What’s the Most Durable Flooring? (2024)

Hardwood floors have long been the most beloved flooring type in real estate. But they may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas in a home, according to a new Consumer Reports analysis. Hardwoods are prone to scratching and they can show a lot of wear and tear, testers there say.

Instead, in areas of the home that see a lot of traffic, such as family rooms, kitchens, halls, and mudrooms, wood-look porcelain tile is the best option, according to Consumer Reports’ tests. This is a relatively newer type of flooring.

“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn’t wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn’t fade, it’s waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet. Porcelain tile is the best choice for bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms—and probably kitchens.”

In kitchens, de Paz warns, tiles can crack, if something heavy is dropped on them.

But tile options beat out hardwood flooring, which showed wear and tear more than other flooring types tested in busier areas of the house, the study notes. Laminate and vinyl products often performed better than hardwood flooring too. The report notes that “you can get both durability and good looks from many types of flooring, including engineered wood, laminate, porcelain tile, and vinyl.”

Still, hardwood flooring is often a favorite of homeowners and could add value to a home.

View the analysis at Consumer Reports of the different flooring types.

What’s the Most Durable Flooring? (2024)

FAQs

What’s the Most Durable Flooring? ›

Ultimately, real wood flooring does have the longest expected lifespan of any of the flooring options mentioned – lasting on average 5 years longer than laminate flooring does. However, numerous other considerations go into determining whether or not real wood flooring is for you.

Which floor lasts the longest? ›

Ultimately, real wood flooring does have the longest expected lifespan of any of the flooring options mentioned – lasting on average 5 years longer than laminate flooring does. However, numerous other considerations go into determining whether or not real wood flooring is for you.

Which of the following flooring types is considered to be most durable? ›

Tile. The ultimate option in durability, tile flooring is almost impenetrable when it comes to moisture and other types of staining. Tile is fired at high temperatures during the manufacturing process, resulting in an extremely hard, scratch and stain resistant material.

Which flooring is the most durable? ›

Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.

Which is more durable LVP or hardwood flooring? ›

While LVP is known for being more durable and water-resistant than engineered hardwood due to its thickness and wear layer, real wood fans will appreciate the natural look of engineered hardwood floors. Ultimately, your decision will depend on factors such as budget and homeowner's preferences.

What is the best waterproof and scratch proof flooring? ›

Top 6 Water Resistant and Waterproof Flooring Options
  • AquaGuard® Engineered Hardwood. NEW and exclusive to Floor & Decor, AquaGuard® Wood is real water resistant hardwood. ...
  • AquaGuard® Bamboo. ...
  • NuCore® Waterproof Flooring. ...
  • DuraLux® Waterproof Luxury Vinyl. ...
  • HydroShield®

What is the most cost effective and durable flooring? ›

8 Affordable Flooring Options
  1. Vinyl. Vinyl flooring comes in sheets, tiles, and planks and is predominately manufactured with PVC, resulting in durable, waterproof flooring that can be installed anywhere in your home. ...
  2. Sheet Vinyl. ...
  3. Plank Vinyl. ...
  4. Laminate. ...
  5. Cork. ...
  6. Carpet. ...
  7. Tile. ...
  8. Refinish Your Floors.

What is the best flooring that doesn't show dirt? ›

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is one of the easiest flooring materials to clean. It doesn't show dirt or dust very quickly, and it's also waterproof, so you don't have to worry about spills. If there is a spill, all you have to do is mop it up, and it will be gone. It is a common choice for small businesses.

What type of flooring requires the least maintenance? ›

In terms of maintenance ease, ceramic tiles are hard and durable. They can last as long as twenty years and will bear the weight of heavy items without cracking or breaking. Cleaning ceramic tiles is easy; you can clean stains and spills by mopping the floor.

What is the best flooring to have? ›

Luxury vinyl, especially rigid core, is the best flooring for a busy family thanks to its durable and easy-care nature.

What is the best flooring for bad feet? ›

If you're the type that doesn't like the feel of carpet and fibers under your feet, luxury vinyl floors are the best option. They're more shock-absorbent than other types of flooring, making them easier on your feet, knees, and back.

What is the toughest vinyl flooring? ›

Ultra-durable: SPC vinyl flooring is the toughest, most durable vinyl flooring option on the market. Realistic wood and stone looks: This flooring can mimic natural materials better than ever before. SPC looks are usually incredibly convincing and beautiful.

Do they put LVP in high end homes? ›

While marble, natural stone, bamboo, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl have been trending in recent years, hardwood is still the dominant choice of flooring for high-end homes.

Does luxury vinyl plank devalue a home? ›

Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.

What is the best flooring for longevity? ›

Here are eight of the most durable flooring options to suit your lifestyle.
  1. Bamboo. Bamboo is a type of grass. ...
  2. Resilient Flooring/Vinyl. ...
  3. Ceramic and Porcelain. ...
  4. Laminate. ...
  5. Solid Hardwood. ...
  6. Engineered Wood. ...
  7. Concrete. ...
  8. Natural Stone.
Jul 5, 2022

What is the longest lasting floor coating? ›

Polyaspartic Floor Coatings

These floor coatings come with a lifetime warranty because that's how long they're expected to last you. Polyaspartic floor coatings are very damage resistant and strong. They won't chip, there won't be any hot-tire pick up, they're resistant to abrasion.

What lasts longer wood or vinyl flooring? ›

Hardwood floors are a popular choice for flooring because they offer a natural look and feel that vinyl can't replicate. They also last longer than vinyl floors, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

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