Eight flooring options: choosing the most scratch-resistant
18 Dec, 2024
- Who should take special care of scratch-resistant floor?
- Factors that influence scratch resistance in flooring
- What is the most scratch-resistant flooring: top eight flooring options
- 1. Rubber surface
- 2. Laminate
- 3. Luxury vinyl
- 4. Tile
- 5. Engineered hardwood
- 6. Bamboo
- 7. Cork
- 8. Carpet
- Cost vs. durability: is scratch resistance worth the investment?
- Maintenance tips for keeping floors scratch-free
- Maintenance tips for keeping floors scratch-free
When choosing flooring options for our homes, we should consider a few things. The most essential of them are the color, finish (glossy or matte), material, price, and, of course, durability.
If you are planning to install a new floor and are not sure which type of surface would be the best for your dwelling or commercial space, stay with us. In this article, we’re exploring the best scratch-resistant flooring options with the ability to withstand wear and damage.
Who should take special care of scratch-resistant floor?
Here’s a list of examples where flooring requires additional protection:
- families with kids
- households with pets
- spaces with high traffic
- areas with heavy furniture movement
Factors that influence scratch resistance in flooring
There are a few factors that can affect scratch resistance in flooring:
- material of surface
- load frequency
- temperature
- level of humidity
- light
What is the most scratch-resistant flooring: top eight flooring options
What is the most scratch-resistant flooring? We’ve prepared a short overview of the most scratch-resistant and durable options, so let’s dive in.
1. Rubber surface
It’s typically made from natural or synthetic materials, which makes the rubber surface an excellent choice for commercial spaces. Today, with a wide variety of patterns and colors available, everyone can choose an option to match their needs and tastes.
Rubber flooring is undoubtedly one of the best options for settings with high foot traffic. Also, durability and a high level of water resistance make rubber flooring the best choice for humid spaces.
Pros:
- easy to clean
- made from durable material
- available in plenty of designs
Cons:
- above-average price
- complex installation process
2. Laminate
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular options on the market. This versatile flooring material can be easily used throughout the entire home, from the kitchen to the bedroom.
Laminate can withstand medium levels of weight or pressure without damage. Therefore, it’s not the best bet for commercial spaces. For such facilities, you should look for something thicker and more rigid.
Pros:
- wide range of designs and colors
- justified price
- low maintenance
Cons:
- typically, the surface is not waterproof
- not the best choice for areas with high traffic
3. Luxury vinyl
Nowadays, vinyl, or PVC, is one of the most favored home flooring choices. A durable base layer provides stability and enhances its resistance to wear and moisture. Thanks to this, it’s perfectly suitable for homes with kids or pets. It’s one of the best scratch-proof flooring.
The covering comes in a few types:
- LVP (luxury vinyl plank)
- vinyl tile
- sheet vinyl
Pros:
- vinyl is affordable
- comes in a wide variety of styles
- resistant to fading
- durable
Cons:
- hard to repair
- shorter lifespan compared to wood
4. Tile
A tile made from refined clay has been used as a covering for centuries. There are several popular types of it: stone, ceramic, and porcelain tile. If you are looking for the best scratch-resistant flooring, you should definitely consider ceramic and porcelain tiles. The superior scratch resistance of tile makes it one of the most popular flooring options.
Pros:
- a wide variety of patterns and colors
- durability
- versatility
Cons:
- complex installation process
- high price
5. Engineered hardwood
Although the hardwood floor isn’t the most scratch-resistant flooring option, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful ones. Engineered hardwood coverings offer the best looks and can add elegance and style to each type of setting. Specialists claim this type of flooring is non-allergic and eco-friendly, so it’s suitable for homes with pets or children.
Pros:
- it combines durability with style
- it doesn’t require much maintenance
- it’s resilient to moisture thanks to its natural hardness
Cons:
- this type of wood flooring is rather expensive
- susceptibility to scratches
6. Bamboo
Durable, eco-friendly, and sustainable, bamboo flooring is a go-to alternative to a traditional hardwood surface. It is available in a variety of colors and finishes and can be installed in areas with considerable fluctuations in humidity and temperature.
Pros:
- provides resistance to everyday wear and tear
- offers excellent creative liberty
- does not affect the ecology
Cons:
- vulnerability to moisture
- sensitivity to sunlight
7. Cork
The best advice we can give to somebody who’s in search of a surface that provides a soft feeling underfoot is to consider cork flooring. Its softness, natural insect repellency, and insulative qualities make cork perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and children’s rooms.
Pros:
- natural antibacterial properties
- eco-friendliness
- soft underfoot feeling
- durability
- aesthetic appeal
Cons:
- fading when exposed to direct sunlight
- not suitable for high-traffic areas
8. Carpet
Although it’s a rather high-maintenance option, carpet flooring will definitely bring coziness to your home. It’s an ideal choice for the living room or bedroom and even for some types of commercial spaces like beauty salons, hotels, and offices.
Pros:
- noise reduction
- safety
- warmth
- price
Cons:
- easily gets dirty
- can absorb odors
- not suitable for people with allergies
Cost vs. durability: is scratch resistance worth the investment?
If scratch resistance is among your top priorities, you should definitely invest in it. With proper installation and maintenance, your flooring will retain its look and qualities for a long time.
Scratch-resistant flooring options, such as LVP, ceramic tiles, and engineered hardwood, usually come at a higher cost than other options. Still, their long-term benefits often justify the investment.
However, you can have the best of both worlds when choosing a surface that is durable and affordable at the same time, like rubber flooring.
Maintenance tips for keeping floors scratch-free
Here are a couple of maintenance tips to help your flooring serve longer:
- place rugs in areas with high traffic
- use furniture pads
- clean the floor using only soft, specially designed detergents, carefully following the instructions
Conclusion
So, what is the most scratch-resistant flooring? Let’s face it: there is no one-size-fits-all flooring option that will perfectly cater to any setting, budget, and aesthetic taste. So the best tip here is to choose the best option for your space based on your unique needs.