Kid-Friendly Flooring: Creating Safe and Stylish Spaces for Little Feet
Selecting the perfect flooring for your home can feel like a daunting task, especially if you have young children who can be tough on flooring. However, having kids who can be rough on floors doesn't mean you can't have the wooden floors you've always wanted or the cozy carpet you've dreamed of just because it could stain. We are here to help by providing reliable guidance to help you choose the right flooring that will look great, feel great, and last for many years, no matter what you choose.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors are an excellent choice for those with kids. Despite having a two-year-old and a five-year-old at home who have been hard on our hardwood with baby walkers, cars, and trucks, dropped heavy objects, and marked the floors with crayons, our hardwood floors still look great. This is because we installed hickory floors. Hickory is a dense, hard, and durable wood, well-known for its strength. It has a lot of variety, which helps to hide dings and dents. Hickory is rated 1820 on the Janka Hardness Scale, making it the toughest wood species for hardwood in North America.
If you're not a fan of hickory, don't worry; if you have your heart set on smooth white oak floors, no problem. Look at oak that is either wirebrushed, hand-scraped, or both. These techniques distress the floor slightly, while preserving its beauty and concealing marks made by your kiddies. At the very least, avoid floors with a high sheen as they will show more wear and tear. Avoid high-sheen floors and opt for a satin finish instead. Throwing down an area rug can help protect your floors and save your littles from bumps and bruises.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a smart choice if you're looking for a scratch-resistant option that offers the look of wood without the high price tag. An added bonus, they’re easy to clean and more recently, also water-resistant is also available. Installing laminate floors is straight-forward, making it a great option for DIY enthusiasts.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is the more water-resistant flooring (besides tile) and an excellent option if you're concerned about spills and leaks. It's easy to clean and install, and it's also resistant to mold. Vinyl is a softer material, making it a safer option for households with toddlers. With the latest printing technology, you can get vinyl floors in wood plank or tile formats that look like natural wood, stone, or marble.
Carpet
Carpeting is an excellent choice for areas where your children like to play and roughhouse. Carpeting may be prone to spills, but with the help of a good carpet cleaner, you can easily remove stains. Mats and area rugs are a great option to layer over hard surface floors to make them safer and more comfortable for your little ones.
Tile
Tile is usually reserved for bathrooms, mudrooms, and areas where your children won't be spending too much time playing. Tile is extremely durable and water-resistant, but it's also an extremely hard surface. We recommend matt or natural tile finishes over glossy to help avoid slipping if the tile is wet. If you have tiled floors, mats and area rugs are a great option to layer, especially for families who prefer to be budget conscious.
Rubber Flooring is also available!
Choosing the right flooring for your family doesn't have to be a daunting task, step into The Carpet Store and discover your flooring options that are ready to withstand whatever adventures lie ahead.