From grit-covered shoes and pet claws to heavy furniture and exposure to the elements, floors endure a lot of abuse. Here, based on CR’s robust tests, are the top flooring materials that hold up best to foot traffic and other abrasions.
Bamboo floors, made from a type of grass, are surprisingly durable. The key to their sky-high durability lies in stalk placement, adhesives, and the quality of the bamboo itself.
1. Natural Stone
Stone floors stand up to heavy traffic and withstand years of use. They look good, are comfortable underfoot and are a good choice for households with children and pets.
They don’t trap dust, dirt or allergens and are easy to clean, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Their hard surface also prevents bacterial growth, which is great for keeping a hygienic environment in your home.
Natural stone comes in a wide array of colors, styles and sizes. It’s a beautiful, durable flooring material that adds a luxurious, one-of-a-kind look to your home. Each slab of stone is unique, displaying the influences of geological processes throughout history on its texture, markings and color. Choose a variety that best suits your design goals and complements your existing decor.
2. Cork
Cork floors offer a stylish and sustainable alternative to hardwood or laminate flooring. This natural material comes from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber). It’s a renewable resource that can be harvested without damaging the tree, and it regenerates in 9 to 10 years.
Cork offers a cushiony feel underfoot and insulating properties for temperature and sound. It also has good impact resistance.
The only drawback to this durable floor is that it needs to be resealed periodically, especially if you have pets or young children who play on the floor. Other than that, cork is a great choice for homeowners who want a hardwood look. Many WE Cork brands are available in both glue-down tiles and click-together planks, and all of them are rated for residential and light commercial use. Some are even compatible with radiant heat.
3. Linoleum
The precursor to vinyl, linoleum has seen a revival in popularity due to its sustainable appeal and retro style. Made of renewable natural ingredients, such as linseed oil, jute, cork, and pine rosins, it can be found in glue-down tiles or sheets.
Linoleum floors are water resistant and can handle heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear. It’s also non-toxic and eco-friendly.
It has a warm, soft feel underfoot and resists fading from sunlight. However, it does need to be resealed with liquid wax on occasion. It can be DIY installed, but it requires a lot of experience and the right tools to make sure the seams are properly sealed.
4. Vinyl
The most durable flooring materials withstand heavy foot traffic and heavy wear. They also hold up well against abrasions, pets, and children.
Vinyl is an extremely durable material, able to withstand harsh wear and tear without fading or chipping. Its closed-cell structure resists heat, stains, scratching, and even moisture damage.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and vinyl plank flooring are the most durable forms of this material. They are often indistinguishable from hardwood and stone and offer a range of patterns and colors.
Laminate is another budget-friendly option that combines durability with affordability. Laminates typically feature a high-density fiberboard or plywood core, a realistic image layer, and a protective wear layer. Some laminates are even water resistant. This makes them a good choice for areas prone to moisture.
5. Engineered Hardwood
From muddy shoes and pet claws to moving furniture, your floors take a beating. That’s why it’s so important to choose a material that can stand up to the test of time.
Engineered hardwood is a great option for those wanting the look of natural wood, but with added durability. This type of flooring combines a layer of real wood over a core of plywood. You can find it in a variety of species, including oak (which comes in red, white and French varieties), hickory or birch.
Some engineered hardwoods can be glued down, while others are meant to be floated. To increase their durability, you should select one with a harder wear layer and plywood that is rated marine grade or WBP (Weather & Boil Proof). This will help prevent your floor from de-laminating. Additionally, look for a finish that is scratch resistant and can be refinished when needed.
6. Bamboo
Bamboo is a tough plant that can withstand a lot of damage. Its durability is enhanced by its fast growth rate and ability to re-grow quickly. Bamboo floors are also sustainable and are made from a material that can be harvested without harming the plant.
Manufacturers produce three different types of bamboo flooring: horizontal, vertical and strand woven. Horizontal bamboo strips are layered and glued together with the skin side facing up, revealing the nodes or “knuckles” for a classic look. It is available in natural and carbonized color finishes.
A bamboo floor’s hardness depends on its production method. Strand woven bamboo has a Janka hardness score that is higher than most regular hardwood floors and ranks much higher than even some exotic species of wood. Look for a bamboo floor that is certified GREENGUARD and does not contain urea-based adhesive resins, which off-gas formaldehyde.
7. Laminate
Laminate resembles stone and wood, but its core layer is dense fiberboard with a photographic image layer and a clear plastic protective top. It can stand up to heavy foot traffic and spills, and is moisture-resistant. Foam or felt underlayment resides between the laminate and subfloor, muting noise and protecting against moisture.
While ceramic and porcelain tile look gorgeous, they’re vulnerable to cracking if dropped or subjected to moisture. They can also be scratched, but mild scratches add character to a room and are easy to repair.
Solid wood floors add value and beauty to a home, but they’re prone to damage from heavy foot traffic and pets. When choosing a hardwood, opt for an AC, or Abrasion Class, rating of at least AC4. Look for brands that combine a solid wood base and protective layer with natural wood veneers.
8. Porcelain Tile
Tile floors have a reputation for being fragile, but they are actually incredibly tough and durable. They are highly moisture-resistant and hold up well to most spills, scratches, stains, discoloration, and other damage.
Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic that is baked at higher temperatures for longer periods than standard ceramics, making them more dense and resistant to wear. They also offer more design flexibility than standard ceramic tiles with glazed and textured options that mimic wood, stone, bamboo, and other natural materials.
Additionally, unlike carpets and other soft flooring, porcelain tile floors do not retain dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens, improving indoor air quality and respiratory health. This makes them a great choice for homes with children and pets. They are also available in a wide variety of colors and styles to match any decor.
9. Hardwood
Many homeowners prefer the look and durability of hardwood floors. However, unlike the epoxy Flooring in San Antonio, this flooring material can scratch and stain easily, according to Consumer Reports. Moreover, darker wood colors can show dirt and scrapes more readily.
Oak hardwood flooring is a popular choice because it holds up well against foot traffic and is available in various shades, including red oak and white oak. This type of hardwood is also known for its grain pattern, which hides scratches well.
Another hardy hardwood is hickory, which has a rugged appearance and can handle high traffic. If you want a more refined look, consider domestic ash hardwood. This durable hardwood is similar to oak and maple but has a lighter shade with fine graining. It also withstands moisture better than pine. This hardwood can be sanded and refinished as needed.
10. Concrete
From scuffs and scratches to pet claws, heavy furniture and moisture, your floors take a beating every day. You need flooring that can hold up to these harsh conditions and look great while doing so.
Concrete floors were once reserved for industrial homes and commercial spaces, but they are quickly gaining popularity in residential settings. You can stain them any color or finish and they are easy to clean and durable. While they may feel cold to walk on without radiant heating or mats and rugs, you can offset this with area rugs that also dampen sound.
Tile flooring is a popular option for moisture-prone rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. It is also very durable and water-resistant, making it a great choice for high traffic areas. Choose glazed ceramic tiles to ensure they are scuff and scratch-resistant, too.