Durable flooring is needed in high-traffic areas. In these areas, the floors must be highly water-resistant and waterproof. A hard floor is also cold and tough on joints, and scratch-resistant floors are not always the best choice. But even scratch-resistant floors can get damaged and need replacement in high-traffic areas. Read on to find out which flooring option is best for your home. Listed below are some benefits of different types of vinyl flooring.
Terrazzo
Look no further than terrazzo if you’re looking for the strongest, longest-lasting flooring material. It’s easy to clean and requires little maintenance – just a damp mop and neutral cleaner. However, you should consider that terrazzo is one of the most expensive flooring materials. You can choose to DIY your terrazzo floor, but you should be aware that it will not be as beautiful as the poured sections.
Terrazzo is one of the most durable flooring materials available today despite the price tag. The traditional method of making terrazzo flooring involves exposing marble chips to concrete and then polishing them until they are smooth and shiny. This method is remarkably durable and is often used in public spaces and government buildings. However, terrazzo is also incredibly slippery and may not suit everyone. You may want to consider non-slip additives for your terrazzo flooring if you plan to have elderly family members in your home.
Porcelain tile
The main reason why porcelain tile is so durable is that it can be found in various colors, ranging from white to a multitude of shades of brown. Porcelain tile is also water-resistant and non-absorbent, making it the perfect flooring for rooms where moisture can cause damage. The downside of this is that porcelain tile can be expensive, but it is well worth the cost if you want a beautiful floor.
Tile is the best flooring choice because it resists stains, scratches, and wear. It is also waterproof and surprisingly slip-resistant when wet. Porcelain tile is perfect for bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. However, it can crack if heavy objects are dropped on it. So, if you’re concerned about the durability of your flooring, porcelain tile may not be for you.
Vinyl plank
The core of vinyl plank is a mix of stone and plastic, making it waterproof and practically indestructible. Because it’s waterproof and extremely dense, vinyl plank is ideal for high-traffic areas and commercial buildings. The wear layer is very thick and unlikely to scratch or dent even heavy furniture. However, this material lacks the warmth of wood-plastic composite vinyl planks. If you’re concerned about your floors being too cold, you can choose wood-plastic composite vinyl planks.
The thickness of a vinyl plank floor plays an important role in its durability. The thicker the vinyl plank floor, the greater the comfort factor it will provide. In addition to this, a thicker floor will be better able to stand up to high traffic and pressure. It’s also easier to clean and maintain. However, it is best to check the thickness of the floor before installing it. This will prevent any gaps from forming after installation.
Prefinished solid-wood flooring
Hardwood floors can come unfinished or prefinished. Choosing between the two will greatly impact your home’s overall appearance. Unfinished floors must be finished on-site, which adds to the flooring cost and will delay its use for a few days. Site-applied finishes can also suffer from humidity and room temperature changes, making them less durable than prefinished solid-wood floors. Fortunately, most prefinished hardwood flooring is still reversible, so you can refinish them to make them look like new for decades to come.
Prefinished solid-wood floors have improved dramatically since their introduction in the late 1940s. Today’s prefinished flooring is available in a variety of species, sheens, and surface effects. Hand-scraped wood floors are the most popular choice because they give your home a unique distressed look. However, narrow planks may take longer to install. In the end, narrow planks are better for larger rooms while wide planks may make your home look cramped.
Epoxy floor coating
When applying epoxy floor coating, the surface must be in good condition. The floor must be cleaned thoroughly and prepared for the coating. Dust particles should be removed from the floor using shot blasting or scarifying techniques. The floor surface must be thoroughly cleansed during the priming phase and the primer applied. This ensures that the epoxy coating is applied correctly and creates a thick, durable surface. Afterwards, the floor is ready for the final step.
The next step in epoxy floor coating is assessing the concrete beneath. A chemical reaction may cause the floor to peel off if the concrete is porous. This process is risky, as solid acids may damage the surface. It can take several days to complete, so getting a weekend to finish the installation is best. Moreover, the epoxy coating will need a few days to cure. If the floor is exposed to extreme temperatures or is subjected to frequent scrubbing, it will peel off.