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When we talk about your home, some areas simply get more foot traffic than others. Entryways, hallways, kitchens, and living rooms generally see the most action day in and day out.
Choosing the right flooring for these high-traffic spaces is very important if you want your floors to maintain their beauty and functionality for years to come. The flooring you choose must be able to resist constant use while still looking attractive throughout its lifetime.
At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we are your local flooring professionals serving in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. If you are looking forward to a direct discussion with our professionals, feel free to call us today at (412) 353-5660.
What Makes An Area High Traffic?
Any space that's used multiple times a day, generally by more than one person, is considered a high-traffic area. When it comes to flooring considerations, high traffic means any room that is walked through repeatedly during the day.
These generally include:
- Entryways and Hallways: Serve as transition spaces and see nearly constant use
- Kitchens: Function as the heart of most homes, where family members gather throughout the day
- Living Room: Where household members and guests congregate regularly
- Stairs: Experience not only foot traffic but also impact forces from descending steps
- Bathrooms: Experience both high foot traffic and moisture exposure
The right floor in these areas helps prevent scratches, dents, fading, and moisture damage while still looking attractive. Durability becomes the primary consideration, though appearances remain important as well.
6 Best Flooring Materials For High-Traffic Areas
Let's explore the best flooring materials that stand up well to busy households. Each type of flooring provides distinct advantages and potential drawbacks for high-traffic applications.
#1 Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl planks have become incredibly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They're one of the most durable options available for high-traffic spaces and provide really nice versatility for modern homes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Complete waterproof construction makes them suitable for entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms, where moisture is a major concern | Individual planks must be replaced if they are damaged, as they cannot be refinished like natural wood |
| Highly resistant to scratches and dents because of their tough layers that protect an additional design layer beneath | Some homeowners feel the synthetic nature of vinyl doesn't provide the same value as natural materials. |
| Available in styles that convincingly mimic wood, stone, and tile with realistic textures and visual detail | |
| Lasts up to 25 years with the right installation and maintenance, which makes them a long-term investment | |
| Comfortable underfoot because of their slightly resilient nature, which also makes them warmer than tile | |
| Generally more affordable than hardwood while providing similar appearances and superior durability |
Luxury vinyl with a thick wear layer offers superior protection for busy households. Glue-down vinyl planks are particularly excellent for high-traffic areas because they provide additional stability and won't shift or separate over time like some floating floors might.
#2 Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors have come a long way from their earlier versions. Modern laminate is stylish, affordable, and really durable, making it a great choice for busy families.
| Pros | Cons |
| A very affordable option that allows you to cover large areas without breaking your budget. | Can be damaged by sharp objects without proper care and protection. |
| Resistant to most scratches and dents thanks to its tough aluminum oxide wear layer. | Low-quality options may not look as realistic as other flooring types and can have a hollow sound when walked on. |
| Many water-resistant options (that can handle spills for a limited time) are available that can withstand spills for up to 24 hours without damage. | Cannot be refinished if damaged; instead, the boards must be replaced completely. |
| Easy to maintain with simple sweeping and occasional damp mopping. | |
| Lasts 15 to 25 years with proper care, providing an excellent return on investment. | |
| DIY-friendly installation with click-lock systems that many homeowners can manage themselves. |
When shopping for laminate flooring, you should look for options with a high AC (abrasion class) rating. AC3 or AC4 ratings provide enhanced scratch resistance that's perfect for busy areas.
The higher the number, the more durable the floor will be under heavy-use conditions. Most reputable manufacturers now provide laminate products designed for residential high-traffic applications.
