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Last Updated on Sep-26-2023
Are you tired of constantly replacing your flooring? It’s time to upgrade to the strongest flooring options available.
Durable flooring will save you money in the long run, but also add value to your home.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most durable flooring options for your lifestyle and budget. We’ll provide practical tips and insights to help you make the most suitable choice for your home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Durable Flooring
Let’s consider some important factors before we dig into flooring.
- Perfect for: Modern and minimalistic design enthusiasts, those looking for a contemporary aesthetic, and those who value longevity.
- Perfect for: Families with pets, allergy sufferers, and those who want durability and ease of maintenance.
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious homeowners, those seeking a wood or tile look-alike, and individuals wanting a durable, low-maintenance floor.
Lifestyle and Usage
Think about your lifestyle and how you’ll use the space.
- Pets or kids running around on the floor? Do you need flooring that resists scratches and stains? For instance, if you have pets, you may want to consider a more durable flooring option, such as hardwood or vinyl. This can stand up to claw and paw wear and tear.
- Is the flooring going to be highly trafficked? Will there be furniture or carpets to protect the flooring? On the other hand, if you have a more sedentary lifestyle, you may want to consider a more delicate flooring option, such as carpet or tile. This can add a touch of luxury to your home.
- Do you need something easy to clean and maintain?
- You may also want to consider the flooring sound. Some flooring options are louder than others, and if you have kids or pets running around the house, you may want to consider a quieter option. On the other hand, some people may prefer a louder flooring option because it can help mask other noises in the home.
Budget
Flooring costs $5 to $25 per square foot or a total of $1,500 to $8,000 for an average-sized house.
Before you decide, set a budget. Think long-term: investing in durable flooring now will save you money later. For instance, while tile may be more expensive than laminate, it is also more durable and less likely to need replacing in the near future.
Aesthetic Preferences
While durability is crucial, you also want flooring that fits your aesthetic preferences. Consider the style and color of your furniture and decor when choosing. For instance, if you have a modern home with sleek, neutral furniture, you may want concrete, tile, or hardwood flooring for a cohesive look.
In 2023, flooring aesthetics and colors will trend toward more natural and earthy tones. Think soft greens, light greys, and warm browns. Natural materials such as wood, cork, and bamboo will be popular, as well as textured tiles and concrete.
Environmental Impact
Consider the impact of flooring on the environment.
Look for flooring options made from sustainable materials or with a low carbon footprint. Choose flooring options without harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds.
Try to find recycled products. Look for certifications, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood, that guarantee sustainably sourced flooring. For example, bamboo flooring is an excellent option as it is made from a rapidly renewable resource and is often FSC certified. However, bamboo flooring may not be as durable as hardwood flooring, and thus may not be ideal for high-traffic areas of the home. Bamboo flooring is also more susceptible to water damage than other types of flooring, so it may not be the most suitable choice for areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Most Durable Flooring Options
Now that you’ve considered these factors, let’s explore the most durable flooring options available.
Hardwood Flooring – Classic Craftsmanship for Timeless Appeal
Hardwood flooring is always a classic. It embodies traditional craftsmanship and adds endless elegance to your home. And that can be a lasting investment. It’s easy to clean and maintains its elegant beauty for decades.
Hardwood flooring works well in any style. You can even put it in kitchens or basements (with certain specifications), and it still pulls the entire room together. Oak is the most common hardwood flooring choice, but there are still different wood species to choose from.
Its natural material offers natural beauty, a homogeneous structure, hardness, many designs, and does not contain harmful substances. Conversely, it can be expensive and susceptible to scratches and dents. As they’re prone to water damage, installing hardwood flooring in a high-moisture room is like fitting a square peg into a round hole. Fortunately, modern technology already helps us overcome these hardwood flooring’s downsides.
Types of Hardwood Flooring
There are two main types of hardwood flooring options to explore:
- Solid (natural) hardwood flooring is thicker and easier to customize
- Engineered (laminated) hardwood flooring is lightweight and like plywood
We recommend engineered wood flooring in high-moisture spaces (kitchen or bathroom) since it works better. However, we cannot deny the luxury, beauty, and warmth that solid hardwood flooring brings to a home. If this is the case for your living room or bedroom, you might want to consider the solid option.
