Guide · 3 min read
Choosing flooring for busy homes
Introduction
Durability is not one property. It is scratch resistance, water resistance, dent resistance and repairability — and very few floors are strong in all four.
Scratches
Claw marks show most on dark, high-gloss surfaces. Matt finishes with visible grain and mid-tones hide daily wear far better. Rigid-core LVT and high AC-rated laminate outperform softwood by a wide margin.
Water
Kitchens, boot rooms and bathrooms want a waterproof surface. LVT and porcelain are genuinely waterproof; laminate is at best water-resistant at the joint; timber needs sealing and prompt attention to spills.
Repairability
Oiled timber can be spot-repaired. Glue-down LVT planks can be individually lifted and replaced. Click systems and lacquered floors usually mean a wider repair. Ask this question before you buy, not after.
