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When it comes to choosing family-friendly flooring, you need to do more than just select the style and type that suits your taste. Here are a few of the best options, along with some tips for choosing the right one for you.
Durable Flooring Options Perfect for Busy Family Homes
Vinyl
When it comes to family-friendly flooring, vinyl or vinyl hybrid flooring, is easily one of the best choices you can make. Simply put, vinyl is durable, resilient, easy to clean, and can be used across the entire house.
Most vinyl flooring also has protective layers, which prevent long-lasting stains. Some types have additional layers that drastically reduce the chance of scratches and scuffs. Even if you don’t want it in your home, it’s ideal for your kids’ bedrooms and playroom.
Wood
If you’re looking for something more classic, hardwood flooring is a good option. It is non-toxic, warm, and can most definitely take a beating. Additionally, hardwood flooring can also increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell.
While it does require a bit more effort to clean and maintain, it is a perfectly acceptable option for those who want to keep the style and look of their home.
Laminate
If you want the look of hardwood, but don’t want to deal with the maintenance, laminate is your best alternative. It is designed to withstand high amounts of foot traffic and wear and tear, hence why you often see it in offices, hospital waiting rooms, etc.
It has great scuff, scratch, and dent resistance. While moisture can damage it, more and more manufacturers are designing water-resistant laminates, and they are much easier to find nowadays.
Cork
One slightly unusual choice that you may not have considered is cork. It is a hard flooring that is still comfortable to walk on and sit on, and it also has sound-abatement properties, meaning your kids can run and play on it without the noise reverberating around the house.
However, it can be scratched and become damaged if exposed to too much moisture. Therefore, it is best suited for areas where potential damage is expected, such as playrooms and your children’s play area.
Carpet
Carpet is hardly ever a bad choice when it comes to flooring. It is soft underfoot, warm and cozy, making it perfect for those in colder climates. It comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. However, the downsides may already be evident to you.
Carpet is prone to stains and dirt, and while many types of both can be removed with a deep clean, some are permanent. Carpet also holds onto smells, and can be damaged and ripped over time. On the other hand, if you are prepared to replace it when needed, it is a solid choice.
Rubber
Finally, rubber flooring is another fantastic option for playrooms and some outdoor areas. It is ultra-durable, non-slip, and has shock-absorbing properties. It is also super-easy to clean, and scratches can be prevented.
Considering the anti-slip nature of rubber flooring, it is also an ideal option for the kitchen and bathroom, and outdoor areas such as near your swimming pool. It doesn’t always suit the look of your home, but the fact that it is incredibly functional means you’ll find a place to install it.
How to Choose Flooring
Now that you know a few of the best family-friendly flooring options, here are a few tips for choosing the best one for you.
Durability
The first thing you need to consider is the long-term durability of the flooring. For instance, carpet is always a great option as it is warm, feels good underfoot, and, depending on the type, can be fairly easy to maintain.
However, carpet can rip, can stain, and can start to smell after a while, as well as show signs of wear and tear. In short, think long-term about your flooring, not just about what will work right now.
Foot Traffic
Speaking of wear and tear, foot traffic is another factor to consider. If you have ever been in a very old house, you may notice that the wood and carpeted flooring have “routes” marked in them due to people walking across them over and over for years.
Bear this in mind, as it may not be an issue for a few years, but after some time, you may need to replace parts of, if not all of, your flooring because of this.
Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance
Many flooring options are relatively easy to clean and maintain, but there are some that stand out for being a bit trickier. Carpets, for instance, will need a deep clean regularly, while wood flooring needs to be oiled to maintain it. Ask an expert about the cleaning and maintenance needs of your options before making your final choice.
Sample It
Finally, always get samples of your options before buying. This will allow you to live with it, see if it suits your style, walk on it, let your kids play on it, clean it, etc. This small extra step can easily be a step that makes the final decision for you.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