Maintenance and Care Tips
For your lovely home to shine, you’ll always want your hardwood floors to look the best. No steaming, no waxing, no vinegar cleaning please. Dust and clean it often! This will remove dust and other allergens and prevent debris from creating scratches. Real wood care might be challenging, but it pays off forever.
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Add property value - A high return on investment
- Innate durability to withstand decades of family foot traffic, gatherings, and pets
- Higher cost
- Can gouge/scratch from pet nails or moving heavy furniture
- Not fit for high-moisture areas since they can buckle or warp
Perfect for: People who appreciate wood’s timeless, natural beauty, and want to add value to their homes since it’s durable.
- This brown hardwood engineered wood from Bedrosians is a perfect addition to apply on any home...
- Sold as a pack of 1 pcs. Total of 26.99 SF per box.
Last update on 2023-09-26 at 17:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vinyl Flooring – Affordable Resilience with an Authentic Look
A dream spa-like bathroom on a realistic budget? Our answer is YES!
And we will not keep that just for us. This is the vinyl – a floor that looks luxurious and expensive, but won’t cost you a fortune like an authentic stone or hardwood floor. In addition to being easy to install, vinyl is a soundproof flooring option that works in nearly every room of your house.
Another benefit?
Its core layer is water-resistant and highly durable, with protective wear on top that keeps everyday damage at bay! Vinyl floors are scratch- and stain-resistant, waterproof, able to withstand heavy foot traffic, and easy to install. It’s time to focus on your high-maintenance lifestyle by installing a low-maintenance floor. However, don’t drop the knife and expect no noticeable marks to appear. In spite of its strength and resilience, vinyl flooring can be damaged by sharp blows. Keep it in good shape by performing regular maintenance and repairs.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
There are two types of vinyl flooring: sheet and plank.
Sheet vinyl is a single sheet of flooring, while vinyl plank flooring is made from individual planks that snap together. Sheet vinyl is often cheaper and easier to install. Vinyl plank flooring is more durable and lasts longer than sheet vinyl. It is also easier to repair vinyl planks. Sheet vinyl flooring costs $1-$2 per square foot for the material.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Choosing and installing your vinyl flooring is the hardest part! It requires the bare minimum to keep your vinyl clean and looking pristine.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining
- Avoid using wax or polish (can dull the finish)
- Choose a soft-bristled broom or vacuum instead, and use only a damp mop and warm water.
- Remember to periodically use a vinyl floor cleaner (natural ammonia or vinegar is accepted) to restore its shine.
- You’ll want to sweep/vacuum regularly. In some cases, it may be necessary to refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions for a deeper clean.
- Resilient
- Affordable but stunning
- Water-resistant & comfortable underfoot
- Difficult to remove
- Not the most eco-friendly
- Doesn’t add as much to your home’s value as solid hardwood
Perfect for: Budget-conscious homeowners, those seeking a wood or tile look-alike, and individuals who want a durable, low-maintenance option.
- Peel and stick to apply
- Easy installation - no grout or special tools needed
- Water resistant and washable
- Virgin vinyl material with a textured low Lustre finish and permanent adhesive makes tiles durable
- One package contains 10 tiles that each measure . 06-in in depth. Each tile measures 12 x 12 inches,...
Last update on 2023-09-26 at 17:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tile Flooring – Lasting Beauty and Practicality Combined
For busy families who don’t have time to clean or frequently maintain, floor tiles’ timeless look and easy-to-clean surface can save a lot of time.
Yes. Tile flooring offers strength, durability, and aesthetic excellence.
If longevity ranks #1 on your flooring-choosing checklist, tile is the one. All types of floor tiles offer incredible durability; for instance, ceramic and porcelain tiles can hold up daily wear and tear (scratches, splashes, heavy footfall, or clumsiness) from your bustling household.
Hardwood floors may not be ideal for bathrooms or kitchens, but tile floors are. It’s water-resistant and prevents moisture from seeping below the surface that might cause mildew.
It can be cold and rough underfoot, however. If that annoys you, stick with carpet. On the other hand, tile is also an ideal choice for people with pets (or allergies) since it doesn’t trap dust or allergens like carpet does. With tiles, you’ll enjoy a floor that’s low permeability, durable, and beautiful!
