What is the Most Durable Type of Flooring?

For those installing new flooring, a common question is, “What is the most durable type of flooring?”  And how can you blame them?  Installing new flooring can be an expensive and disruptive process.  You don’t want to be going through that struggle on a regular basis.  In this article we go from the least to the most durable types of flooring.

Carpet

Carpet has a great underfoot feel, warms up a room and comes in an endless variety of materials, patterns and prices.  But it isn’t the most durable type of flooring that you’re going to come across.  You can expect most carpet to last from 5 to 15 years before you’ll want to change it out.

Luxury Vinyl

Vinyl flooring took a huge step with the introduction of luxury vinyl.  Not only is it affordable, but it can mimic the look of almost any other type of flooring out there.  It also provides an incredibly comfortable underfoot feel.  Luxury vinyl is far more durable than its predecessor.  You can expect it to last from 10 to 20 years.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is an affordable way to present a hardwood look and feel without the hardwood price.  It also deals with moisture better than many types of solid and engineered hardwood.  Laminate flooring is usually good for 15 to 25 years.

Hardwood

If you can afford it, engineered and solid hardwoods are more durable and natural looking than most laminates.  They provide solid underfoot traction and have a timeless, enduring appeal.  If they get scratched or start to wear you can always sand and refinish them.  Hardwood flooring generally lasts 20 to 25 years.

Stone

Natural stone such as granite or marble provides an incredibly elegant look and feel.  It’s also naturally hard wearing, easy to clean and generally adds value to your property.  Properly maintained, stone flooring can be expected to last 50 to 100 years.

Tile

Tile is solid, hard wearing, waterproof and comes in a huge variety of colours, patterns and sizes.  If certain areas get damaged it’s possible to replace them without having to reinstall the entire floor.  Properly installed and maintained, high quality tile flooring can last 75 to 100 years.