What’s the Most Durable Flooring? (2024)

FAQs

What’s the Most Durable Flooring? ›

“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.

“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.

#1: Vinyl Plank (aka Luxury Vinyl)

Vinyl plank, luxury vinyl, LVT, LVP—whatever you call it, this type of flooring has become extremely popular in recent years, largely because of its durability. Vinyl plank is ideal for basem*nt flooring, kitchens, playrooms, or even mudroom flooring—wherever you can expect a mess!

There are different types of tile you can use for flooring, but ceramic and porcelain tend to be the most popular. These flooring materials are allergy-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making them an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basem*nts, and utility rooms.

Ceramic tile is your best bet if you're looking for the cheapest flooring option. It's durable, waterproof, and great for high-traffic areas, so you'll get excellent value.

Laminate flooring can be installed directly over hardwood, often with no preparation necessary. If your laminate has a built-in underlayer, you may install it right on top of the hardwood.

Vinyl flooring is probably the easiest to clean out of all the options listed here and also one of the easiest to maintain. Also known as Cushion Floor, vinyl flooring is available at a good price and can take plenty of wear over the years, which is why many will come with a 15 year warrantee.

Ultra-durable: SPC vinyl flooring is the toughest, most durable vinyl flooring option on the market. Realistic wood and stone looks: This flooring can mimic natural materials better than ever before. SPC looks are usually incredibly convincing and beautiful.

Laminate Flooring That Looks Like Wood

There are laminates today that you could easily mistake for wood. Easy to install via the click method, they are a great alternative to hardwood. They're priced really well, look great, and are super durable. They don't scratch or dent and are very easy to clean.

Neither type of flooring is better than the other across all categories. Vinyl flooring is best in high-moisture areas and it's easy to keep clean. Yet laminate flooring offers a wider variety of style choices and has a higher resale value.

What flooring adds the most value? ›

The more expensive flooring upgrades yield the highest returns and appeal most to homebuyers. And hardwood is the clear winner, followed by engineered hardwood and tile. Carpet and luxury vinyl tiles add comparable value, though vinyl is the cheapest option.

Durable and moisture-resistant choices like ceramic tile, porcelain tile, vinyl plank, linoleum, or engineered hardwood work best in the kitchen. Waterproof tile, vinyl, linoleum, and rubber floors are ideal for humid bathroom spaces. Plush or frieze carpeting helps provide a quiet, cozy bedroom environment.

The best time to buy flooring and get the best prices is in the off-season, between December and January. This is when you are likely to find the best clearance sale prices.

Laminate. If you have your heart set on the look of natural wood floors but prefer a more durable option, laminate is an excellent scratch-resistant choice. Laminate achieves the classic look of wood but with the added strength and other features of synthetic materials.

Since the kitchen is a high-traffic area, you need a durable flooring material that can withstand wear and tear. Consider materials like ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone, or hardwood floors that are strong enough to handle foot traffic and heavy furniture.

Lifespan. Thick, quality vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years, with thinner vinyl flooring's lifespan limited to less than 10 years. Laminate flooring can last between 15 and 25 years, though poorly maintained laminate may last only five to 10 years.

Hardwood flooring is better for appearance, lifespan and resale value. Laminate flooring is better for cost, ease of installation and comfort. Overall, hardwood flooring is considered to be better than laminate flooring since it is a complete floor material, not simply a floor covering. Hardwood is a premium material.

Engineered hardwood flooring provides a special mix of durability and style few other materials can offer. If you love the look of hardwood, engineered hardwood may be the best flooring for dogs in busy, high-traffic spaces.