Choosing flooring that can withstand the active lifestyle of kids and pets is a must for any family. Fortunately, there are plenty of durable flooring options that will not only stand up to scratches and spills but also enhance the overall resale value of your home.

Laminate is a budget friendly option that offers enhanced durability with scratch protection and water resistance.

Laminate

Laminate has been gracing homes and offices since its debut, delivering the dreams of an authentic hardwood, natural stone or stunning tile aesthetic within a resilient and affordable floor. While wood and carpet may be prone to scratching and staining, laminate resists both of these issues and is easy to clean. Just like Laminate, epoxy is relatively cheap, durable and safe. It’s a smart option for active families that require a versatile flooring material that is resistant to everyday wear and tear, while providing a safe environment for children to play.

It is also a great choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms. Waterproof laminate is available and can handle the moisture and humidity of a bathroom, making it a great alternative to traditional tile or vinyl.

A variety of laminate styles are on the market, with the most popular being wood-look options. Whether you’re seeking the look of traditional oak, maple, hickory or other exotic hardwood, laminate has evolved and is now made to look more realistic. Detailed visuals and texture, along with enhanced color nuances, make laminate floors nearly indistinguishable from real wood. Added benefits of laminate floors include sound-absorbing properties, which help to keep rooms quieter and more peaceful, as well as a tough protective layer that helps resist scuffs, scratches and stains.

Durable laminate floors are also DIY friendly, with interlocking edges that click together easily. It is important to choose a quality laminate flooring with a high AC rating (for abrasion criteria), and a thick core that will hold up against impact. Look for brands that offer a warranty and product support to ensure long-term performance.

Unlike other flooring materials, laminate can be refinished if needed, preserving its beauty for years to come. As a result, it can increase resale value for homeowners who are planning to sell their home in the future. However, it’s essential to note that the resale value of your laminate flooring will also depend on proper installation and dedicated maintenance.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP is a favorite among families looking for style and durability at an affordable price. It’s also an eco-friendly flooring option. It’s made of recyclable materials and contains no harmful chemicals. It can be installed in high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements without worry because it’s waterproof. Unlike solid hardwood floors, which are susceptible to water damage, luxury vinyl plank can be wiped clean and doesn’t need to be refinished as often.

A popular choice for modern homes, it comes in a wide range of designs and colors to complement any home design. It can mimic the look of natural wood or stone but at a fraction of the cost. It’s also extremely durable and can resist scratches, scuffs, dents, and chips, making it perfect for active households.

In addition to its durable wear layer, LVP also has a back layer that provides strength and stability. It can be click-locked or glued down to a level subfloor. The top layers, or photo or design layer, are printed with a pattern and color, traditionally mimicking wood or stone. It’s important to choose a quality product with a thicker wear layer, as this will make it more resistant to scuffing and scratching.

The middle layer is the PVC core that makes up the bulk of the product and helps it stand up to heavy furniture and other appliances. The back layer is also the waterproofing layer, keeping moisture from seeping through to the subfloor and causing warp or swell.

Rigid core vinyl plank is another variation on the waterproof floor and can be either WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) or SPC (Stone-Polymer Core). It’s more durable than flex or soft-core products and usually looks and feels much more like traditional hardwood floors. It’s often made with a higher-density base and can be laminated to create a solid surface that can withstand abrasions.

Both rigid core and soft-core vinyl plank offer a beautiful, stylish look that’s perfect for any home decor. They are easy to maintain with regular sweeping and the occasional deep cleaning. They’re also durable enough for high-traffic areas, and can easily withstand the abuse of active families and excitable pets.

Hardwood

While carpet may snag, stain, or fade over time, hardwood floors will stand the test of many years with kids and pets. Hardwood is a beautiful option that adds warmth and character to a home while also standing up well to the chaos of daily life. Its natural grain patterns are easy to wipe clean and provide a protective barrier against nicks, scratches, and general wear and tear.

When it comes to the best wood flooring for active families, choose a species with a high Janka rating for maximum durability. Domestic oak, maple, and hickory are some of the toughest options, while exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry or tigerwood offer even more strength.

Engineered wood floors are another great option for families that want the look of traditional hardwood but need a more durable floor. These types of floors use a real wood veneer over an engineered substrate to increase the strength of the flooring while making it more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. This type of flooring is available in a variety of wood species and styles so you can find the perfect look for your home.

If you are a fan of the look of hardwood but are concerned about the cost, consider a budget-friendly laminate option. Laminate has come a long way since it first became popular and now offers an impressive array of authentic wood-looks. In fact, some manufacturers have even developed laminate styles that are virtually indistinguishable from hardwood at a glance.

For a more sustainable flooring option, consider bamboo. This eco-friendly option is made from compressed shredded bamboo fibers under extreme heat and pressure, resulting in strong, durable floors that are twice as hard as oak. If you prefer a more rustic look, try Natural Australian Cypress wood which has an interesting color palette with honey and cream tones punctuated by dark knots. This floor is also incredibly tough and comes with a manufacturer-backed lifetime warranty.

Stone

With a little care, stone floors can withstand the rigors of kids and pets for years to come. With a wide variety of styles and textures, this durable flooring material is ideal for families. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional or rustic, stone is a timeless flooring option that will add elegance to any room in the house. It is also resistant to moisture and easy to clean, making it a great choice for active households with children.

The type of stone you choose will determine how well it stands up to foot traffic and other environmental influences, but there are many options to suit any taste and budget. Granite tiles, for instance, are a top pick for high-traffic areas because of their durability and ability to resist stains and scratches. They are also not susceptible to corrosive damage from acidic cleaning solutions. Limestone is another stone that’s suitable for high-traffic areas, with its natural earthen appearance and varying grain patterns. It can be sanded for a smooth surface or machine-tumbled for an aged look. However, limestone is somewhat porous and will need to be sealed regularly, especially in rooms where acidic liquids might spill.

Travertine is a more affordable stone tile that’s still very durable and comes in a range of warm finishes, unique textures and lovely shades. It’s a good choice for bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms in the home, and it can be found at any price point. Like its cousin, limestone, travertine is also somewhat porous and should be sealed regularly.