How to Choose Flooring that Can Survive Summer Entertaining and Beyond
Summer is finally here. It’s time for gathering, hosting and enjoying the season — which means more foot traffic in your home. To make your summer days carefree with less time spent on home maintenance, it’s important to think about your flooring. If replacing your home’s flooring is on your to-do list, consider the performance features of various flooring products before you commit. Doing your homework can help you select flooring that’s the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
Which Flooring Delivers the Best Performance?
When investing in new flooring products for your home, you want to choose a product that will stand the test of time. To find a product with the best durability and performance, first, consider your living environment. For example, if you have a large family with pets and a pool in the backyard, your level of activity is much different than a couple living in a home with an attached deck or sunroom as their outdoor living area. Be realistic: Weigh your living environment and lifestyle as part of the floor selection equation.
After you factor in lifestyle and budget, look at product performance features as you weigh your options.
The Truth about Hardwood
If you feel that hardwood flooring is a must, look into an engineered hardwood product for enhanced durability. Engineered hardwoods have a plywood or composite base with a genuine layer of hardwood on the surface – many of which are thick enough to be sanded and refinished as many times as a ¾” solid hardwood. Unlike solid hardwood, these engineered wood products will remain more stable in environments subject to higher levels of moisture and/or humidity so they work well near exterior doors and in kitchens.
Many engineered hardwood products are available in a textured or hand-scraped surface, making them ideal for hiding scuffs and dings. For high-traffic areas, the imperfect or natural profile of the product makes every day wear and tear much less of an issue.
PRO TIP: All types of hardwood flooring require diligent environmental control. For warranty purposes and top performance, maintain 35° to 55° relative humidity in the home with ideal temperatures at 60° to 75°.
The Benefits of Porcelain Tile
When installed correctly, porcelain tile is the most durable home flooring option. It’s not affected by moisture or humidity and is also waterproof. Porcelain tiles are a versatile choice, too. They’re available in a variety of different finish options – from patterns and faux stone to hardwood finishes.
Tile is ideal for areas where dirt gets tracked into the home, such as entryways and thresholds. But bear in mind that smooth porcelain tile does not offer slip resistance, so it can be slick when wet. If you’re using the product in a wet–feet zone in your home, choose a tile with a textured finish to improve safety.
Why Choose Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl tile or planking is another high-durability flooring option that’s waterproof, making it perfect for areas of the home with a more constant presence of moisture and higher levels of humidity. In many cases, these rugged vinyl products carry a commercial warranty, which underscores their ability to stand up in high-traffic areas.
The most moderately priced out of flooring options, luxury vinyl products also offer the most realistic faux surfaces – think hardwood or stone – with textured surfaces for slip resistance.
Blend Flooring Materials for a Custom Fit
With so many excellent flooring product options, it’s easy to make your space work based on your style preference and lifestyle. Use hardwood or carpet throughout your main living space, and then create an inlay of tile or vinyl plank for a low-maintenance landing area to manage muddy or wet feet. More than just functional, these spaces can also be used as design elements or focal points.
The Secret to Successful Flooring Installation
Your flooring is only as good as your installation. At Dover Tile and Flooring Center, we have so many beautiful products displayed in our showroom, but choosing the right flooring product is only half of the equation. For maximum performance and durability, professional installation is recommended.
If you’re in the market for new flooring, stop by Dover’s retail showroom. We’re here when you need us. The Dover Floor & Tile Center team can help you every step of the way – from product selection through professional installation in your home, so all you need to do is enjoy your new floor.
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