Chances are your Houston home is super busy! Whether you have little ones or pets running around, you likely have your hands full. That’s why you need flooring that’s built to last in high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways and entryways. The best flooring for high-traffic areas combine durability, style and easy maintenance.
How do you choose the best flooring for high-traffic areas? Today, we are going to discuss how to balance practicality and design for flooring that will last you through the years.
What to Look For When Shopping for Flooring for High-Traffic Areas
You can’t just choose any floor for the busiest areas of your home. You have to be cautious and pick floors that will work for your space. Look for the following qualities:
- Durability: People are going to be walking all over these floors. That’s why you need to choose flooring materials that will resist scratches, stains and other forms of wear.
- Water and Stain Resistance: Entryways and kitchens are vulnerable to water, spills and dirt. That’s why you need to choose floors that can get wet.
- Simple Maintenance: While there’s no such thing as a self-cleaning flooring (not yet anyways), there are options that require less upkeep than others.
When you’re shopping for new floors, you have to be cautious. By looking out for these qualities, you can find the right ones for your home. We will discuss the best flooring types for high-traffic areas next.
Ideal Flooring Options for the Busiest Areas of Your Home
On the hunt for the best flooring in Houston? While there’s no universal solution, you have a couple of options available. Check them out below:
You can choose either porcelain or ceramic tile for high-traffic areas. Both materials withstand heavy amounts of foot traffic, moisture and scratches. They are great for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. Check out some of the reasons tile floors work:
- Durable and built to last
- Resists water damage and simple to clean
- Various styles, colors and finishes available
If you choose tiles, pick textured ones. They offer slip resistance and make your home safer for everyone.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Looking for an affordable yet durable alternative to traditional hardwood or tile? Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) does the job—it imitates the appearance of wood or stone, while being waterproof, scratch-resistant and low-maintenance. It can work in living rooms, hallways and kitchens. Check out the benefits:
- Affordable stylish designs
- Comfortable underfoot and quieter than tile
- Completely synthetic, waterproof and resists daily wear
Choose luxury vinyl plank (LVP) with a thicker wear layer (20 mil+) for additional durability and long-term protection in busy areas.
There’s a reason that hardwood flooring is a timeless classic. You do have to maintain and refinish it, but the effort is worth it. When shopping for hardwood for high-traffic areas, choose harder woods that can withstand scratches and dents. Here are some of the advantages of hardwood floors:
- Classic, luxurious appearance
- Can be sanded and refinished for new look
- Provides long-term value to your home
Harder wood spices like oak and maple are better at resisting scratches and dents. Matte and satin finishes are better at hiding imperfections.
Another budget-friendly alternative to natural materials, laminate floors offer the perfect amount of durability for high-traffic areas. It has a thick wear layer that can withstand scratches and stains. It’s a great option for families who are constantly on the go. This is why people choose this flooring material:
- Affordable and simple to install
- Withstands daily wear
- Various design options that mimic wood and tile
If you purchase laminate flooring, be careful not to spill anything on it. Wipe it up if you do since these floors aren’t waterproof.
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Flooring in High-Traffic Areas
After you choose your flooring materials, you have to install and maintain them for years to come. This will help you make the most of your purchase. Check out our flooring installation and maintenance tips for flooring in high-traffic areas of your home:
- Install It Correctly: If you want your flooring to last, it needs to be installed correctly. Get help from a professional. When hardwood, tile or LVP is installed incorrectly, it can lead to shifting, gaps and wear.
- Use Rugs and Mats: Even the most durable floor can get dirty. That’s why you should consider adding rugs and mats to entryways and hallways to keep it safe from dirt, water and scratches.
- Establish a Cleaning Routine: People walk around your home all the time. Use a vacuum with HEPA filter and eco-friendly cleaning products to prevent scratching and staining. Don’t use a hard brush head to avoid scratching hardwood. For tile, seal the grout lines regularly to prevent grout buildup.
- Address Damage Sooner Rather Than Later: Whether a plank is starting to lift or you notice a small scratch or dent, you should get it fixed sooner rather than later. Small repairs are more affordable than extensive ones in the long run.
Regardless of the material you choose, you have to take care of your new floors. This is especially true in the busiest areas of your home. Additionally, by ensuring your floors are installed correctly the first time, you can save time and money.
Make the Right Choice for Your Houston Home!
When you’re on the hunt for new floors, consider durability, water resistance and ease of maintenance for high-traffic areas. Tile, LVP, engineered hardwood and laminate are some great options that combine strength and beauty. At Floor Inspirations, we offer a vast collection of flooring materials for your needs in Houston.
Visit our showroom or contact us today to get started!