#3 Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors add enhanced value to a property and are extremely durable. While they require more maintenance in high-traffic areas, their lifespan and natural beauty make them worth considering for many homeowners.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be easily refinished many times to restore its appearance. | Finish wears down in high-traffic areas, requiring refinishing every 7 to 10 years. |
| Extremely long-lasting (up to 100 years with proper care). | It is not waterproof and is vulnerable to spills and moisture damage. |
| High impact resistance (especially harder wood species). | Can be scratched by pets, high heels, or furniture without protection. |
| Adds substantial value to your home, often providing the best return on investment. | Higher initial cost compared to synthetic options. |
| Natural beauty and warmth that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. | |
| Available in numerous species, colors, and finish options to match any decor style. |
For high-traffic areas, look for hardwood with scratch-resistant finishes that contain aluminum oxide for extra protection.
Site-finished floors generally provide more durable protection than pre-finished options, though both can work well with proper maintenance. Choosing harder wood species also helps ensure your floors will withstand heavy use.
#4 Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood gives you the look of real wood with added stability and sometimes better durability, making it a considerable choice for many homeowners.
However, you should not use engineered hardwood as flooring in areas such as the bathroom where there are extremely high levels of moisture in the air.
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides nice stability because of its cross-layered construction, which reduces expansion and contraction. | Cannot be refinished as many times as solid hardwood because of the thinner wear layer. |
| Similar appearance to solid hardwood with a genuine wood top layer. | Still susceptible to dents and scratches without proper protective measures. |
| Some waterproof options are available that feature special core materials resistant to moisture damage. | Higher-quality options with thicker wear layers are only available at premium prices. |
| Strong with high impact resistance that stands up well to busy households. | |
| Generally more affordable than solid hardwood and provides similar benefits. |
Waterproof engineered hardwood is particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas that may be exposed to occasional moisture. These innovative products combine the beauty of wood with technology that prevents water from penetrating the core, making them ideal for busy kitchens and entryways.
#5 Natural Stone
Natural stone flooring provides a luxurious appearance for high-traffic areas. Materials like granite, marble, and slate provide really nice durability while adding an element of royal elegance to your space.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely durable with nice resistance to scratches and wear (granite, slate). | Natural stone flooring requires regular sealing to prevent stains and moisture penetration. |
| Unique patterns and color variations create one-of-a-kind floors. | Can be expensive compared to synthetic options (materials and installation). |
| Outstanding longevity that can last for generations when you maintain them properly. | Feels cold underfoot during winter unless paired with radiant heating. |
| Adds value to your home because of its premium status and natural beauty. | Softer stones like marble are more susceptible to etching from acidic substances. |
| Resistant to fading, even in direct sunlight exposure. | Professional installation is required because of the complexity of working with natural stone. |
| Natural cooling properties make them comfortable in warmer climates. |
Natural stone can be a really valuable option for busy entryways and kitchens. Harder stones like granite and slate provide better performance than softer options like marble or limestone.
#6 Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a composite material that is made of marble chips, quartz, granite, or glass set in concrete or resin and polished to a smooth surface.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely long-lasting, often outlasting the buildings they're in. | Higher initial cost than most other flooring options. |
| Virtually maintenance-free after installation, and it only needs basic cleaning. | Professional installation is required. |
| Highly resistant to water, stains, and scratches because of its sealed composite structure. | Can be slippery when wet unless textured finishes are applied. |
| Available in various design options with customizable colors and aggregate choices. | Hard and cold underfoot without supplemental heating systems. |
| Seamless installation creates a continuous surface without grout lines that can trap dirt. | Difficult and expensive to repair if damaged. |
| Environmentally friendly options are available, such as recycled glass or stone chips. |
Modern terrazzo systems often incorporate epoxy rather than cement, creating lighter, more flexible floors with even greater durability.
Also Read: What Are The Different Layers Of Flooring In A House?
Get High-Quality Floor Remodeling In Pennsylvania
At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we are your trusted flooring professionals. We are committed to providing high-quality flooring and home improvement services in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.
Our team is trained to assist you in choosing the best flooring material for any space you need. Want a full floor replacement? It’s not a big task when you choose us! For a no-obligation discussion with our professionals, feel free to call us today at (412) 353-5660.
