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blog banner: Which popular flooring choice is the most durable

Choosing the Right Flooring: Durability, Cost, and Best Uses in Your Home

Selecting the perfect flooring for your home involves balancing cost, durability, and the specific needs of each room. Whether you’re considering carpet, laminate, vinyl, Stone Plastic Composite (SPC), or Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), this guide will help you make an informed choice by breaking down the advantages and challenges of each option.

 

Free Underlay with Easipay's Pay Weekly Flooring Scheme to increase the durability of your flooring

Understanding Flooring Durability and Maintenance

Durability is crucial for ensuring that your flooring withstands the test of time, especially in homes with pets and young children. Here’s how each flooring type holds up under stress, where it might falter, and what you can do to keep it in top shape:

Carpet: Comfort and Cosiness For Quiet Spaces

Ideal for: Bedrooms and Living Rooms

  • Durability: Medium. Carpet is prone to wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. It can also be susceptible to stains and fading.
  • Common Issues: Stains from spills and wear from furniture movement.
  • Maintenance Tips: Regular vacuuming and professional cleaning can manage most issues. Using area rugs can help reduce wear in high-traffic zones.
  • Cost: Varies widely based on material and style, from affordable to premium options.
 

Laminate: Affordable Hardwood Alternative

Ideal for: Kitchens, Dining Rooms

  • Durability: High. Resistant to scratches, dents, and stains due to a protective top layer.
  • Common Issues: Swelling from moisture under the planks; damage from heavy impacts.
  • Maintenance Tips: Avoid prolonged exposure to water; use protective pads under heavy furniture.
  • Cost: Generally affordable, offering a middle-ground price point between vinyl and hardwood.

Vinyl: Versatile and Water Resistant

Ideal for: Bathrooms, Basements

  • Durability: Medium to High. Good resistance to moisture and staining.
  • Common Issues: Can be punctured by sharp objects; potential for fading in direct sunlight.
  • Maintenance Tips: Regular cleaning and avoiding sharp impacts can preserve its appearance.
  • Cost: Budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for areas where moisture is common.

Stone Plastic Composite (SPC): Tough and Reliable

Ideal for: Any room, especially those requiring robust flooring

  • Durability: Very High. The combination of natural stone and PVC provides immense resistance to scratches, dents, and stains.
  • Common Issues: Requires a perfectly flat subfloor for installation.
  • Maintenance Tips: Simple cleaning and ensuring a proper installation are generally sufficient.
  • Cost: Mid-range, offering good value for its durability.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Durable and Stylish

Ideal for: High-traffic areas like living rooms and halls

  • Durability: Very High. Similar to laminate in resistance but with better handling of impacts due to its flexible nature.
  • Common Issues: Less effective on uneven surfaces without proper underlayment.
  • Maintenance Tips: Use of underlay can help manage subfloor imperfections; regular cleaning will maintain its appearance.
  • Cost: Slightly more expensive than standard vinyl but offers superior aesthetics and durability.

How To Choose The Right Flooring

  • Assess Your Needs: Consider the amount of traffic and the type of use each room will see. Entryways, kitchens, and children’s play areas benefit from more durable flooring like SPC or LVT.
  • Consider Comfort: Bedrooms and living rooms where comfort is a priority might be better suited to the softness of carpet.
  • Budget Matters: Determine what you are willing to spend. Vinyl and laminate offer great value, while SPC and LVT might be preferable for their longevity and low maintenance.

In Conclusion, The Most Durable Flooring Option Is...

Choosing the right flooring depends on balancing your needs for durability, cost, and aesthetics. Each type has its strengths:

  • Carpet is perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere in bedrooms and family rooms where comfort is key.
  • Laminate and LVT provide a durable, cost-effective solution for busy households.
  • Vinyl offers unmatched water resistance for damp areas.
  • SPC stands out in high-traffic situations where durability is paramount.

By considering the specific needs of each room and the common issues associated with each type of flooring, you can make a choice that ensures a beautiful, durable, and functional home environment.

The great news though, is that all of these flooring types can be yours, in any room, for as little as £10 per week. Easipay Flooring lets you spread the cost of brand new flooring over time, with no interest and no credit checks. Sound good? Tap the button below to get started on your flooring journey or you can read more about our pay weekly flooring plans here.

Still Got Questions? Here's 10 FAQs!

Regular vacuuming, immediate stain treatment, and using carpet protectors under furniture can help extend the life of your carpet. Consider applying a stain-resistant treatment for added protection.

Laminate flooring is generally suitable for kitchens where spills are cleaned up quickly, but it is not the best choice for bathrooms where moisture levels are consistently high. Consider vinyl or SPC flooring for these areas.

Yes, vinyl flooring is popular among DIY enthusiasts due to its ease of installation. Many vinyl flooring plank options come with a peel-and-stick backing or click-lock edges that make installation straightforward, and sheet vinyl can be fitted relatively easily, you’ll just have to be careful making cuts around pipes and cupboards!

SPC flooring can be cleaned with a damp mop and a mild cleaner. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and tools, as they can damage the surface. Regular sweeping or vacuuming can prevent dirt accumulation.

LVT is thicker and more durable than traditional vinyl, mimics natural materials like hardwood and stone more realistically, and provides better insulation and comfort underfoot.

The lifespan of your flooring depends on the material and how well it is maintained. Carpet typically lasts 5-10 years, while hard surfaces like laminate, vinyl, and SPC can last up to 20 years or more with proper care.

Vinyl flooring is often the most cost-effective option for large areas due to its low cost per square foot and minimal waste during installation. Carpets are often on par cost-wise with sheet vinyl flooring. LVT is more expensive and similar to laminate flooring cost wise.

Minor damages in laminate flooring can sometimes be repaired with a filling product or a repair kit designed for laminate. For more extensive damage, replacing the affected planks may be necessary. This involves removing every plank between the closest wall and the damaged plank. Calling in a professional for this is recommended.

Consider choosing flooring made from sustainable or recycled materials. For example, some carpets are made from recycled plastics, and some hardwood floors are sourced from managed forests. Look for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for wood products.

Consider the size of the rooms, existing décor, and natural light when choosing flooring colours. Lighter colours can make a small room feel larger, while darker colours add warmth and cosiness. Choose a style that complements your home’s overall aesthetic to create a cohesive look.

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