Durable Flooring: 5 Best Options for Heavy Foot Traffic

Durable Flooring: 5 Best Options for Heavy Foot Traffic

There are numerous ways flooring can be damaged. These include exposure to muddy shoes, pet claws, heavy furniture, water exposure, and children’s toys. Even the best maintained floors can sustain damage if they are not durable. That is why it is necessary to prioritize durability when choosing a flooring material for your next renovation, whether it is for a commercial or residential space.

Moreover, laying down flooring is time-consuming and expensive, so you won’t want to replace it anytime soon.

In this blog, we do a deep dive into some of the most durable flooring options to help you make an informed purchase.

Let’s get started!

Durable Flooring Options That Stand the Test of Time

Let’s go over some of the best and most durable flooring options to help you choose the best one for your space.

1. Hardwood

When thinking about durable flooring options, hardwood is an obvious leader, as it looks beautiful, is easy to install, and can last decades, even with heavy use.

There are two main types: solid and engineered hardwood. The former is made from one solid piece of wood, while the latter has a veneer of real wood bonded to multiple layers of structural plywood. While some varieties may start showing signs of scrapes, scratches, and gouges, the good news is that they can be restored and refinished multiple times throughout their lifetime. This ensures that your floors continue to look as good as new for years to come.

However, one thing you need to be careful with is water exposure. Too much moisture can warp the planks, which then need to be removed. So, it’s best to avoid installing hardwood floors in areas such as damp basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

2. Laminate

This manufactured material is a composite flooring made with an insulated fibreboard or plywood core that is protected with an underlayment (backing layer). An image of real wood or another material is glued to the surface. This gives you the look of natural stone or wood without the price tag of the real thing.

Laminate flooring is a high-quality, low-maintenance, and durable flooring material whose transparent wear layer resists scratches from moving heavy furniture and dog claws too. For high-moisture environments, it’s best to choose waterproof laminate varieties.

3. European Engineered

This is a great alternative to traditional hardwood floors and uses less actual wood, making it a cost-effective flooring option.

European engineered flooring is another durable flooring option that is easy to install and can withstand the most heavy and abusive foot traffic. Since engineered flooring is made using durable plywood, it is more environmentally friendly than solid hardwood. Its installation is also effortless, and it can adapt to its environment quickly. This flooring comes in pre-finished varieties, so you can use them as soon as they have been installed.

You can also choose from various hues, ranging from dark to light. Also, pay attention to its wear layer. Ideally, it should be able to withstand at least two sandings and repolishings.

4. Bamboo

With its good looks, sustainability, eco-friendliness and affordability, it’s easy to see why bamboo flooring is popular. The highest-quality bamboo products come with seven to eight layers of a tough aluminum oxide finish to make the surface extremely durable. There are a variety of dimensions and styles available for bamboo floors, and the material performs well in spite of pets, children, and abrasions. Plus, you can install it in virtually any space, regardless of your budget, as it is a cost-effective material.

However, it’s almost impossible to determine the quality of the bamboo when shopping for durable flooring. Bamboo that is harvested at the right time will yield the best quality. Also, steer clear of darker varieties, as the chemicals used to give them their colour can weaken the fibres. Lighter varieties are the strongest.

5. Vinyl

Another resilient option is vinyl flooring. This synthetic material is available in different forms, such as sheets, planks, and tiles; luxury vinyl is also an option.

All varieties are completely water-resistant and built to last. While sheet vinyl is the most durable variety, it is difficult to install, so it’s best to use this variety in smaller spaces. Keep in mind that sheet vinyl comes in 12-foot rolls. So, while it works great in rooms that are 12 feet wide or narrower, it can leave an exposed seam where two sheets are joined. These seams invite moisture damage and allow dirt and dust to seep in, which damages the subfloor.

Vinyl flooring is made using a PVC layer over felt, which gives it a spongy feel. This provides soft flooring under your feet, unlike natural stone or wood. However, this also makes it one of the least eco-friendly flooring options. Moreover, once vinyl tiles are worn out or damaged, they need to be replaced as they cannot be refinished.

Choosing durable flooring can be a challenge as there are many options and each has something unique to offer. However, take utility and durability into account above other factors. Hopefully, our breakdown on some of the most durable flooring options will help you choose the right one for your space. Whether you’re designing a space or just looking to remodel it, our experts are here to help. Get in touch with us and we will guide you at every step of the way.