There’s something special and exciting about customizing your home to the exact way you want it. But before you start fawning over every flooring sample you can find, you need to make a list of must-haves.
For low-traffic areas of your home, aesthetics can be the deciding factor. When it comes to high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms, though, you also need to look for the most durable flooring options. That is, unless you want to go through the whole process again in a few years.
In the long run, choosing one of the more durable types of flooring for your home can end up saving you considerable time and money.
Most Durable Flooring Options for High-Traffic Areas
Whether your floors will face kids, pets, high heels, work boots, or a little of everything, your best bet is to go with one of these options:
Natural Stone Tile
Tile floors are known for their clean look and long-lasting quality. Keep in mind that some materials are harder than others, though, so your best bet is to look for natural stone tile floors like travertine.
Bamboo Hardwood
As beautiful as hardwood is, most types are best suited for low-traffic rooms. Bamboo, however, is a wonderful exception. The adhesives and coatings manufacturers use make bamboo a force to be reckoned with when it comes to scratches.
For the most durable bamboo hardwood flooring, look for options that are strand-woven. Stick to high-end, high-quality varieties as well.
Laminate Hardwood
If you love the look of hardwood floors, another durable option is laminate flooring. It’s more scratch-resistant than natural hardwood, so it will stand up against paws and claws. However, keep in mind that laminate is susceptible to moisture damage. So, it’s not often a good choice for bathrooms and other high-moisture areas.
High-Quality Vinyl
Before you dismiss it as an outdated choice, today’s vinyl flooring is nothing like your grandmother’s kitchen floors from the 1970s.
Modern vinyl comes in higher-quality options. It’s also available in a nearly endless array of styles. For instance, some of the most popular choices are made to mimic hardwood flooring and tile floors.
Berber Carpet
It should come as no surprise that carpet isn’t as durable as its harder counterparts. Still, we recognize that some homeowners love the comfort and warmth they get from a carpeted floor.
If you have your heart set on carpeting but you want durability, go for Berber carpet. This style uses short loops for a clean and flat look. It’s easier to clean and holds up better against high traffic than high-pile carpets too.
Choosing Your Flooring With the Future in Mind
In an ideal world, you’d be able to choose your favorite flooring options based on looks alone. The reality of homeownership, however, is that unless you have an unlimited budget, you need to find options that will hold up against the wear and tear of daily life.
The good news is that today there are plenty of great-looking options available in durable and low-maintenance materials. With the ideas above, you can get started finding the most durable flooring for your home.
For more guidance in your flooring design, contact our home flooring experts, who can recommend the ideal options for each room of your house. We have a long history of creating gorgeous, durable floors in Wisconsin and Illinois.
