When considering what type of flooring to put down in an area that will receive a lot of foot traffic, it is important to find a floor that can withstand heavy wear and tear. While of course you want something that looks nice, putting down something like a high pile carpet will cause a lot of heartache in the long run. Here are a few options that will require minimal maintenance and cleaning, even when in high traffic areas of your home.
Tile Flooring
Ceramic tiles have been used as floors in homes for thousands of years and are known to stand the test of time. Tile flooring also comes in a variety of colors and styles, meaning you are likely to find one that matches your desired look. Tile is also very easy to clean and repair. If for some reason a tile is damaged it is relatively easy to replace it with a new one.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is a great, cost effective style of flooring. It comes in virtually every color and style that you could think of, from imitation hardwood and tile to fake stone. It is water resistant and easy to keep clean, only requiring an occasional sweep and mop. It is also quieter than tile, hardwood, and stone as it is a softer material, allowing for more comfort underfoot.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a type of imitation hardwood flooring. Consisting of boards that have a laminate design coating on top, they come in a variety of different styles and colors to match a variety of design styles. While it looks like hardwood, it is much more affordable. Though it can be damaged over time by water and other liquids, if you are quick to clean up any spills, it is a great, hard wearing option.
Natural Stone
Natural stone flooring is a beautiful option that also has unbeatable resilience. It is likely more expensive than the other options, especially considering the varieties of stone recommended for high wear areas are limestone, granite, and sandstone. However, it is easy to keep clean and it adds a touch of class and uniqueness that differs from the other options.
Hardwood
This type of flooring is very popular and can add value to your home as it is highly sought after. While it is important to maintain a protective finish on top to prevent wear, the personality that it adds to your home is worth it for most people. Hardwood can also be sanded down and restained to remove surface scratches, revealing a layer of floor that looks brand new and even giving you the option to change the look of your floor with a different stain.