The US is home to more than 138 million houses, apartments, and dwellings. This means that there are millions of opportunities for outstanding durable flooring options. Long-lasting stone, vinyl, and cork are only a few of the most durable flooring types.
Better yet, nearly all durable floors are waterproof for easy cleaning. If you’re looking for a flooring option that can last decades and take a lot of abuse, you’ve come to the right place.
Explore this brief guide to discover some of the best durable flooring available today.
What is the Most Durable Flooring?
The question of which type of flooring is the most durable is up for debate. Each type has positive and negative qualities. In the end, it is up to the homeowner to decide which option works best for their budget, style, and needs.
Still, there are plenty of options from which to choose when selecting a durable flooring type. From beautifully aged hardwood to glimmering porcelain, there’s an option for every taste. Keep reading to discover more about some of the most durable flooring options on the market today.
Durable Flooring Options for Every Home
Cork and bamboo flooring are some of the best eco-friendly options for homeowners seeking a durable floor. However, natural stone and ceramic can last for years and repel pesky pests like fleas. The best durable flooring option for you depends on your budget, your preferences, and your design style.
Still, at least one of the following choices is likely to wet your whistle for new flooring.
1. Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tiles can be an elegant solution to weak, quickly scuffed flooring. They are thick, heavy, and difficult to chip or shatter. Small imperfections are easily ignored thanks to the consistent coloration of these materials.
Still, a laminated or colorized ceramic or porcelain tile may become more noticeably damaged than a simpler option. However, glazed tiles are waterproof. And nearly all of the ceramic and porcelain flooring options are easy to clean and require virtually no maintenance.
But homeowners living in cooler climates may want to consider an alternate material. Ceramic does not hold heat exceptionally well, nor does porcelain. This means cooler floors throughout the day.
2. Waterproof Carpeting
Short-strand or looped carpeting is a fantastic option. Individuals seeking a fabric-based durable flooring are bound to enjoy this alternative. Ensuring that your preferred carpeting is waterproof will increase its longevity.
While many Berber carpets are naturally easy to clean and care for, not all are waterproof. Always check before purchasing. Low-pile, waterproof carpeting may be the best of both worlds for some.
Homeowners get to enjoy soft, comfy carpet, but without all the staining and musty mildew.
3. Vinyl Planks
Vinyl plank options like COREtec flooring are affordable and waterproof. They are also incredibly easy to install. Many types of vinyl plank flooring are designed to latch onto one another like elongated puzzle pieces.
This allows homeowners to quickly snap flooring pieces together into a single, solid floor. Unlike laminate, vinyl is naturally water-repellant and water-resistant, reducing the chances of mold or mildew growth. Vinyl flooring also tends to last longer than nearly any other type of semi-synthetic flooring.
4. Waterproof Laminate
Waterproof laminate comes in many styles and designs, but it remains one of the thinnest, most variable, and most affordable options.
Unfortunately, it is also one of the least durable options on this list. While waterproof laminate resists most scratching, scraping, and scuffing, it is prone to moisture damage.
Even laminates sprayed with waterproofing chemicals and substances can warp after exposure to water or liquid. Still, individuals living in warm, dry climates may benefit from using a waterproof laminate flooring. This option won’t break the bank, and there are thousands of color and design options from which to choose.
5. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is one of the most novel approached to durable, sustainable flooring. This type of flooring originates from the bark of a very peculiar oak tree. It is somewhat soft, pliant, and it absorbs energy and motion very well.
Cork is naturally anti-microbial and resistant to bacteria, though moisture can become a problem. Proper water sealing can prevent mold growth in cork flooring. However, individuals with children, pets, or heavy furniture may want to consider a different material.
This type of flooring is known to adapt to the weight of objects, resulting in occasionally dents and chips. Still, cork is one of the easiest flooring options to sand and refinish.
6. Hardwood Planks
Hardwood is a classic and trustworthy option, and a quality hardwood floor can last for generations. Though moisture is one of wood’s greatest enemies, a sealed hardwood floor that is correctly maintained will never warp. Still, out of all the flooring options, hardwood planks tend to be the most maintenance-heavy and expensive choices.
7. Stone Tiles
Stone acts very similarly to ceramic and porcelain, but it tends to be denser and heavier than either material. Also, it absorbs far less heat than comparable materials. Homeowners in warm, moist climates can benefit from using a stone floor. In addition to less household mildew and mold, stone floors can lower cooling costs.
Invest in the Best Durable Flooring Today
There are plenty of durable flooring options. Stone, porcelain, cork, vinyl, and even waterproof carpet are fantastic choices. The right one for you and your home depends on your preferences and budget. Style is also likely to play a large part in the final decision.
No matter which route you choose to take, you can rest easy knowing you’ve invested in a long-lasting, easy-to-clean, durable floor. You may even find that your home or property’s value increases after a durable flooring installation!
For more information about home decor and indoor living, check out our related articles today.
