Some floors get walked all over, figuratively and literally! That means some are bound to hold up better than others.
Entryways, kitchens and living rooms can never catch a break between foot traffic, spills, pet claws, dirt tracked in from outside and in Memphis, humidity can work against the wrong material over time. Choosing the right floor for these spaces goes beyond looks, it’s important to think about what will look good in two, five and ten years from now.
Let’s talk about what to look for and which materials are worth your money.
What Makes a Floor Good for High-Traffic Areas?
Before we discuss specific products, we should discuss the things that matter the most in busy spaces. Consider the following factors:
- Durability: The floor needs to stand up to constant foot traffic without showing scratches, dents or other signs of wear. A thick wear layer can do most of the work.
- Water and Stain Resistance: Entryways and kitchens often have to deal with spills, moisture tracked in from outside and other everyday messes. A floor that absorbs moisture will buckle, warp or stain over time.
- Low Maintenance: High-traffic floors get dirty faster. When they’re easy to clean, they look better long-term with minimal effort.
When shopping for flooring for the busiest areas of your home, you have to consider all of these factors. This makes choosing the right product easy.
The Best Flooring Options for High-Traffic Areas
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is a top choice for the busiest rooms in Memphis homes. This Luxury Vinyl flooring is equipped to deal with moisture, scratches and heavy use without issue.
When shopping for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in Memphis, take a look at the wear layer rating. Choose 20 mil or thicker for high-traffic spaces like living rooms, hallways and entryways, it will help your floor last longer.
Each plank has an image layer that looks like hardwood, the previously mentioned wear layer, a waterproof core and a strong backing. That said, avoid leaving standing water on the surface, it can work into the seams and damage the subfloor over time.
Laminate Flooring
Like its vinyl counterparts, laminate flooring looks like hardwood, but comes at a fraction of the cost. Made from compressed wood fibers and resin, it also has an image layer and a protective wear layer. It’s a good option for living rooms, hallways, bedrooms and other dry spaces.
Modern laminate floors have come a long way. Many products are water-resistant, meaning they can take a small splash or spill as long as you clean it up.
Why does laminate work? It’s budget-friendly, durable, easy to install and readily available. If you’re covering a large area and want to stretch your budget without losing that wood look, it’s worth it.
Engineered Hardwood
Want real hardwood in Memphis, TN that works in busy spaces? Engineered hardwood might be the right option for you. It’s made from a real wood veneer top that sits atop a layered plywood high-density fiberboard (HDF) core. Supported by a strong backing, its layered construction resists Memphis humidity and temperature swings better than its counterparts.
While it won’t stand up to moisture the same way as LVP, it’s still a solid choice for living rooms, dining rooms and hallways where foot traffic is a bigger concern than spills. Plus, hardwood can add real value to your home.
Choose this option for an authentic hardwood look and feel and better dimensional stability. Plus, its durable finish holds up to daily use.
Tips to Get the Most Out of High-Traffic Flooring
Yes, it’s important to choose and purchase the right flooring product. However, there are some additional things to keep in mind when you’re shopping. Consider the following:
- Match the Material to the Room: LVP and waterproof flooring options thrive in kitchens, entryways and laundry rooms. Meanwhile, engineered hardwood and laminate are better suited for living areas and hallways. Each room has its own set of demands.
- Pay Attention to Texture and Finish: Matte and low-gloss finishes hide everyday scuffs and dirt better than high-gloss surfaces. In hallways, a textured surface can improve grip underfoot when floors are wet.
- Go Neutral on Color: Lighter natural tones and warm grays are the best types of high-traffic flooring, they’re versatile, timeless and more forgiving when it comes to dirt and debris. Very dark floors show every piece of lint and every footprint.
- Clean Regularly, But Simply: Hard surface floors only need a dry dust mop or occasional damp mop with the right cleaner. Keep grit off the floor as fine debris can act like sandpaper on the surface over time.
- Don’t Skip Subfloor Prep: Installing high-traffic floors on a flat, stable, moisture-free subfloor is essential. It’s the best way to avoid problems. Prep work is just as important as the product itself.
If you follow these tips, your flooring will last even longer in the busiest areas of your home.
Ready to Find the Right Floor for Your Space?
What’s your next flooring project? Are you wanting to install LVP, laminate or engineered hardwood? Either way, King Flooring in Memphis has you covered. We carry a variety of high-traffic flooring options and will bring samples straight to your home.
Want to explore your options? We’re always here. Contact us to book a shop-at-home appointment today!
