Did you know that flooring is the one thing you could regret in the long haul if you make the wrong choice?
Some flooring types look super extravagant but tend to be extremely hard to maintain. Of course, it all comes down to your personal preference and your type of home, but with so many durable flooring options, picking one can be quite daunting.
The global flooring industry is thriving at the moment and is projected to reach a staggering $515 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 4.8%. Some flooring options have come and gone over the years, some have remained tested and true, and some are just emerging and vying for a spot, like the eco-friendly flooring options.
If you’re having a hard time making a choice, worry not because that is why we’re here. This post presents you with a comprehensive guide on 10 of the most durable flooring options.
1. Hardwood Flooring
We’re sure hardwood taking the first spot doesn’t come as a surprise because hardwood is one of the most durable flooring options. It has passed the test of time, and it’s warm, classic, and downright beautiful. It oozes that luxury charm that you so much desire, and with the right maintenance will last quite a long time. And with the right treatment, these floors can look amazing. We would recommend waxing hardwood floors often to bring out their best aesthetic appearance.
Hardwood is solid wood, which gives it its longevity abilities, but you must understand that it doesn’t hold well with moisture or rough handling. Hardwood flooring can be made with a variety of woods, from maple to oak, purpleheart, and Brazilian cherry.
It can be unfinished or finished, both of which have their own pros and cons, it’s easy to clean, and it goes well with any home decor. Check out some of the most beautiful options at Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods to get an idea of what’s available.
2. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are some of the most durable flooring types out there as they are made of shale and clay. It’s super hard and comes in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and patterns, leaving you spoilt for choice.
The thing is, though, that some ceramic tiles are not tough enough, so you need to ensure you get the right rate for flooring.
Ceramic tiles come in four options, which are porcelain, glazed ceramic, terracotta, and quarry tiles.
These tiles can mimic the look of real wood or natural stone if that’s what you’re looking for, but they are cold and don’t feel like wood. It’s resistant to scratches, moisture, and dents, and even better, it’s super easy to clean.
3. Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring has been trending and for very good reasons. It’s easily one of the most durable flooring options, and the fact that it’s eco-friendly makes it all the more desirable.
However, if you want the green option, you need the solid strips because, just like wood, it also comes with an engineered flooring option.
Bamboo flooring comes in various patterns that showcase the grains differently.
This flooring material is tough, which makes it super durable, it’s easy to install, and easy to maintain. Still, some cheaper varieties of bamboo may be prone to scratches and dents, just like wood flooring, and it’s not suitable for moisture either.
4. Engineered Wood Flooring
If hardwood flooring doesn’t sound like an appealing option, but you still want that classic wooden look, engineered wood is for you.
It’s sturdier and cheaper compared to real wood. Some engineered hardwood flooring options are made with plywood, but the most durable options are made with stone dust and recycled wood fiber.
Engineered wood comes in a wide variety of patterns, widths, and types, and you can get the gorgeous look of real wood at a cheaper price. You can get exotic woods like Brazilian maple and tigerwood as a veneer.
5. Vinyl Flooring
Ah, vinyl.
This list would be incomplete without it because its resilience is simply awing. It’s more comfortable to walk on compared to wood and tile, and it could also be textured to mimic stone or wood. It comes in various forms such as sheet vinyl, and click vinyl planks.
It’s tough and will hold to moisture and heavy traffic, and it comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns. Even better, it’s easy to maintain.
6. Linoleum
What makes linoleum one of the most durable flooring options is that it’s as resilient as vinyl. Unlike vinyl, though, linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil and cork powder. It comes in a variety of styles as well, and you can get it in sheets, tiles, or laminated planks.
It’s more durable than vinyl, it’s soft to walk on, and it’s easy to install. On the downside, it fades when exposed to sunlight and tears from sharp objects or high heels. On the bright side, a coating can prevent this from happening.
7. Laminate
Laminated flooring is made like engineered wood using plywood and compressed fiber.
One of the most desirable qualities of laminate is that it can look like wood, tiles, stone, or just about anything else you would like. It comes in planks and tiles and is easy to install. However, it can be slippery, and it could warp if water seeps in between the planks.
8. Cork Flooring
Another durable flooring option that is also resilient is cork flooring.
Cork is extracted from the bark of a tree, making it a sustainable material. It comes in two different forms, which are tiles and planks, and it’s warm, sift, and quiet. It has a classic natural look, it’s eco-friendly, and it’s easy to install.
Cork is, however, quite vulnerable to dents, moisture and tears, and even though you’ll get it pre-finished, you’ll need to reseal it after some time.
9. Carpet Flooring
Carpets may just be the most comfortable of the lot and super warm too.
However, they are not so easy to maintain, making them suitable for bedrooms and lounging areas.
They come in a variety of materials, though, so you can choose any for different needs. You can get wood nylon, polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene.
10. Concrete Flooring
Concrete has been used for flooring for decades, and it’s still among the most durable options available. It’s arguably the most durable flooring options you can actually have in your home. Concrete is cold, though, but you can install radiant heating or use mats, carpets, and rugs in high traffic areas.
It’s a good option for areas prone to moisture or water, like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Also, there are many designs you can achieve with concrete, so it doesn’t have to be bland and boring.
The Most Durable Flooring Options: Every Type Worth Considering
These options stand to be some of the most durable flooring options in the market, and whichever you choose for your home will serve you well. The most important thing is to keep the maintenance requirements in mind so ensure the longevity of your flooring.
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