There’s a problem with most flooring choices – they last for a very long time.

• Carpet can last between 5 and 15 years.
• Luxury vinyl planks can last between 10 and 20 years with proper care.
• Hardwood can remain in place for up to a century with proper maintenance and occasional refurbishing.

That makes it worth time and thought before you make your final decision.

Rather than fads or trends, it pays to think about timeless flooring choices. This ensures you have a high-quality flooring material that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Colors, styles, and patterns

Before we get into specific materials, it’s important to note that neutral stands the test of time over all else. Think back to the wild colors we’ve seen come and go over the past few decades.

Orange. Gold. Avocado green. Sunshine yellow.

They all have one thing in common: their bright shades and tones.

If you want a timeless, classic design, neutral is always better. If you can find it in nature, your chances of longevity are better. Think white, beige, and brown. If you see the same color, pattern, and style running from product to product, it’s more likely to stick around.

Of course, sticking with neutral doesn’t have to be boring or blasé. In fact, quite the opposite can take place. It can set the stage for strong, powerful lines. It can make the rest of your decor pop. And because flooring is often one of the more expensive items in any remodel, selecting wisely means it will last for years to come. Paint the walls. Buy new pillows. It’s nice to know your flooring will still be looking good.

With color and styles in mind, here are several timeless flooring materials we’ve seen selling well throughout the years.

Hardwood

Nothing is more beautiful than hardwood. That makes it top the charts of flooring lists year after year.

Here in Colorado, hardwood is also a classic design. It’s been used in mountain lodges, and the most sophisticated homes across the Front Range.

Hardwood creates a soft surface area that makes it comfortable enough to walk on with your bare feet. It’s warm enough to keep you comfortable even on the coldest nights.

While many homeowners might think twice once they look at the cost, it makes it one of the most economical investments you’ll make in your home when you factor in longevity. Hardwood can last for years with proper maintenance. And when it shows wear, it can be sanded down and refinished to add even more life to the material. Select wisely, and it can be refinished up to ten times!

Don’t forget about engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood may be the solution if you’re having trouble justifying hardwood in a room because of your lifestyle. It has the classic good looks of hardwood because it is hardwood. The hardwood veneer on top provides you with timeless looks, while the core structure makes it even more durable than hardwood. That gives you a flooring choice that will continue to look good throughout the years.

Luxury vinyl

If you’re looking for something more cost-effective that still gives you long life, you can’t ignore luxury vinyl.

It still sets the standard for places where moisture is a problem. Bathrooms. Laundry rooms. Mudrooms. Even kitchens. Plus, there’s an added benefit today from the classic good looks.

Luxury vinyl has come a long way since your grandmother’s time. Thanks to today’s technology, you’ll find luxury vinyl so closely mimicking hardwood, stone, and tile, you have to get down to touch it to notice the difference.

Choose wisely, and it has an added benefit: It’s waterproof. That makes it a flooring of choice for rooms where water may be a problem. Let the kids splash away. Don’t worry about the tub overflowing.

No matter what style or pattern you choose, if you make luxury vinyl your choice for timeless good looks, you won’t be disappointed.

Carpet

Travel back in time and you’ll find evidence of rugs dating back 4,000 years or more. That’s because we’ve long since loved the feel of soft fibers between our toes. Whether you walk across it, sit down and enjoy its comfort, or simply want to add warmth to your room, carpet is often the best way to go.

Wall-to-wall carpet is a newer addition to homes, but it’s still one of the most popular choices. While you might not want it in your high-traffic areas, nothing can beat it for comfort. That plush feeling you get when stepping out of bed in the morning can’t be initiated by any other product.

This is the one product where staying neutral can set the stage for your decor. Add a pattern in the fibers, and it won’t showcase traffic marks or surface dirt. Carpets today are also designed in ways that won’t attract stains, grime, and other messes. With good maintenance habits, your carpet will stay looking new for years to come.

Tile

Can you imagine a bathroom without tile? Neither can we. It’s been a staple in bathroom projects for decades. It’s one of the most timeless materials available.

Ceramic tiles can be crafted in an almost unlimited supply of patterns, colors, and styles. Stick with one or combine several for a truly unique look.

Thanks to today’s technology, tiles can mimic natural wood too. It’s a great way to bring the look of hardwood to places you might not be able to install it. Think bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.

Another benefit is they pair well with radiant heating. Slip the heating material underneath tiles, and you’ll never have a cold floor again. It can be a great addition to your master bath. You might like it well enough you extend it to other rooms in your home. Tile is a natural heat conductor, which means it’ll warm up faster and stay warm longer.

What’s your choice for a timeless flooring material?

If you stick with the basics, something that’s been around for years, you’ll love what you have installed.

It will be a great addition to your home for years to come.