The Best Durable Flooring Options for Homes with Kids & Pets

If you have a large household, particularly one that includes children or pets, you need durable, low-maintenance flooring that will stand the test of time. Durable flooring can withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, moving furniture, and other situations that occur daily in busy households. When looking for the most durable flooring option for your home, you should look for a hard-working floor that will retain its beauty and performance despite the wear and tear it will experience. Here’s a look at the most durable flooring in Upstate New York. 

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is versatile, easily customizable, low-maintenance, and incredibly durable. You can choose luxury vinyl planks and luxury vinyl tiles in a huge array of textures, finishes, colors, and patterns. Most people consider luxury vinyl to be the most durable flooring option for pets and kids. This material is very easy to clean and is either water-resistant or waterproof, so it’s easy to clean up after spills or accidents. It also offers superior protection for scratches and stains. If your flooring does become damaged, it’s easy to just replace one or more planks or tiles rather than having to re-do the entire floor. 

Natural Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is often misunderstood. People think that it is more vulnerable to nicks, scratches, and cracks. Depending on what type of natural hardwood flooring you choose, however, it can be an exceptionally durable flooring material. As long as you choose a natural wood that ranks high on the Janka Hardness Scale, your flooring will be protected from gouges, scratches, and other damage. A rating of 850 or below is softwood, while a rating over 1250 is hardwood. The best hardwood flooring options for households with pets or kids are oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and hickory.  

Carpeting

Many people don’t consider carpeting to be a durable flooring option, but advances in carpeting materials and treatments have made good-quality carpets built to last. Carpeting offers thousands of options for customization, and it is safe for households with young children who are still learning to walk and might stumble and fall regularly. Modern carpeting can be treated to be resistant to spills and stains, and it’s easier than it has ever been to keep carpet clean, attractive, and comfortable. Loop carpeting is incredibly durable, resistant to wear and tear, and beautiful. 

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is incredibly popular not only because it is one of the most durable flooring choices, but also because it is budget-friendly and offers many opportunities for customization. Laminate flooring can mimic the appearance of natural hardwood or stone flooring, and is resistant to stains, scratches, and scuffs. Luxury vinyl flooring and laminate flooring have a lot of similarities and are both economical choices. Laminate flooring is water-resistant, but not waterproof, so it shouldn’t be used in damp areas. 

Tile Flooring 

Tile flooring is available in a variety of materials, finishes, styles, patterns, colors, and textures. Along with hardwood flooring and luxury vinyl flooring, tile flooring is a highly customizable flooring option. Ceramic tiles are tough, durable, attractive, easy to clean, and can last a very long time. If one or more become damaged, you can easily replace them without a lot of effort or expense. Porcelain tile flooring is heavier and less porous than natural stone, so it is more durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Concrete tiles are durable and strong and can be used for indoor flooring. They can be stained or painted to complement your existing decor and aesthetic. 

Stone Tile Flooring

Natural stone tile flooring is an elegant, timeless option that will stand the test of time and look beautiful for decades to come. While it is more high maintenance than other flooring options, it remains one of the most durable flooring options available for homes with heavy foot traffic, spills, and accidents. Stone tile is easy to clean and scratch resistant. When it is properly sealed, it is water and spill resistant as well. You can choose between travertine, slate, granite, and marble in various forms and colors. 

What to Consider When Picking Durable Flooring

Before making your final decision on the new flooring you choose for your home, you should consider a number of factors to ensure you make the right choice. While you might be tempted to pick out new flooring based on looks alone, you’ll have to be more careful if the flooring will need to withstand heavy use by children and pets. The flooring you use should be attractive, while also resistant to spills, scratches, and accidents. Keep these factors in mind when shopping for durable flooring:

• Scratch resistance
• Water resistance
• Maintenance
• Longevity
• Comfort
• Safety
• Beauty
• Cost

Schedule a Flooring Design Consultation in Vermont

If you’re ready to start picking out your new flooring  in Vermont, Upstate New York, or New Hampshire, contact us at Abatiello Design Center. We sell and install quality flooring for homes, businesses, rental properties, and more. Take a look at our completed projects to get design inspiration or stop by our showroom to take a look at our products in person. We also offer free design consultations and estimates. Our design consultants can discuss your goals and visions and guide you through the process of choosing the perfect flooring for your home. To schedule a design consultation or to learn more about our design and installation services, call us today at (802) 773-6300 or contact us online.