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Wood, concrete, carpet, laminate, they all have a place when it comes to adding value and aesthetics to your studio, but it's not a one-size fits all type of decision. Depending on your personal preferences, budget and work habits, there is a wide variety of options available when it comes to determining what type of flooring will work best in your studio space.  Before making a decision on flooring, consider your personal needs:

• Does your work involve more standing than sitting?
• Do work stations need to roll about or will they be positioned in one area at all times?
• Do stress on knees, hips and feet need to be taken into consideration?
• Does your work involve paint, chemicals, and other items that could stain?
• Do small children or fur friends like to hang out in your space?
• Do you want a floor that can be cleaned with a broom or vacuum?
• Are you renting and not able to make major changes to your studio flooring?

Now that you know what you desire/need, check out the pros and cons of each type of flooring product and how it works in a studio setting.

Linoleum
Linoleum has come a long way from the days of yore.  It is considered the 'green' flooring, because unlike other petroleum-based products, linoleum is typically made from 100% natural materials like linseed oil, cork, limestone, tree rosin and natural minerals.  With a wide range of patterns, colors and choice of wide sheets or press in place tiles, this easy-to-clean flooring might just be the answer for you. Laminate flooring is designed to float over almost any type of existing subfloor including wood, vinyl or ceramic tile and concrete. If you love DIY projects, installing a laminate floor yourself can be done with just a few tools.

Vinyl
Vinyl tile consists of 4 primary layers: A urethane wear layer to resist scratches and scuffs, a protective clear film layer to protect against rips, tears, and gouging, a printed design layer that carries the realistic colors and patterns, and a structural vinyl backing layer that adds strength and durability. There are a wide range of colors and patterns, that even include the look of wood, stone and ceramic. There is something for everyone.

Vinyl floor tiles. Long wearing, easy to clean, and come in a range of colors. TrafficMaster

Want something a little more retro? How about adding a little touch of France to your studio. NotontheHighStreet

Rubber
If the flooring in your workspace is not ideal, or you live in a rental, think about using rubber garage floor mats. 
Whether cut to size or in building tiles, they come in a range of colors, surface patterns and can add a big punch of color to a space.
Greatmats

Homedit

Carpet

The carpet you select for your home might not be the same as what you desire/need for your studio. While Berber, shag and other plush carpet feels lovely underfoot in a bedroom or living space, it's not so fabulous in a studio work space. If your space already comes with carpeting and you are happy with it, consider adding a plastic mat to make the surface area more roller friendly for a chair. Mats are readily available through most office supply, big box and even some hardware stores. We even know of a quilter who cut pieces of inexpensive wood paneling to place under her work station. The wood doesn't crack or develop depressions.

When looking at carpet for your studio, look for something that is going to be low pile and take wear and tear pretty well.  Two words come to mind...industrial carpeting. Just because it’s manufactured as industrial carpeting, doesn't mean you should rule it out for your studio. This long lasting, long wearing, hard to stain carpet offers lots of options for a studio. If it works in large corporate offices and schools, why not your studio? We aren't talking about that dull gray and multi patterned stuff you've probably seen in most big offices.  A number of carpet companies are now offering a huge range of colors, textures and patterns, which means that you can add a bit of pop…or not, to your creative space.

Interface

Let everyone know you are a quilter by choosing the color combination and pattern. How cool is that??? Flor

Tile

Tile comes in a huge range of colors, pattern and prices.  It's durable and relatively low maintenance, but can be hard on your joints if you stand for long periods of time. If you live in a hot climate, the floor will stay cool throughout the day.  But, the reverse is true if you live in a cold climate.

Create an all-over calm and subtle pattern with cement tile. Add a border to create a rug. SabineHill

Wood

Hardwood can be expensive, but the advantages can outweigh the initial up front cost:

• Low maintenance over many years of use.  Scratches and dents can be repaired at a lower cost than carpet replacement
• Fade resistant and adds value to your home
• Natural patterns due to the tree's growth
• Environment friendly as many types of wood such as bamboo can be harvested in a very short time
• Allergen free for those with allergies to dust or pet hair
• Strong and durable which means that they can last decades

Wood flooring brings a warm feel to this sunny sewing space. Ialwaypickthethimble

Whitewashed wood floors add to the open and airy feel of this attic sewing room. Heartandhandmade

Concrete

Concrete might be the perfect fit for your studio if your work involves water, paint, dye or other liquids that could pose problems with other flooring options.  Concrete wears like iron, is easy to clean and is resistant to damp. While it is hard on your feet, you can always place throw rugs in areas where the 'messy stuff' isn't taking place.

Jamie Fingal finds that concrete is the way to go when you work with a variety of mediums.
And every studio needs a red polka dot couch! TwistedSister

Jane Dunnewold's wet studio includes large commercial grade sinks.

Just because it's concrete doesn't mean you can't add a bit of color to the mix. ApartmentTherapy

Stenciled Floors

Stenciled floors can add a bit of fun and flair to your work space.  They can be used on concrete, decks, hardwood and even painted plywood.  Each flooring type requires it's own special techniques, but if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and do the work, the results can be spectacular.

How about stenciling your existing floor? RoyalDesignStudio

Whitelace

Stenciled concrete floors can result in some spectacular results.Concretenetwork

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