High-traffic areas in any home or business face a unique challenge. They must endure constant footfall, resist damage, and still maintain their appearance over time. Choosing the right flooring material can help your floors last longer while minimizing the need for repairs and upkeep. Whether you’re looking to install flooring in a busy entryway, a bustling kitchen, or a frequently used hallway, the right material can make all the difference.
Porcelain tile is one of the most durable and versatile flooring materials you can choose for high-traffic areas. Made from a dense type of clay and fired at higher temperatures than ceramic, porcelain is incredibly hard and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. Its non-porous surface also makes it highly resistant to moisture, stains, and even chemicals, which is why it’s commonly used in places that get wet or dirty. The wide range of styles, colors, and finishes available—from sleek, modern designs to natural stone and wood-look tiles—means that you can find a porcelain tile to suit any aesthetic while ensuring the floor can handle daily wear and tear.
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Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a synthetic flooring option designed to mimic the look of natural materials like wood or stone but with added resilience. It is constructed with multiple layers, including a rigid core for stability and a wear layer that protects the surface from scratches, dents, and general wear. Unlike natural wood, LVP is waterproof, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture and spills. It’s also soft underfoot, making it more comfortable to stand on for extended periods. LVP’s combination of durability, water resistance, and its ability to replicate high-end materials has made it a go-to choice for busy households and high-traffic spaces.
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Engineered hardwood is a fantastic alternative to solid hardwood for high-traffic areas because it offers the same rich, authentic look of wood but with added stability. It is composed of a top layer of real hardwood veneer bonded to layers of plywood or fiberboard, which helps to prevent warping and moisture damage that can occur with solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is available in a variety of finishes and wood species, giving you the warmth and natural beauty of wood without worrying about excessive wear or damage. While it doesn’t handle moisture as well as vinyl or tile, its durability and ability to be refinished once or twice make it a good option for moderately high-traffic spaces.
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Laminate flooring is a multi-layered synthetic flooring product that is designed to mimic the look of wood, stone, or tile at a much lower cost. The top layer is a high-resolution image of the desired material, protected by a transparent wear layer that makes laminate highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. The middle layers provide stability and cushioning, which can make laminate more comfortable underfoot than tile or stone. While it isn’t as moisture-resistant as vinyl or porcelain, laminate can hold up well in high-traffic areas due to its tough, protective surface. Additionally, laminate is easy to install, often featuring a click-lock design that makes it a popular choice for DIY installations.
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Natural stone flooring, such as marble, granite, or slate, is known for its incredible durability and timeless beauty. Stone floors can last for decades, even in high-traffic areas, without showing significant signs of wear. While natural stone is more expensive and requires more maintenance than some other options, it is highly resistant to scratches, water, and heat, making it a great choice for areas exposed to the elements or frequent use. Each stone tile is unique, offering a one-of-a-kind appearance that adds luxury and character to any space. However, stone can be cold and hard underfoot, so you may want to consider pairing it with area rugs or underfloor heating.
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Polished concrete is a hard, durable flooring option that can handle the highest levels of foot traffic, making it ideal for both residential and commercial spaces. It is created by grinding down and polishing the surface of concrete, resulting in a smooth, reflective finish. Polished concrete is extremely low-maintenance and easy to clean, resisting stains, water, and damage from heavy use. Its sleek, industrial look works well in modern and minimalist spaces, and its ability to be customized with different colors or aggregates adds design flexibility. While polished concrete can be hard underfoot, it can be softened with area rugs or even a concrete coating.
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When selecting flooring for high-traffic areas, durability, style, and practicality are key considerations. While we understand that many people want to focus purely on aesthetics when it comes to their floors, it is more important to focus on the functionality of the floors in high-traffic areas in order to avoid damage and frequent maintenance. If you are looking to install a new flooring material in your Utah home, or if you need resurfacing for your old floors, call us today to find out about all we have to offer the Salt Lake area.
Flooring Specialists In New Construction And Home Remodels
