We often mention how certain flooring products are better suited for busy households, but what exactly does that mean? We’ve put together everything you need to know to help you understand what it means so you can find the perfect flooring for your busy home.
Taking your lifestyle into account will make the difference between loving your floors for the next five years or next fifty years.
What You Need to Consider
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 suited to withstand repetitive cleaning and damage caused by dirt. Do you have a kitchen or dining room where spills and accidents happen? Waterproof easy-to-clean flooring would be your best option.
Pets
Our furry family members need to be considered too! While we can’t help but love them, they can cause damage to your floors if not careful. 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.
Level of Maintenance
Do you regularly clean your floors like clockwork? If so, a higher-maintenance flooring may work for you. If you find it difficult to find the time to clean your floors, a low maintenance floor is your best bet. Even if you do clean your floors regularly you may not want to. Either way, the level of maintenance a floor requires may be an important factor for you to consider.
Moisture Prone and High-Traffic Areas
Is the flooring being installed in a bathroom, kitchen or laundry room? If so, you may want to consider waterproof options. For high-traffic areas, a durable vinyl or tile with a resilient finish would be perfect. They are designed to withstand frequent traffic while staying looking beautiful for years to come.
