High-Traffic Flooring: Long-Lasting and Stylish Options

Kitchens, entryways, and laundry rooms are some of the busiest spaces. Heavy foot traffic, tracked-in dirt, and pet-related debris—your flooring takes a beating, day in and day out. Choosing the right flooring material is key, and with modern options, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. Follow our recommendations for selecting the best flooring for high-traffic areas of the home.

Flooring for High-Traffic Areas

High-traffic flooring needs to withstand the hustle and bustle of life. The materials should be tougher and easier to care for than carpeting or traditional wood floors.

Some of the best flooring for high-traffic areas and pet households include:

• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
• Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
• Engineered hardwood
• Laminate
• Tile

We’ll explain each option to help you narrow down your selection. For personalized recommendations, schedule a free consultation with your local flooring team.

Vinyl: LVP and LVT

High-traffic vinyl flooring is one of the most popular flooring categories; it includes luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Mimicking the look of wood or stone, LVP and LVT resist water, scratches, and stains. This cost-effective option is available in a tremendous number of styles and colors.

We carry an extensive selection of quality, durable vinyl flooring from the top brands you know and love.

Engineered Hardwood

Representing over 30% of the wood flooring market, engineered hardwood strikes the right balance between the beauty of a traditional wood floor and the durability needed for high-traffic areas.

Known for cost efficiency, engineered wood is also environmentally friendly and fares well in climates with large swings in temperature and humidity. Engineered hardwood is sturdy and available in a wide range of finishes. The best engineered wood flooring for high-traffic areas is the thickest option possible; depending on the thickness of the wear layer, engineered hardwood can be refinished once or twice to extend its life.

Laminate

Laminate is a well-known flooring option for high-traffic zones. It’s often priced lower than LVT, LVP, or engineered hardwood. Affordable, easy to install, and scratch-resistant, laminate flooring is a good choice for many homes. However, be sure to choose waterproof and steam-mop-approved laminate for bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, or basements.  

When browsing our selection of laminate flooring, preview the Mannington Restoration Collection® for a realistic wood look and the latest in waterproofing technology.

Tile

For the best floor tile in high-traffic areas, we recommend porcelain over ceramic. Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures and is 20 to 30 percent harder than granite. If porcelain does chip, it’s less noticeable because the entire material is the same color. Tile is one of the best high-traffic flooring options thanks to its water- and scratch-resistant properties and wide selection of styles and colors.

Porcelain tile is available in a huge array of classic and modern colors and patterns – some are even made to mimic the look of other materials, like wood or stone (see Shaw Flooring’s Hacienda or a stone/granite look like Daltile’s Haut Monde). Find your new tile flooring in our flooring catalog.

Scratch-Resistant Flooring for Pets

What’s the best flooring for high-traffic areas when part of the traffic is from pets? The recommended materials are the same: anything water- and scratch-resistant. Consider all the common routes to the front and back doors, as well as where your pet sleeps for the night. Hard floors like LVP and engineered hardwood are excellent options for all of these areas, as they are tough and easy to clean. In areas where you want a softer touch, select pet-friendly carpet or rubber flooring.

Room-Specific High-Traffic Flooring Design Ideas

Narrowing your options? Check out our top recommendations by room:

Laundry Room Flooring

Unless your home is a vacation rental, it’s unlikely that it’s a space where you host guests. This means that the flooring should be practical and exactly to your taste. Our favorite laundry room floor ideas employ light colors to make a small space feel bigger, or bold colors and patterns that exude personal style. The best flooring for a laundry room is waterproof, or water-resistant at a minimum. Traditional choices include sheet laminate, but vinyl and porcelain are also popular choices. For more laundry room floor ideas, connect with a Design Associate today!

Kitchen Flooring

Consider LVP, tile, or even engineered hardwood with a thick wear layer for the best flooring in high-traffic kitchens. As kitchens are prone to spills and messes, opt for flooring that is easy to clean. Choose floor colors that match your pet’s fur to camouflage shedding.

Entryway, Foyer, or Mudroom Flooring

For a grand entrance, consider large-format tiles or striking geometric patterns. Bring warmth to your foyer with engineered wood or wood-look porcelain tiles, but keep in mind that these options may require extra cleaning and maintenance.

Don’t Let Life Wear Out Your Floor

Flooring is a significant investment. Whatever your choice, it needs to meet your expectations for durability and style. At Floor Coverings International^®, we’re committed to helping you find your dream floor. When you’re ready, schedule a free consultation with one of our Design Associates. They’ll bring our Mobile Showroom^® to you so you can compare samples in your rooms and get professional advice from our team. You can count on us to manage the entire process, from selection to installation. See why our process earns us customers for life! Contact your local flooring team to get started.