Pavel Liviu
2021-09-13T22:46:26-05:00

What Are the Best Flooring Types for Kids?

Whether you have your first baby on the way, or your family already has a few little ones underfoot, choosing the right flooring is an important decision. It’s likely your priority is having a home that’s as safe as it is durable. Thankfully, there are many flooring options that can address it all.

Spill-Proof Simplicity

Luxury vinyl and laminate are two great flooring selections for kitchens and other areas in your home that are bound to receive a lot of tiny foot traffic. Not only are both of these choices durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof (hello, wipe-able surfaces!), luxury vinyl floors and laminate floors are also very affordable, which makes them an ideal option for a young family on a budget. Brands like Downs® H2O™ are the perfect choice for those looking for kid-proof, waterproof vinyl. Even better? Both vinyl and laminate styles have come a long way since their introduction in the ’70s and ’80s. Now you can find countless choices for stylish luxury vinyl and laminate floors at stores like your local Flooring America that mimic the look of hardwood, stone, and concrete—and not the look of your grandmother’s kitchen.

Hardwood Floors: Elegant and Family-Friendly

However, if you have your heart set on real hardwood floors, they can still be a great choice for a young family. Though there can be some risk of scratching with all those soccer cleats and scooters running amok, many hardwood floors on the market today, like Aquadura H2O™, are now both scratch-resistant and waterproof. And, again, luxury vinyl is also something to keep in mind if you love that hardwood look. There are beautiful luxury vinyl floor options, such as Galvanite®, that do an unbelievable job of matching the look of real hardwood floors, down to recreating the appearance (and variety) of grain. But if real hardwood flooring remains your dream, it’s always a beautiful choice.

Don’t Count Out Tiles

Tile can seem like a less than ideal option for kids because it is hard and slippery, but ceramic or porcelain tiles are durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain. Although you might not want to use ceramic or porcelain tile in a playroom, they are an excellent option for children’s bathrooms since they come in a variety of fun colors and patterns and will stand up to the toughest bath-time routine.

Comfortable Carpet

Okay, let’s be honest—little ones tend to fall over. A lot. And even if the kids themselves are not the ones always taking a spill, children are still famous for frequently dropping things: toys, pets, glasses of juice, you name it. In addition, carpet is much more affordable than hardwood flooring or tile. This makes carpet an excellent and safe choice for your young family, as a wipeout in a carpeted living room is often no big deal. Plus, so many carpet options today come in both stain-resistant and fade-resistant styles, like Innovia Xtreme Clean™ carpet or Tigressá® Cherish carpet flooring, so choosing carpet for your kids’ playroom, nursery, or bedrooms is even more of a no-brainer. The peace of mind of safety for your little ones—plus, now with the ease of cleaning—makes carpet hard to beat.

Quick Solutions for Fast-Growing Kids

The truth is kids grow up pretty fast, and sometimes you need a flooring solution that’s quick and easy. If your kid starts crawling and your current tile seems like a danger zone, laying down rubber mats or play carpet might be a great solution. Foam tiles or activity rugs are also a nice way to customize kids’ playrooms because they are removable, easy to clean, and easy to change as your child gets older, so the room is ready for a more grown-up theme. Plus, floor mattresses can double as cushioning for playtime and comfort for nap time.