The flooring is an important structural component of a house that provides a smooth, stable surface to walk. Poor-quality floors can get damaged while moving furniture or if someone accidentally drops a heavy object. The risk of scratches is also quite high if kids or pets play around the place. That’s why homeowners should invest in durable flooring options, especially for high-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, stairs, and living rooms.
Vinyl sheets
Vinyl is among the best flooring materials for heavy foot traffic. It is affordable and durable and does not require a lot of maintenance. Homeowners looking to change their flooring can choose vinyl sheets. These sheets are stuck on the surface using special adhesives and tools. They can be used anywhere in the house but are commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens as they can be easily washed.
An amazing benefit of vinyl sheets is that they can be customized to achieve different colors, designs, and finishes. This means buyers can select a floor that matches their home decor and furniture. For example, one can get vinyl sheets with black and white squares that resemble a giant chessboard on the floor.
Vinyl planks
Besides vinyl floor sheets, one can consider vinyl planks or tiles as a high-traffic area flooring solution. Vinyl planks look realistic, are easy to install, are extremely durable, and come at an affordable price. They are also thicker, more stable, and have more rigidity than vinyl sheets.
Vinyl planks have three layers: a design layer, a semi-flexible or rigid base layer, and a protective wear layer. Some also have a fourth layer that lowers the squeaking noises when someone walks on them and improves the underfoot feel. People looking for wear-resistant floors for busy spaces can compare vinyl planks or tiles with sheets to see what works better.
Ceramic tiles
Most busy households that need resilient floors will benefit from ceramic tiles. These tiles are made by shaping clay into squares, drying them, and then heating them in a kiln. They can be used in any part of the house, both indoors and outdoors.
One can also consider tiles made using porcelain, a type of ceramic. While porcelain has all the qualities of ceramic, it is more durable. This is because porcelain is made using finer clay and heated at higher temperatures. While both ceramic and porcelain are water-resistant, one should avoid using them in bathrooms or other wet rooms as they can get slippery.
Laminate planks
Laminate is a top-rated flooring for high-traffic zones. It generally has two layers: base and wear. The base layer is the main layer that gives laminite strength and stability. The wear layer is a transparent cover above the base, providing protection. This layer secures the floor against scratches from dog or cat claws, furniture movement, and kids playing with pointed toys.
Companies that manufacture floor laminates are constantly improving. These days, laminate floors come with an Abrasion Class rating that informs buyers about the scratch-resistance potential of the material. AC1 through AC5 is for moderate to heavy resistance. These ratings indicate that the flooring will hold well in heavy-traffic areas. If the area frequently gets wet or is subject to moisture, one might want to invest in waterproof laminate floors.
Hardwood floors
Solid hardwood is a long-lasting flooring choice for active homes made from a single piece of wood. While hardwood may get scratched, even the hardest kind, the scratches wouldn’t be visible due to the floor’s wood-like texture. In fact, scratches and gouges may add to the beauty and character of the floors. And if some scratches are hard to accept, they can be sanded and refinished with a sanding machine. After sanding, the floors can be stained and sealed to look brand new.
Another benefit of hardwood is that it can be scrubbed and washed. That said, one must use a minimum of water or just a damp cloth. Prolonged exposure to water can damage the surface and lead to swelling and warping.
Natural stone
Natural stone is a durable floor covering for commercial use in spaces like clubs and restaurants. It can also be used in a home’s patio or garden walkway. Natural stone can survive thousands of years outdoors while withstanding harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall and snow. It can also withstand the impact of heavy objects. Different types of natural stones exist, but marble is among the best for high-traffic rooms, known for its shine and luster.
Concrete
Like natural stone, concrete floors are more common in commercial and outdoor areas than in homes and offices. Concrete is popular because of its durability, low maintenance, and ease of customization. Concrete floors can also be stained to make the flooring appear more appealing. One drawback of concrete, however, is that the flooring might lack comfort. Homeowners can introduce area rugs or mats to combat this issue and make walking on the floor comfortable.
