For most people, part of selecting the perfect floor for your home is making sure it lasts. Durable flooring is important! Maybe your family is large, you have children, or pets. Maybe you want a floor that you will not have to worry about replacing often, or one that will not scratch. There is a lot to consider. Here is more information on the most durable floors out there.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

One of the best things about hardwood is that it can almost always be restored to mint condition. Hardwood can be sanded repeatedly in part because they are dense which gives them durability and strength. Additionally, hardwood is easy to clean. Typically, sweeping and a quick mop will keep the floor looking lovely for years to come.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered wood flooring lasts as long as its thin veneer top lasts. The thin veneer on engineered wood will scratch just as much as solid hardwood, but it cannot be sanded as frequently. Best advice here: use plenty of throw rugs, area rugs, and runners and reconsider using this flooring if you have or plan to have pets.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Ceramic and porcelain is certainly durable and will not be damaged by things like spills or scratches. With good installation and after being properly grouted, these tiles are resistant to moisture and will not crack. The only downside to the durability of ceramic and porcelain may be that it is too hard! A dropped glass will likely break if dropped on these tiles.

Laminate

Laminate is getting more durable as manufacturers improve laminate's wear layer and base. In fact, that top layer can be amazingly resistant to scratches from dog claws and chairs being pushed in and out. However, the moment the dishwasher leaks, a large portion of your kitchen floor is ruined. Moisture is laminates Achilles heel, which makes this less durable than other materials.

Vinyl

If properly maintained and installed, vinyl can last ten to twenty years. However, the quality of the material you purchase will determine that. One advantage of using vinyl tiles is that individual pieces can be easily replaced when they are damaged.