Flooring in a home is often an afterthought until the time comes to replace damaged or tired areas. Finding the best flooring for high-traffic areas can save time, money and energy in the long run. Knowing what to look for when it comes to flooring options will not only improve the longevity of the areas that require extra attention, but will also keep the showroom of your home looking as pristine as the day it was finished.
Selecting flooring for high-traffic areas comes with an array of choices, from materials to colours. Carpet has been a favoured option for families for many years, chosen for its soft, comfortable feel and diverse colour palette. It also tends to be a scourge in areas that are prone to high foot traffic, with dirt and stains quickly becoming embedded in the fibres although newer, superior technologies are creating more stain-resistant carpeting. For people who prefer hard surfaces, consider tiles that offer both function and design. Tiles come in an array of colours, textures, and sizes, from small mosaic tiles to larger textured slabs for added design appeal.
For areas prone to spills and moisture, wood and laminate flooring may not be the best option as in these cases, water can seep underneath and damage the surrounding boards. Vinyl and cork tiles are excellent choices as they offer durability and resilience to liquids. Vinyl keeps water on its surface, where it remains until wiped away, while cork is naturally waterproof and easy to replace. Dirt and dust shouldn’t be an issue with either of these materials, as they do not absorb particles and can easily be swept or vacuumed away.
Ceramic or porcelain is also a great choice for high-traffic areas, offering improved durability and an array of stunning patterns and textures. Boasting a much longer lifespan than other flooring materials, inhabitants can expect to enjoy their floors for decades. Despite it being a hard material, it’s perfect for poured concrete, as the material absorbs sound, retaining an ambience of tranquillity and reducing common household noise throughout.
When selecting any flooring, the cost will always be a factor. Ardor, luxury vinyl tile and natural stone are all strong options. Not only are they cost-effective, but these materials are also both scratch and water-resistant. These provide a modern look and texture to homes and office spaces and require minimal maintenance to continue looking pristine. Lastly, bamboo flooring is a superb choice for those seeking resilience, durability and function. Melt-in-your-mouth, beautiful and lustrous looking, bamboo comes with the added benefit of hardness and low porosity, making it a great contender for areas that experience heavy foot traffic.
When looking to add flooring to a high-traffic area, the main considerations should be longevity, ease of cleaning, and materials that are resistant to wear and tear. Ultimately, the best home flooring options for high-traffic areas are those that offer a long lifespan and the right amount of durability to withstand the extra movement.
Picking up the best area rugs and mats that offer cushioned comfort and a layer of protection to existing floors can also be an extra layer of advantageous protection. From soft, vintage Persian rugs to tougher, industrial grade rubber mats, rugs and carpets can easily be changed around to add new texture and design to a room.
Rejuvenating or replacing your existing floors may seem like a difficult task, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it doesn’t need to be. If you’re unsure of what options are available and what the best choice might be based on your lifestyle and home design, why not take advantage of professional advice. With a wealth of industry experience to draw on, specialists are well placed to provide solutions that offer lasting beauty and function to your high-traffic areas.
Look for flooring that offers easy cleaning and requires minimal maintenance to keep looking its best. Stone, laminate, tile and vinyl all provide easy installation and care, and with the right type of flooring and specialist advice, you can rest easy knowing your floors are going to last.
In addition, find out how to enhance the longevity of your new floors with protective cleaning solutions and guidelines from your manufacturer or professional flooring installer. To make sure your floors are well suited to your home, consider experimenting with different colours and patterns that matches your personality and style.
To create the perfect look, mix different textures, have visual breaks between rooms for delineation and use noise-reducing flooring in loud spaces. Try to keep a consistent flow between rooms, even if you choose to change the flooring. With the right imagination and installation, you’ll have a showroom-perfect home before you know it.