Flooring choices are endless, and it can be difficult to select the proper flooring for your busy family. From different textures, materials, durability and maintenance needs, where does one start when selecting the perfect flooring for their busy and active family?
To assist you in selecting the best flooring for your family, we’ve outlined key factors to consider when comparing different types of flooring. In addition, we’ve put together a list of four family-friendly flooring options to explore. Don’t worry, style does not have to be sacrificed!
Factors to Consider
Taking your lifestyle into account will make the difference between loving your floors for the next five years or next fifty years.
The Number of People in Your Home
The best floors for a two-person household probably won’t be the best option for a family of 5 with pets. This will increase the foot traffic in your home and will be important when considering flooring for those already high-traffic areas of the home like kitchens, hallways and entranceways.
Maybe you don’t have many people in your household, but you enjoy hosting and entertaining. Or perhaps your home is the go-to hangout spot for your child’s hockey team. These are things that should be taken into consideration when you are looking for a flooring to suit your needs. The thought of kids playing floor hockey on your beautiful hardwood floors— Yikes! A rigid core luxury vinyl that is durable yet soft underfoot would be a better option to withstand wear and tear and provide you some peace of mind.
Children
Our first thought when we think of a busy household, we think about children. Is there an entranceway to your home that experiences high foot-traffic? Are kids running in and out of the house? If so, this area will require more maintenance and frequent cleaning due to the dirt and debris being tracked inside. Flooring with a thicker wear layer is better equipped to handle frequent cleaning and resist damage from dirt. Do you have a kitchen or dining room where spills and accidents happen? Water-resistant easy-to-clean flooring would be your best option.
Pets
We can’t forget about our furry family members! While we adore them, they can unintentionally cause damage to your floors if not properly considered. Their nails can scratch the floor, pet hair requires regular cleaning, and they can track dirt inside from the outdoors. A durable, scratch-resistant flooring is a must for pet owners. You’ll also want to avoid smooth finishes. A textured finish will help hide the everyday wear and tear caused by animals. By choosing a flooring colour that closely matches your dog’s fur, you can minimize the visibility of shedding, helping your floors maintain a cleaner appearance between vacuuming or sweeping sessions. This consideration is particularly valuable in high-traffic areas where your pet spends a lot of time.
Level of Maintenance
The level of maintenance required for different flooring types can vary significantly, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your lifestyle and time availability. For example:
- Hardwood floors are prized for their natural beauty but require regular sweeping, occasional refinishing, and protection from moisture to maintain their appearance.
- Laminate flooring offers a more durable and low-maintenance alternative, resisting scratches and stains, though it can’t be refinished if damaged.
- Tile flooring is highly durable and easy to clean, but grout lines may require periodic sealing and scrubbing to prevent discoloration.
- Vinyl flooring, particularly luxury vinyl, is another low-maintenance option that’s resistant to water and easy to clean, making it ideal for busy households.
- Carpets, while comfortable and warm, demand frequent vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning to remove dirt and allergens.
Understanding the maintenance needs of each flooring type will help you choose one that not only suits your aesthetic preferences but also fits your lifestyle and upkeep capabilities.
Moisture Prone and High-Traffic Areas
Luxury vinyl and sheet vinyl are both excellent flooring choices for moisture-prone, high-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. These materials are designed to be highly water-resistant, making them perfect for spaces where spills and humidity are common. Luxury vinyl offers the added benefit of mimicking the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone, providing a stylish look without the worry of water damage. It’s also incredibly durable, able to withstand the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic, pets, and daily use. Sheet vinyl, on the other hand, is seamless, which means there are no gaps where water can seep through, making it an ideal option for areas with high moisture levels. Both types of vinyl are easy to clean and maintain, making them practical and long-lasting solutions for busy households.
Carpet
Carpet is probably the most popular of our four types of family friendly flooring.
It’s always a popular choice for busy families because it is affordable and perfect for any room in the home, especially children’s rooms and playrooms.
Although carpet is soft, comfortable and durable, some maintenance is required to keep it in pristine condition. Carpet doesn’t stand up as well as other flooring types in high-traffic areas, so it is recommended mainly for low to medium traffic areas.
If regular maintenance is not something that interests you, but the idea of carpet still does, consider carpet tiles. No longer just for commercial spaces, carpet tiles have become a popular alternative to carpet over the past decade. This is due to its durability, resistance to staining and wear and tear.
Another benefit of carpet tiles is that you don’t have to replace the entire floor if one area gets damaged. Simply replace the individual carpet tile. We recommend keeping a few extra carpet tiles for exactly these situations.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a great family-friendly choice because it offers a perfect blend of durability, affordability, and style. It’s designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of an active household, including scratches, dents, and spills, making it ideal for families with children and pets. Laminate is also easy to clean and maintain, which is essential for busy families. Additionally, it comes in a wide range of designs that can mimic the look of hardwood, stone, or tile, allowing you to achieve the aesthetic you want without the high cost or upkeep. Overall, laminate provides a practical, stylish, and budget-friendly flooring solution for family homes.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is an excellent family-friendly flooring choice due to its exceptional durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. Designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, LVP is perfect for busy households with children and pets. Its waterproof properties make it ideal for areas prone to spills, like kitchens and bathrooms, while its scratch-resistant surface helps it stay looking new even with daily use. Additionally, LVP offers the aesthetic appeal of hardwood without the associated maintenance, allowing families to enjoy a stylish, practical, and cost-effective flooring option that stands up to the demands of an active household. For these reasons, Luxury Vinyl is one of our four types of family friendly flooring.
Cork
Cork flooring is a family-friendly choice as it provides a comfortable, cushioned surface that’s gentle underfoot, making it ideal for homes with young children who spend time playing on the floor. Its natural warmth and insulation properties help maintain a cozy indoor environment, while its noise-reducing qualities minimize the sound of footsteps, creating a quieter home. Cork is also hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, mildew, and pests, contributing to a healthier living space. Additionally, cork is durable and has a natural resilience that allows it to recover from minor dents and impacts, making it a practical and eco-friendly option for active families.
Conclusion
Choosing the right flooring for your family home is crucial, as it impacts both the comfort and functionality of your living space. The ideal flooring should balance durability, style, and ease of maintenance, especially in a household with children, pets, and high-traffic areas. With options like carpet, laminate, luxury vinyl, and cork, you can find a solution that suits your family’s lifestyle, withstands daily wear and tear, and complements your home’s aesthetic. By carefully considering factors such as moisture resistance, comfort underfoot, and overall durability, you can select a flooring option that enhances your home’s beauty while meeting the practical needs of your busy household.
Originally published Aug 23rd, 2018 | Updated August 20th, 2024
