The winter season can be harsh on your home. From extra visitors to icy weather, holiday parties and festive gatherings, your floors need to stand up to a lot.
If you’re the house that likes to host, make sure your floors are looking their best this holiday season. Whether that means showing them a little love, or doing a full out renovation, check out our recommendations for the longest lasting, most durable flooring that are perfect for people who like to host.
Laminate
Laminate floors are a great choice that combines the look of traditional hardwood with the affordability of an engineered product. While laminate is still susceptible to damage from water and moisture, it is a good choice for kitchens and living areas. These days, modern planks are coated in a transparent wear layer that makes them more resistant to scratches and dings. Checking the Abrasion Class listing on the product can tell you where they fall withing the range. It can run from moderate resistance, AC1 to highly durable at AC5.
Porcelain and Ceramic
Both of these options present a strong selection for high-traffic areas. If your home is in a place where winter snow and sleet make an appearance, ceramic and porcelain tiles are totally water resistant. Sealing grout can also prevent staining and chipping between tiles. In most cases, they are affordable and easy to source as well. If tile has one downfall, it is a susceptibility to impact damage. So, while everyday wear and tear will likely do nothing to hurt the look of your floors, a dropped jar or serving platter could crack its façade. Also watch for moisture leakage under tiles, which can contribute to lifting.
Vinyl
Vinyl has come a long way over the past decade with a wide range of colors, prints and patterns to fit any home. It is totally waterproof and moisture resistant and easily changed out if damage occurs. It is great for mudrooms, entry ways and bath areas, and can make a statement in the kitchen. It has a high rating for resistance to foot traffic, important for parties and
Solid or Engineered Hardwood
Although hardwood floors can have a reputation for being delicate, with proper care and maintenance they can stay looking great for decades. Scratches, dents, and discoloration can all be removed with a little elbow grease, while deeper damage, can be replaced, sanded, and stained to match. A good thing about both hardwood and engineered planks is their ability to be refinished. If choosing a renewable material, they can be a green choice as well. For hardwood, prevention can go a long way. Ask guests to wipe their feet, remove shoes when necessary and make sure caps on high heels are intact.
Stone
For a more natural look, stone tiles can be used to great effect and can add an organic feel to a room. Stone comes in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes from mirror ball shine to flat matte. While stone might be known for its long-lasting durability, you may be surprised at how quickly it can wear down. Take care when choosing slate or marble for high-traffic areas, and keep in mind the slipping factor in wet areas.
Concrete
Concrete floors are a modern take on the classic “stone look” and can be just as cozy in the home as they are in a trendy restaurant of office space. As expected, concrete is probably the most durable flooring, resistant to moisture and heat and can be customized with a variety of stains, stamps, and finishes. For a luxury feel, invest in under floor heating that can be added before the slab is poured.
