What is the most durable type of wood flooring?

Wood flooring is an elegant, classic choice for homes and businesses alike. There are many different types of wood flooring on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. But if durability is one of your major selling points, then you’ll need to know how each type of wood flooring holds up against heavy traffic, pets, children, and more. To help you out, let’s take  a look at the most popular types of wood flooring and how durable they are.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood floors are made from 100% hardwood and are often the most expensive option. They can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making them a very durable option. 

That being said, solid hardwood floors are also susceptible to scratches and dents, so they may not be the best choice for homes with pets or children.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood floors are made from a layer of real hardwood over a plywood or HDF (high-density fiberboard) core. Engineered hardwood floors are more stable than solid hardwood floors, so they’re less likely to warp or cup over time. They can also be sanded and refinished multiple times, making them very durable. However, engineered hardwood floors are still susceptible to scratches and dents. 

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is made from a photograph of wood glued to a plywood or HDF core. Laminate floors are very durable and  resistant to stains and fading. They can also be cleaned easily with a vacuum or damp mop. However, laminate floors cannot be sanded or refinished like solid hardwood or engineered hardwood floors. As another consideration, cheaper laminate flooring can be scratched rather easily. If you move a piece of furniture over it the wrong way, it could lift up the laminate (which can be near impossible to fix).

When choosing wood flooring for your home or business, it’s important to consider both appearance and durability. Solid hardwood floors are the most durable option, but they’re also the most expensive. Engineered hardwood floors are less expensive than solid hardwood floors and they’re also more stable, making them less likely to warp over time. Laminate floors are the most budget-friendly option and they’re also easy to clean; however, they cannot be sanded or refinished like solid or engineered hardwoods.