Top durable flooring materials for your home

You can choose a flooring material based on the purpose of the space. Heavy traffic regions require materials that are durable and can withstand constant pressure. Bathrooms deserve floors that can withstand excess moisture without warping or causing accidents, while the kitchen needs a stain-resistant flooring option.

Your final choice should elevate the overall aesthetics of your home and be durable enough to serve you for the long term.

In this article, we will explore the top durable flooring materials available in today’s market and a few parameters to guide you in the ultimate selection.

Let’s get into it.

1. 5 most durable types of flooring for your home

1.1 Hardwood flooring

Wood flooring is one of the oldest forms of flooring but is not a common choice in most Nigerian homes. There are two types of wood- solid and engineered wood.

Solid wood is just a single solid piece of wood, while engineered wood is made from multiple layers of wood topped with hardwood veneer. Engineered wood is better with moisture, but it can’t be refinished multiple times, while solid wood can easily warp under excess moisture but can be smoothened several times.

1.2 Porcelain tile flooring

Porcelain tile has a lot of fantastic perks that have earned it a spot in many homes across the globe. Aside from the durability it offers, it has unique designs that express simple creativity and easily bring a space alive.

Porcelain tile is a popular flooring option for regions exposed to excess moisture. It is highly resistant to moisture with a fast water absorption rate.

In addition to these perks, porcelain tiles are also resistant to stains, fading, and scratches. It is an ideal flooring option for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, or outdoor spaces. However, when porcelain tiles are wrongly installed, they develop cracks and are susceptible to breaking from the impact of a heavy object.

1.3 Luxury vinyl plank flooring

Luxury vinyl planks or vinyl planks are one of the most durable flooring options in the market today. One of the fantastic perks of working with vinyl flooring is the ability to mimic any flooring, from wood to natural stone to tiles, etc.

Vinyl flooring remains solid even in high-traffic regions like hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, sitting rooms, etc.  Its water resistant, easy to maintain and beautiful.

Luxury vinyl plank is quite affordable but delivers luxury and durability, as the name implies. On the other hand, one of the biggest cons of vinyl flooring is damage from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Despite the durability, the UV rays from the sun can damage the appearance of vinyl flooring over time.

1.4 Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring has many similarities with Vinyl flooring. Usually, people mistake Vinyl planks for laminate flooring because they both do a great job of mimicking hardwood floor design, stones, or tiles.

They are available in diverse designs, colors, and textures. Laminate flooring is made from a high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a protective plastic coating.

Laminate flooring is one of the most durable options because of the plastic topcoat that makes it resistant to scratches and wear. Its important to know that, unlike vinyl flooring, not all laminate flooring is waterproof. Yet, Laminate flooring is one of the most durable and affordable options to elevate your home.

1.5 Concrete flooring

Concrete flooring has stayed as one of the most durable types of flooring for donkey years. There have been some attempts to customize the appearance of concrete floors in order for them to maintain a sleek and modern look. You can decide to polish or paint your concrete floor to achieve your desired look.

1.6 Stone flooring

Stone flooring is another durable flooring option with a unique and timeless aesthetic. It can withstand heavy traffic and consistent usage without losing its beauty and integrity. Stone flooring uses a wide range of natural materials such as marble, granite, limestone, etc.

Consider stone flooring if your space is exposed to excessive sunlight because it doesnt fade quickly. However, some stones, like marble, are porous, so they require occasional sealing to resist stains.

2. Factors to consider when choosing flooring for your home

You need to focus on the right things and ask and answer the necessary questions to make a perfect choice.

2.1 Lifestyle

Its ironic, but your lifestyle contributes significantly to your choice of flooring. Do you have a house full of energetic kids or pets? If you have toddlers at home, you must use stain-resistant flooring materials because they will spill a lot.

Flooring materials like vinyl, marble, and tiles are easier to clean; consider choosing them. For high-traffic areas, use materials that can withstand constant use. For kitchens or bathrooms, choose moisture-resistant flooring materials.

2.2 Durability

If your flooring material is not durable, you will invest today and invest heavily again within a short time. Dont shortchange cheap goods for durability; otherwise, you will end up spending more money.

2.3 Budget

Having a budget helps you streamline what you can afford or not. With a budget, you have a target, and you choose the best alternative. Stay within your budget so you can afford other expenses.

2.4 Comfort

Choose what will give you premium comfort. If you want a soft floor, vinyl tiles or carpets will serve you better. However, if you want something smooth but hard, go ahead and choose tiles.

2.5 Maintenance

Poor maintenance can reduce the longevity of your floor material. Some flooring materials are easier to clean than others. For hardwood, you will have to polish occasionally to keep the shine. Meanwhile, tiles and vinyl are easier to clean and maintain.

If you only have a little time to tend to your floor, choose materials that are easy to maintain.

3. How to clean vinyl floors?

Vinyl floors are simple to clean. You only need a few things for the regular cleaning. They include a soft bristle broom or vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, a mop, dishwashing liquid, bucket, or microfiber cloth, and distilled white vinegar for stains.

Step 1: Sweep and remove dirt using a soft vacuum brush or soft bristle broom. Be careful not to scratch the laminate floor.

Step 2:  In a bucket, put some room-temperature water and a little dishwashing liquid. Mop with this solution but ensure that the floor is dry to avoid water from seeping down.

Step 3: Buff the floor with a dry mop or microfiber cloth.

For deep cleaning or a stubborn stain, you will need a solution of vinegar and water.

Ensure to steer clear of abrasives, cleaners, or harsh products that can easily damage your vinyl floors.

How to clean laminate floors is a bit similar to vinyl floors, but because Laminate floors are not water resistant, avoid using a wet mop. Use a damp mop and dry immediately.

4. What is the most durable type of flooring?

Choosing one flooring material as the most durable amongst other durable ones is quite arguable. Here are the top durable floorings available: ceramic and porcelain tiles, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, natural stone, and concrete flooring.

The most durable flooring for kitchen includes porcelain or ceramic tile, vinyl flooring, and natural stone.

The most durable flooring types that look like wood are vinyl and laminate flooring.

Finally, the best flooring for high-traffic areas and pets are tiles and vinyl flooring.

If you need the best professional hands for your vinyl flooring installation, laminate floor installation, tiling, refurbishing, or any other floor-related service, we are happy to connect you with our experts near you.

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