Is it possible to have nice floors and kids, too? Believe it or not, it’s not a myth. Even though children can be about as hard on floors as a herd of wild animals (we say that lovingly), there is such a thing as an attractive, stylish floor that can withstand a houseful of kids. Here are some tips for selecting and installing kid-proof flooring.
Will Any Floor Be Strong Enough?
Though a house padded with gym floor mats may seem ideal for homes with children, especially young kids and toddlers, we would be willing to bet that’s not the style or look you are going for when considering new floors for your house. Luckily, there are many options available that are tough enough to take the wear-and-tear that is sure to come over the next couple years, while still being trendy and attractive. Another plus, most of these kid-proof flooring options are available without breaking the bank.
Foot Action
Not all rooms can be treated equally. Some experience heavy foot trafic each and every day while others barely see the bottom of a shoe from week to week. Consider how much action each room will see before you decide on a floor type.
Busy Areas
For high-volume areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, which will likely see the brunt of dragged and dropped toys, highchairs, food, spilled drinks, and other sticky messes, durability will be just as important as looks. The best floors to use for these high traffic areas include solid wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl tile. They hold up best under foot traffic and work against wilting over time.
Wood Flooring
If you have your heart set on wood, testing of flooring products have shown that oak flooring can successfully fend off the effects of foot traffic almost as well as the best luxury vinyl tile and laminates. Some bamboo, cork and other “green” products, on the other hand, are far less durable than others and therefore not as strong an option in homes with small children.
Less Busy Areas
For rooms that receive much less use, such as dining rooms, consider more elegant choices such as top engineered wood or bamboo. Both of these products offer the attractiveness of natural veneer plus affordable installation.
Safety
All of the floor types listed above performed well in slip-resistance tests, with luxury vinyl tile topping off the list with slightly more slip resistance and engineered wood slightly less.
VOC
All of these flooring types have also been certified with the flooring industry’s FloorScore certification system, to determine the safety of each product. Luxury vinyl tile ranks high under this category as well, due to the relatively low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) it emits into the air. VOC’s have been linked to respiratory illnesses and can cause headaches and dizziness, so the relatively small number makes luxury vinyl tile a top choice for homes with children.
Installation
Picking the right type of kid-proof flooring, or any flooring, for your home is important, but choosing the right installer is just as big of a priority. Proper installation is necessary if you’d like to enjoy your floors for years to come. At Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers, we understand your concerns and we can help. Our staff of dedicated professionals will take the time to recognize and acknowledge your unique preferences, needs, and budget. Renovating a home is a big event, but with our help, the process can be relatively smooth and pain free.
Call Us Today
Want some play room design ideas? Check out this article. And when you’re ready to get started on your renovations, call or email Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers today for a free consultation. We know you only want the best in flooring. That’s why it’s important to hire the best in the business, and at Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers, we can guarantee you that’s us.
Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers have been flooring and remodeling Kentuckiana for over 30 years. Our certified installers have the ingenuity and know-how to assist you in choosing the perfect floors for your home. Don’t take matters into your own hands—let us guide your next project.
