You buy some things frequently, such as cereal or shampoo. If you select something you don’t like, you can replace it with little effort and no worries.

Flooring is different. It’s not something you replace on a regular basis. In fact, you probably have hopes it will last for years – decades – and that can increase your anxiety when replacing it.

Buyer’s remorse affects all of us from time to time, especially if you’re shopping for something significant. It’s common when spending a lot of money on something you thought you wanted, only to worry shortly after the sale about whether it was the right decision.

Maybe you’ll choose unwisely – this color will never do. Maybe you didn’t select correctly – the material just doesn’t work with your lifestyle. Or maybe it’s the cost – did you really spend that much money?

Before you reconsider your plans and put your remodeling decisions off altogether, it’s time to look at your flooring choices in a new light. It’s time to prioritize longevity in flooring, and take a second look at your options.

What determines how long a floor will last?

What do you focus on most when looking at new flooring? It’s easy to focus on the material, colors, and patterns. After all, that’s what you’ll be looking at and living with for years into the future.

When you prioritize longevity in your flooring choice, it gives you other characteristics to consider.

Material quality

Maybe you love hardwood, or you’re focused on choosing a soft, muted color that blends in well with your surroundings. As you narrow your choices, start comparing quality. High-quality materials tend to be more durable and have long lifespans. You can feel the difference. This is where it also helps to work with a reputable flooring professional who can give you an honest opinion of what will work well in your home.

Installation

Homeowners often look for ways to save money and, in some cases, install it themselves because of cost. Unless you know what you’re doing, it can be a mistake. Proper installation is crucial for longevity. If installed incorrectly, it can lead to issues such as warping, buckling, or premature wear. Who wants to replace carpet before its time due to stretching, or replace hardwood because of extensive damage? An expert knows the little nuances to ensure it’s placed properly for a long life.

Traffic

Will you be installing it in a high-traffic area? Will it take more abuse than other areas in your home? In some areas it’s important to upgrade in quality to ensure it stands up to the wear and tear your lifestyle brings.

Maintenance

Different flooring choices require their own maintenance schedules to maintain quality throughout its life. Are you prepared? Some floors need waxing or sealing. Others need spot and professional cleaning. A flooring expert can help you navigate these schedules to make the right choice to suit your needs.

Environmental factors

The Colorado sunshine can be harsh as it streams through large windows daily. It can fade or even warp certain flooring choices. You should also consider mixture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. The bathroom and kitchen have different needs than a bedroom or family room. Consider your final choice wisely.

Subfloor

Is your room built on a cement slab? Is it on a second level? Is the subfloor in pristine condition, or does it need improvements to handle your flooring choice? For some flooring choices like stone, the subfloor is essential to ensure stability over time.

Does this help you look at various flooring choices a bit differently?

The longevity of the most popular flooring choices

If you’ve been researching flooring, you might be impressed with some manufacturers’ promises. Can a flooring last 100 years? Can you expect it to handle well for generations?

While they may tempt you, it’s important to note that they market to attract your attention, and are using extreme cases when making promises.

Every flooring’s longevity is dependent on a variety of factors.

Hardwood

High-quality hardwood floors can last for decades or even centuries when properly cared for. Walking into a historic home and seeing the original hardwood in place is not unusual.

The longevity of hardwood floors is influenced by many factors, including species of wood, thickness of the boards, the finish applied, and how well the wood is maintained. The owners are proactive in their maintenance routine instead of waiting for failure. They choose high-quality from the beginning, then maintain it throughout its lifetime.

Hardwood floors typically require refinishing every 10 to 15 years to maintain their good-looks and durability. Are you up for the challenge?

Luxury vinyl

Luxury is one of the newest entries to the flooring industry, and homeowners love what it offers. It’s known for its durability and can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the quality of the product and the level of traffic.

Like hardwood, thickness is key. The wear layer thickness of the vinyl plank or tile plays a significant role in its longevity. When in doubt, upgrade to a thicker plank for better wear.

Of course, proper installation matters, too. Many homeowners tackle this product as a DIY project, but do so only if you understand the nuances of installing it well.

Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tile floors are extremely durable and can last for several decades when installed correctly. This means having a high-quality subfloor in place, and using the right type of adhesive and grout.

This means installation is key. Don’t skimp on the installation process; it’s what ensures a long life. Grout maintenance is equally important for preserving the appearance and integrity of the tiles over time.

Carpet

When compared with the other flooring choices, carpet has the shortest life. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways of significantly increasing how long it will last, pushing it to 15 to 20 years in some places inside your home.

Longevity depends on quality. Pay attention to fiber type, pile height, density, and quality of installation. Maintenance matters, too; plan on regular vacuuming, spot cleaning regularly, with occasional professional cleanings mixed in.

Which flooring is best when prioritizing for longevity?

What’s the right flooring for your home? It depends.

When prioritizing for longevity, hardwood flooring often emerges as the top choice due to its remarkable durability and potential to last for generations with proper care. Its timeless appeal, coupled with the ability to be refinished multiple times, ensures that hardwood floors can withstand the test of time.

However, luxury vinyl and tile also offer impressive durability and can last for many years, making them excellent options for high-traffic areas or spaces prone to moisture.

Ultimately, the best flooring choice for longevity depends on individual preferences, budget, and specific needs, but investing in quality materials and professional installation can significantly extend the lifespan of any flooring type.

Can we help you finalize your flooring choice?