Kitchen floor took a beating. Kids, dogs, dropped everything. Went through options carefully before replacing – no more regret purchases.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
My recommendation for most high-traffic areas. Waterproof, durable, looks decent, reasonably priced. Handles kids and pets without showing every scratch.
Get the thick stuff with attached underlayment. Cheap LVP feels cheap. Mid-range is worth it.
Tile and Porcelain
Practically indestructible. Will outlast you. But cold underfoot, hard on legs if you stand long, and grout needs maintenance.
Works great in entryways and bathrooms. Kitchen – depends if you cook standing up a lot.
Hardwood Reality Check
Beautiful but shows wear in high traffic. Can be refinished but that’s disruptive. Water damage near sinks is a real risk.
If you want hardwood anyway, go with harder species – hickory, white oak – and accept that it’ll show life over time. Some people like that patina.
What to Avoid
Soft woods like pine scratch instantly. Carpet shows traffic patterns within a year. Cheap laminate chips at the edges.
Installation Matters
Bad install ruins good flooring. Subfloor prep especially. Uneven subfloor means clicks, gaps, and early wear. Worth doing right or paying someone who will.
My Choice
LVP for the kitchen and mudroom. Tile in the bathrooms. Hardwood in formal living areas that don’t get daily abuse. Mix and match based on actual use, not just aesthetics.
