10 The Best Flooring for Entryways and Hallways
9 Aug, 2024
The hallway is the first thing anybody sees when entering your home; it creates the first impression which is the most important and lasting. Although creating a masterfully made hallway is a complex task, the flooring is among the most crucial aspects of it. The entryway is susceptible to the highest foot traffic in the home and is also affected by outdoor irritants, like extensive moisture, dirt, dust, debris, and others. It is crucial to pick a material that will be durable, moisture-resistant, and safe yet aesthetically pleasing to blend naturally into the whole interior design. In this article, we’ll explore the best options for entryway flooring surfaces and some maintenance tips to keep it looking the best.
Key Considerations: Selecting Flooring for Entryways and Hallways
Durability
Durability is the central pillar of any flooring, including entryways and hallways. These areas typically undergo extensive foot traffic, including heavy boots, which are the quickest to go flat, tear, break, and wear off. Opting for materials able to withstand hefty loads without showing excessive wear and tear is highly recommended.
Moisture Resistance
Entryways are constantly exposed to excessive moisture from rain, snow, dew, and foot traffic, getting all that water from the outside. Choosing a floor covering for hallways that are water-repellant and aren’t conducive to the development of mold, mildew, and other vegetation is crucial. Moreover, certain materials tend to warp and deform when wet, so avoid them in your entryway.
Safety
Safety is crucial for any room, but for the entryway in particular. Due to it regularly getting wet, you must ensure your hallway floor isn’t slippery or hard, posing a severe hazard to anyone walking on it. Go for flooring materials that offer good traction and reduce the risk of slips and falls or those that are soft and don’t cause serious injuries.
10 Best Options for Entryway Flooring
1. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Sturdy, durable, smooth, and visually appealing, porcelain and ceramic tiles have shown to be among the best types of flooring for entryways and most other rooms. Tiles are practically invulnerable to foot traffic, highly water-repellant, resistible to mold and mildew, and come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and styles. The only cons of having a tiled hallway is its price, as tiles can cost up to $44 per square foot, and due to their sturdiness, falling on tiles can be painful and lead to injuries.
2. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is another classical choice for any room, including the entryway. First, it is an exceptionally aesthetically pleasing material, offering warmth and elegance to any hallway while maintaining superb durability. If picked, processed, and maintained properly, solid hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years without showing significant signs of wear. It is, however, crucial to mention that the longevity of wooden flooring directly depends on the species you pick, so it is recommended to go for more rigid types, like oak or maple. However, natural hardwood is not entirely waterproof, so it is crucial to cover it with the proper sealing finish and remove any excess water.
3. Rubber Flooring
Found in indoor and outdoor facilities, gyms, stadiums, and all the rooms, spaces, and premises, rubber is the most versatile flooring material. However sturdy and traffic-resistant, it remains soft and comfortable to walk and fall on. In addition, even when wet, rubber provides excellent traction, making it one of the best floorings for hallways. In addition, it is highly resistant to all kinds of mold and mildew development. The only con may be the limited aesthetic choices of rubber, which are not to everyone’s taste.
4. Natural Stone
Various natural stones, like slate or granite, can be an excellent type of hallway flooring, adding a classy and natural look to any room. In addition to its luxurious looks, stone can offer superb durability and moisture resistance, making its beauty unique and timeless. In addition, stone remains cold even in hot weather, making it an excellent asset for homes in warmer climates. The only issues with stone are similar to those of tiles – it is pretty rigid and costly.
5. Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
One way to make your entryway flooring mimic wood without spending extra on it is going for luxury vinyl planks (LVP). They look similar to natural hardwood, coming at a fraction of the material cost. In addition to that, LVP is known for being a durable material, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and sturdy for heavy foot traffic.
6. Concrete
Concrete is another versatile and durable option in many places, including entryways and hallways. It is water-resistant to an extent, where it is nowhere near waterproof, but maintains decent traction even if wet. In addition to that, concrete can be stained, colored, and patterned, making it easy to customize it to blend in with the rest of the house. Nevertheless, it is vital to mention that concrete ends form cracks over time, making it essential to reseal it.
7. Laminate Flooring
Laminate is deemed to be among the top hallway flooring choices due to its physical properties, classy look, and affordable price. Laminate offers notable durability for its price of only $6-$8 per square foot, including installation. If picked and installed correctly, laminate can last up to 25 years, making it an excellent material in the long run. However, it is crucial to note that the quality and endurance of your laminate flooring directly depend on the installation quality. Improper or unfinished sealing can lead to moisture getting underneath, causing rotting, warping, and bubbling. In general, installing laminate in rooms where extensive moisture is anticipated is not recommended.
8. Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is different from hardwood due to the technology of its manufacturing. While hardwood flooring is made of plaques, cut out of a piece of wood, engineered plaques consist of multiple layers of wood veneer topped with a protective finish. Thanks to its structure, engineered wood is exceptionally wear-durable and shock-resistant, fitting into almost any interior style. Although not entirely waterproof, engineered wood flooring can withstand everyday spills and moisture if adequately maintained, so wiping any liquid from it is necessary.
9. Brick Pavers
Primarily used in walkways and driveways outside, brick pavers can add a unique rustic charm to your hallway. Their durability is exceptional, letting them last up to 30 years without showing any severe wear. Moreover, they keep excellent traction even when wet, making them great for wet climates. In addition, they are easy to clean and maintain, meaning they are a convenient choice for any busy household.
10. Bamboo Flooring
Frequently called the best flooring for hallways, bamboo comes in a set with durability, water resistance, safety, and low maintenance. Although biologically, bamboo is a type of grass, its durability is comparable to that of hardwood, making it perform best in high-traffic areas, like living rooms or hallways. Maintenance of bamboo flooring is relatively easy, too – they require regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust and debris, plus an occasional cleanse with a bamboo floor cleaner. To top it all off, bamboo’s water resistance is superior to traditional hardwood types.
Maintenance Tips for Entryway and Hallway Flooring
- Regularly sweep or vacuum entryway and hallway floors to remove dirt and debris.
- Place rugs or mats at entry points to trap dirt and moisture and protect the flooring.
- Wipe up spills and moisture promptly to prevent water damage and staining.
- Use floor protectors under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.
- Clean the flooring regularly with a mild detergent and water, following manufacturer guidelines.
- Consider applying a sealant or protective coating to enhance durability and moisture resistance.
In conclusion, choosing the best flooring for entryways and hallways requires careful consideration of factors such as durability, moisture resistance, and safety. By selecting the suitable flooring material and following proper maintenance practices, you can create an inviting entrance that makes a long-lasting impression on guests while standing up to the rigors of daily use.