Types of Tile Flooring
We have two main tile types: ceramic and natural stone. Both options offer long-lasting durability and easy maintenance in various patterns, colors, and shapes for your busy lifestyle.
- Ceramic tile is the cheaper choice available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and finishes. Ceramic tile is easy to install and maintain.
- Today, polished concrete, which has a glossy finish, is also becoming more popular because of its durability and low maintenance requirements.
Maintenance and Care Tips
How do you keep your shiny new tile floors looking their best? A routine sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is generally enough to remove accumulated dirt and dust. If you’re looking for a deeper clean, use a mop or sponge. To ensure the longest life for your tile floors, always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
- Durable enough to last for decades
- Budget-friendly and easy to maintain
- Available in a variety of sizes and colors
- Can feel cold underfoot
- Cleaning grout seams might be difficult
- It takes more time and effort to install something so heavy
Perfect for: Families with pets, allergy sufferers, and those looking for durability and simple maintenance. Tile flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Compass Emperador Crema 12x12 Marble Medallion Micro Mosaic Tile Tumbled
- Color: Emperador Dark Brown Marble, Crema Marfil Light Beige Marble; Size: Mixed size pieces mounted...
- First Quality, Carefully Selected, Consistent in size and finish. Factory Direct, Meets your needs...
- Stone Center Online offers custom packaging on all orders to ensure your order will arrive ready to...
Last update on 2023-09-26 at 17:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Concrete Flooring – Contemporary Design Meets Long-Term Reliability
You can’t scratch or dent concrete floors! Flooring materials such as this are as strong and durable as materials used for streets and driveways. You can use this modern (and extremely durable) option in virtually any room. It’s also easy to clean while offering the lowest-cost maintenance plan.
Pet friendly? Absolutely. It matches the golden rule for pet-proof floors: resists scratches from claws, spilled water, pet messes, and won’t absorb odors. And that’s how concrete floor ranks #1 for durability in RuggedRating’s suggestion.
It’s a huge investment when it comes to selling your home. The longer lifespan, durability, and lower maintenance requirements of concrete add ultimate value to your home. You can leave the concrete alone or easily cover it with carpet, tile, hardwood, or laminate flooring. No one will know what the floor has been through.
Since it’s extremely resilient and long-lasting, a properly installed and sealed decorative floor is scratch and stain-resistant and will last decades.
Types of Concrete Flooring
There are two types of concrete flooring: polished and stained.
- Stained concrete is the most common type of concrete finish due to its versatility. It adds color and texture to your floor.
- Due to the durability and low maintenance requirements, polished concrete – which has a glossy finish – is also becoming more popular these days.
Maintenance and Care Tips
So, how do you remove dirt and mildew from both surfaces without damage? Here are some tips:
- To prevent scratches in high-traffic areas, use area rugs or runners
- Clean up spills as soon as possible
- Wax the floor once every six months
- Opt for a soft-bristled brush/mop to clean
- Check the floor regularly for wear and tear
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Use a pH-neutral one instead.
- Modern design
- Eco-friendly
- Low-maintenance
- Easily get moisture
- Not too comfortable for the barefoot
- Concrete may develop cracks over time due to the temperature, moisture, or settling changes
Perfect for: Modern and minimalistic design enthusiasts, those who value longevity, and individuals looking for a contemporary aesthetic.
- This product adds a great value
- Interior/exterior use
- Can be used to spot level
- It dries to a durable, hard finish.
- Non-shrinking.
Last update on 2023-09-29 at 11:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
| Product | Features | RUGGED RATINGS | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Most Durable  |
| 9.4 | Check Latest Price |
Most Versatile  |
| 9.3 | Check Latest Price |
 |
| 8.5 | Check Latest Price |
Best Value  |
| 7.2 | Check Latest Price |
Choosing the most durable flooring for your home is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Make sure you have fun while you do it! After all, it’s your home – not a bank vault! Flooring installation costs $7 per square foot or $3,500 for a 500-square-foot room. By considering your lifestyle, budget, aesthetic preferences, and environmental impact, you can choose the best flooring option for your needs. From hardwood to vinyl, tile to concrete, durable flooring options are available. Take the next steps in upgrading your flooring and enjoy a long-lasting and stylish home.
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