces are easy to cut, shape, or drill into for plumbing access points–so if you have an older home with old-school plumbing pipes sticking out of the wall (or worse yet, exposed!) then this type of sink could be perfect for you!

When it comes to your home, there are tons of materials to choose from.

When it comes to your home, there are tons of materials to choose from. From flooring and walls to ceilings and countertops, you can use a wide variety of materials in your home design.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the right material for each area:

• The look you want to achieve – Did you have an image in mind when planning out your interior design? If so, then choosing the right kind of wood or stone may help bring that image into reality. For example, if you want something sleek and modern then marble may work well since it has an elegant feel while also being durable enough for everyday wear-and-tear on counters or floors. On the other hand if rustic charm is more up your alley then hardwood will give off more warmth than other options because it looks like it’s been around longer than other types (even though this isn’t true). You might even consider mixing different styles together so long as they complement each other well–for example using both wood floors with rustic beams overhead could create an interesting contrast between old world charm mixed with contemporary styles.”

Conclusion

While we’ve covered the basics, there are many other materials out there for your home. Keep in mind that no matter what material you choose, you should always do your research and make sure it’s right for your project. For example, if you’re looking for something new and unique like concrete countertops or laminate flooring then check out our blog post about pros & cons before making a decision!