Any parent will tell you, every child comes with unique demands and preferences. That can also be said for the demands they place on home décor, and flooring in particular. When it comes to kid-friendly flooring, families often try to strike a balance between comfort and durability, something forgiving for those unexpected slips and falls, but durable enough to handle the wear-and-tear kids naturally bring to the table.
The great news is that you have many high-quality options when it comes to kid-friendly floors. Here are some popular options families love, along with a few tips for how you should go about choosing the right one for your home.
Before you choose a kid-friendly floor, it’s important to assess your family’s needs. Some things to consider:
Little ones usually love a fresh, new carpet for the many soft landings it offers, especially those kids who love to wrestle, play, and roughhouse. The great news is that many of today’s plush carpets are also tough enough to handle heavy use, making it the perfect nursery or playroom flooring for your little one.
The health of your children is another thing to consider. You can also find hypoallergenic and odor-neutralizing offerings as well, such as HOME Fresh. It doesn’t trap dirt, is mold and mildew resistant, contains no VOC’s, and is 100% recyclable!
The most popular flooring choice today in pretty much every area of the home, vinyl plank flooring mimics the look of real hardwood, but is softer under the feet and very low maintenance.
A number of vinyl plank products are also built with cork or rubber backings that help block out noise. Vinyl plank, in general, laughs off large spills – there are also 100% waterproof varieties – and it’s great for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Vinyl plank flooring also tends to be more affordable than real hardwood, and if you’re little ones love to play with pets, it handles a dog or cat’s nails well. As far as maintenance, simple sweeps and an occasional damp mop and you’re done!
One of the most cost-friendly options out there, today’s wood laminate comes in a variety of attractive natural wood looks. Families love how quick and easy installation crews can re-make a space, and laminate is also great for those with allergies who need to keep dust and dander at bay.
Super low maintenance, wood laminate comes in a variety of plank widths, is very scratch and fade resistant, and considered by many as one of the best for high-traffic areas. You’ll also find 100% waterproof options, so it can handle juice spills and the splashes that come with bath times. If you’re looking for something that looks just like natural hardwood but is a lot easier to maintain, laminate may be for you.
Not too sold on wood looks and want to shoot for the real deal? No worries! Hardwood flooring can still be a suitable option for a household with kids.
Engineered hardwood’s layered construction gives it a strong durability and higher water and moisture resistance than solid hardwood.
However, solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and offers plenty of durability, too. The biggest plus about this choice is that when your kiddos have been too rough over the years, you can refinish it for a fresh look that doesn’t require completely new floors.
If you don’t mind a little extra maintenance for something that’s designed to last for many years and age with character along with your family, hardwood might be for you!
Combine the beauty of natural stone or wood looks with durability in today’s vinyl tile. With the emergence of improvements in different types of vinyl products, vinyl tile is no longer viewed as an old-school option.
Today’s vinyl tiles are water and stain-resistant, and excellent for busy areas. They offer a contemporary look and some are even installed with grout lines to look like real ceramic or porcelain tiles. Vinyl tile is also a warmer, softer floor than traditional porcelain or ceramic tile. Many people comment on how great it feels under their feet. At the same time, it resists scuffs, stains, and moisture and wipes up super easily!
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also popular for families because these surfaces are, hands down, the hardest out there, which means it takes a lot to stain or damage them.
The trade-off, however, is in how hard these surfaces really are. Little ones should be careful about slips and falls on these slick surfaces. And while they’re cool in the winter, some families also appreciate how cool the surface feels in the summer, too!
If your kids are older and durability is the top priority, porcelain and ceramic tiles offer unmatched scratch, stain and moisture resistance. They likely won’t scuff or dent, and an occasional sweep or mop keeps them looking great for years to come.
As we said, when it comes to kid-friendly floors, you’re always weighing comfort and durability. Let a professional help you decide. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to find the perfect kid-friendly floor today!
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