Flooring for high traffic areas from National Floors Direct

What Is the Best Flooring for High Foot Traffic Areas?

The beauty of this booming industry is that there are now countless types of flooring to choose from. When it comes to flooring options for high-foot-traffic areas, durability and resistance to scratches are key factors to consider. These areas experience heavy use on an everyday basis.
It's crucial to choose a flooring material that can hold up to the wear and tear. Read on to explore the greatest flooring options for high-traffic areas.

Hardwood Floors: Scratch-Resistant Finishes

People will always revere hardwood floors">hardwood floors for their timeless beauty. It's astonishing how hardwood can add a touch of elegance to any space right away. Traditional hardwood can be prone to scratches in high-traffic areas, though.

To mitigate this issue, consider opting for hardwood flooring with scratch-resistant finishes. These finishes often contain aluminum oxide. This provides a bonus layer of protection against scratches. Engineered hardwood is another alternative. It offers enhanced durability due to its multi-layered construction.

Laminate Flooring: Affordable and Resilient

Laminate flooring is an affordable and popular choice for high-traffic areas. It's constructed with a layer of high-density fiberboard or medium-density fiberboard. It's also topped with a high-quality photographic layer. This can mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or other materials. 

Laminate flooring is known for its scratch resistance. This is why it's an excellent option for busy areas. Look for laminate with a high AC (abrasion class) rating. This could include AC3 or AC4. These provide enhanced scratch resistance.

Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP): Reliability and Style Combined

Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) have gained significant popularity in recent years, and for good reason. LVP is quite durable. It's one of the greatest scratch-resistant flooring options.

It's also available in an impressive range of styles. LVP consists of multiple layers. It includes a wear layer that protects against scratches and scuffs. LVP is also water-resistant. Many people choose it as entryway flooring. You can use it anywhere that's prone to spills and moisture.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles: Sturdy and Low Maintenance

Porcelain or ceramic tiles are renowned for their durability and resistance to scratches. These tiles are fired at high temperatures. This results in a dense and hard surface.

It's able to withstand heavy foot traffic. They're available in various sizes, colors, and designs. This offers ample flexibility in terms of aesthetics. You'll also appreciate how simple it is to clean the tiles. You may want to use it as kitchen flooring. Messes will no longer seem so intimidating.

Concrete Flooring: Industrial Chic

Concrete floors have gained popularity in modern and industrial-style designs. They offer exceptional durability. This makes them suitable for high-traffic areas as well.

You can even seal or polish concrete. This provides increased scratch resistance. It also protects against stains and spills. With the right sealing and finishing techniques, concrete floors can also be stunning. You'll have options for customization in terms of color and texture.

Commercial-Grade Carpet: Comfortable and Durable

People often prefer hard surfaces for high-traffic areas. Commercial-grade carpet can also be a viable option, though. Carpet tiles or carpet with a tight loop pile construction are suitable for these spaces.

Commercial carpets are tough. They feature durable fibers that resist crushing and matting. Carpets also provide comfort and sound insulation. This makes them a popular choice for offices, retail spaces, and hallways.

Bamboo Flooring: Sustainable and Resilient

Are you looking for environmentally-friendly and scratch-proof flooring? Bamboo flooring could be a fabulous option. Bamboo grows much faster than other plants like trees.

It even has a similar hardness to hardwood flooring. It's less susceptible to scratches and dents.
It's important to choose bamboo flooring that's been properly treated and finished. This will enhance its durability and longevity.

Rubber Flooring: Resilient and Slip-Resistant

Rubber flooring is a resilient option for high-traffic areas that require slip resistance. This could be ideal for commercial kitchens or gymnasiums.

Rubber floors offer excellent shock absorption. This makes them comfortable to stand on for extended periods. Rubber flooring comes in various colors and patterns. You can choose creative designs while prioritizing safety and durability.

Stone Flooring: Timeless Beauty and Durability

Natural stone flooring provides a luxurious and timeless option for high-traffic areas. This could include granite, marble, or slate. These materials offer exceptional resistance to scratches.

They're wonderful for busy entryways or commercial spaces. Natural stone can require regular sealing and maintenance, though. This investment will pay off once you see how strong the flooring is. The unique patterns and textures of natural stone will also add a wow factor to any space.

Epoxy Flooring: Industrial Strength and Versatility

Epoxy flooring consists of a resin and hardener mixture. When you apply it, epoxy forms a strong, seamless, and chemical-resistant coating.

Epoxy flooring is hard to beat when it comes to resistance to scratches, stains, and chemicals. It's available in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes as well. This customization makes it possible to match any aesthetic.

Cork Flooring: Comfortable and Eco-Friendly

Cork flooring is a unique and eco-friendly option suitable for high-traffic areas. Cork possesses natural cushioning properties. It provides comfort underfoot and reduces noise transmission.

Cork flooring is naturally resistant to scratches and impacts. This is due to its resilient structure. It's also hypoallergenic and keeps mold and mildew at bay. It's a healthy choice for homes or commercial spaces.

Vinyl Sheet Flooring: Easy Maintenance

Vinyl sheet flooring is practical and cost-effective. It even has low maintenance requirements. Vinyl sheet flooring comes in large rolls. This minimizes seams and provides a seamless appearance.

It's water-resistant, which makes it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Its protective wear layer enhances scratch resistance as well.

You Have to Consider These Flooring Options for High-Foot-Traffic Areas

Finding the best flooring shouldn't cause you lots of stress. Choosing materials that stand up to foot traffic is always a brilliant move. You won't regret any of these flooring materials.

Eager to give your floors a makeover? Contact National Floors Direct to explore more stunning options.