What flooring never goes out of style?
Flooring can transform a space’s look and feel, therefore it’s a crucial consideration when renovating any room. Not only that, but a new or upgraded floor represents a significant financial commitment, so you’ll need to be sure it’s going to last – as it’s a decision you’ll want to be happy with in up to 20 years’ time. So you’re better off not going for something that’s a fad or trend.
It’s also a good idea to stick to neutral shades and designs, since you’re more likely to change your mind later on about a bolder colour choice; and, if you see the same colour, pattern and style running through a number of products, it’s likelier to remain available in the years ahead.
Read on for our overview of some of the best timeless flooring options.
Four timeless flooring options for your home
Hardwood floors
With hardwood, you get a unique, stunning appearance plus a surface which is soft, warm and accommodating to walk over. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like the look of real wood, and it will never go out of style. There are multiple design choices, and you can vary plank width to suit what you want.
A solid hardwood floor could last for decades; potentially even up to 100 years, while an engineered version could last maybe half that time (the latter consists of a thin layer of hardwood bonded on to a high-quality plywood).
Solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished up to 10 times, while its engineered counterpart can only be refinished a couple of times at most. However, you can expect both types of hardwood flooring to be extremely durable.
You may notice some colour variation over time, while scratches can also become noticeable (there are those, however, who argue that this just adds to the wood’s character).
Upkeep doesn’t have to be troublesome. For daily cleaning, a regular going-over with a dry microfibre cloth or mop should be enough. A vacuum cleaner will be more thorough in picking up dirt that you may not see.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Luxury Vinyl Tile or LVT effortlessly and realistically captures the glorious look of natural materials such as real hardwood or stone. Authentic pattern-printing techniques mean this flooring is highly functional, with zero compromise on high-end design.
Its soft structure also gives a gentle feel underfoot.
Thanks to its four-layer construction, cost-effectiveness and longevity, LVT is a great option for busy households as well as commercial premises. A number of factors affect longevity, including heaviness of foot traffic and quality of maintenance. But there’s no reason why you shouldn’t expect your luxury vinyl tile flooring to last up to 25 years.
LVT can potentially yellow over time thanks to chemical reactions or if it is exposed to too much direct sunlight. Equally, light scratches and some scuffs may also appear over time, although you shouldn’t expect significant damage from ordinary wear and tear.
Mop up any spillages at once, and don’t use too much water when cleaning. Pick up loose dirt with a soft-bristle brush or a vacuum cleaner – don’t use abrasive cleaning products. You could also wipe the surface gently with a microfibre mop. Use mats or rugs in high-traffic areas and don’t drag furniture or other items around over your floor.
Laminate flooring
When it comes to classic, timeless options, laminate flooring is up there with the best of them. It offers numerous design options plus the texture and appearance of real wood at a reduced price (it can also sometimes look like tiling).
While laminate flooring can feel hard underfoot, many versions incorporate a foam underlayment, giving a springy feel.
Laminate is affordable, and this is reflected in the slightly shorter average lifespan than some of the alternatives – although it can still last up to 20 years.
Laminate is pretty resistant to wear and tear. But, over time, exposure to sunlight can fade this flooring, especially in rooms with sliding doors or large windows, and this can affect its appearance. Other potential issues include swelling and scratching, which can also impact your floor’s look.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. As ever, a doormat helps keep dirt at bay. When it comes to cleaning, laminate responds well to a water and vinegar solution, but remember this product isn’t waterproof. Use a mop that’s only slightly damp.
Use a barely-moist and then a dry cloth to sponge up any spillages immediately, and sweep regularly with a soft broom or use the hard-floor attachment on your vacuum. A dry microfibre mop is another good idea.
Carpet
With a lifespan of up to 15 years, carpet is pretty durable, comes in myriad designs and colours and feels warm and cosy under your bare feet. Obviously running the vacuum over it is the best way to keep carpeting clean, while there are also professional options and machines you can hire for a deeper going-over.
However, some stains may be tricky to shift, while carpet tends to holds allergens and dust which can cause problems for those with respiratory challenges. This material can also create an ideal breeding ground for dust mites and similar nasties, while it’s also great at retaining moisture, which can lead to mould.
So, while carpet certainly has its place, when it comes to timeless flooring solutions, it’s always worth considering the alternatives.
Talk to our flooring specialists
Basingstoke-based Creative Wood Floors specialises in high-quality vinyl, laminate and real-wood floors, all of which have a classically elegant appeal designed to withstand the test of time. Call us today to learn more about what we could do for your home, or visit the showroom and see our products for yourself.
