If you read our post on top flooring trends in Texas, you know that easy, low-maintenance floors are high on the priority list for today’s homeowners.
Feel the same way? Read on for our suggestions on low-maintenance flooring for your home.
Low-Maintenance Flooring Favorites in Texas
When we look at flooring favored by Texans (and our customers in Austin), hardwood, tile and vinyl top the list.
This is no surprise. Our lifestyle and hot, humid climate call for durable flooring.
They also align with the top 3 choices nationally right now. Based on studies by Houzz, homeowners are choosing hardwood, tile or vinyl floors in their renovations.
And while vinyl isn’t as popular stylistically as hardwood, it’s the one showing the most growth in usage and sales.
There’s a good reason for that.
Which flooring is easiest to care for?
As busy homeowners today, we have a lower tolerance for high-maintenance flooring. So it’s understandable that we’d want floors that give us the look and style we want without the cleaning hassles.
So which floors fit those needs? You might think it’s tile, but it’s actually vinyl.
Yes, tile floors are durable and easy to clean. We have a long love of tile floors in Texas and that won’t end soon.
But style is a big factor as well.
Remember, we’re talking about floors that give us the look and style we want without the cleaning hassles. For most homeowners today, the preferred look is hardwood.
Luxury vinyl planks that look like hardwood give us the best of both worlds – flooring that’s easy to clean and has the wood look we love.
A few easy-care, low-maintenance options
Vinyl tops the list, but it isn’t the only option. Your needs and your threshold for maintenance are big factors when deciding which is best for you.
Let’s go over the top 3 choices overall.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
As we mentioned, vinyl gets top marks for easy cleaning and good looks. It also comes with many benefits. It’s durable, affordable and waterproof, so it can be used in kitchens and bathrooms too. Best of all, there are many varieties in the wood tones we love, like oak, pine, walnut and the lighter grays and beiges that are popular now.
Cleaning is easy with a broom, vacuum or mop. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners when removing stains or deep cleaning.
Related: Luxury Vinyl Plank vs. Hardwood.
Engineered Hardwood
If you’re truly set on the look and feel of real hardwood, take a look at engineered hardwood, which is more affordable. Despite the name, it’s not ‘fake’ wood as many believe.
It has a top layer of real, premium hardwood over sub-layers of other woods, usually plywood. This actually makes it stronger and more stable than solid hardwood and easier to maintain. Some versions are also waterproof.
To clean it, all you need is a broom, vacuum or damp mop. Avoid wet mopping, steam cleaning and vinegar- or ammonia-based cleaners.
Laminate is another hardy contender in this category. While not real wood, it mimics the look of hardwood and is easy to maintain as well.
Porcelain Tile
Extremely durable, porcelain tile can hold up to decades of use. While it might not top the current trend list, it has endured as one of the hardiest choices for flooring and is well suited to our hot climate.
Tile offers a wider variety of colors, textures and shapes. Laying them in patterns like chevrons, checkers and herringbone are also rising in popularity. Wood-look tiles are available as well.
Cleaning is super simple with a broom, vacuum or wet mop. Grout should be cleaned often and sealed every 6 months to a year, depending on the wear.
Related: How to Prevent & Treat Grout Stains
Protective Moves
We hope this gives you a few options to consider. No matter which you choose, be sure to protect it from scuffs or damage with these tips:
- Add floor protectors to the legs of furniture.
- Move furniture with sliders or on a dolly or moving blanket.
- Use rugs or doormats in heavy-traffic areas like doorways. Runners can also protect hallways or stairs.
- Sweep and dust regularly to pick up dirt that can get embedded or cause abrasions.
Which floor is on your short list? Let us know if you need advice or would like a free estimate.
