For owners of luxury condominiums or upscale apartment complexes, one of the things that you need to consider is the type of flooring. Today, there are many types of flooring materials but not all have the same durability. And, for luxury condos, if you don’t select the right durable flooring the first time, you will be replacing the flooring every time someone new moves in or you sell the building.
In addition, by selecting the right flooring materials, you will not only enhance the aesthetics of the building but also increase its value. What is the best-rated luxury flooring? To learn about the best flooring for luxury condominiums, read on.
Hardwood Flooring:
Hardwood is one of the best-rated luxury flooring options for condominiums. This flooring can be made from several types of wood, including ash, pine, beech, cedar, maple, cherry, aspen, oak, and several more. All these types of hardwood have one unique feature – they have beautiful aesthetics.
Hardwood flooring will stand out because it has a stylish and luxurious impact on the property immediately. Hardwood flooring is available in many shades that range from dark brown to light grey. Hardwood flooring has several beneficial features, which include the following:
- It is easy to clean – all you need to do is sweep or vacuum
- The flooring can be re-finished several times if the surface gets dull
- It can complement all types of indoor decor
- It can be installed in the foyer, alcove, living room, bedrooms, and offices
- It can withstand significant foot traffic
- It is durable and if well-maintained, it will easily last two decades. In fact, the flooring does not even have to be replaced to give the floor a new look, but you can apply another finish to restore the aesthetics.
It is important not to install hardwood flooring in the kitchen or the bathrooms as it is not moisture-proof. In addition, it does not have good soundproofing qualities, so you may have to have a prefabricated sound absorbing base layer installed if noise is an issue.
Laminate:
Another of the best-rated luxury flooring options is laminate. One of the best features of laminate is that the latest generation of products can mimic hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring is elegant, soundproof, and very easy to clean. Laminate can, in fact, be installed in all places in a condo, including the hallway, bathroom, kitchen, basement, and living room.
Laminate is also somewhat scratch-resistant and to make it waterproof, you need only to have the appropriate finish. Laminate is a great choice for the best flooring for luxury condominiums. Laminate is an affordable option, but it is not as durable as wood. In addition, it has to be installed correctly; otherwise, water can seep into the corners. But overall, laminate will easily last two decades or more, if well-maintained.
Tile:
Tile is another of the best-rated luxury flooring options that are durable, and it is available in many styles, shapes, sizes, and colors. You have the option of selecting ceramic or porcelain tiles. Tile flooring is relatively easy to clean and can be installed in the kitchen, bathroom, or in any high-traffic area.
Tiles can withstand a significant amount of foot traffic, are scratch-resistant, and have long durability. Tiles come in many designs, so it is relatively easy to match the decor of the condo. In addition, tiles are waterproof, and any spills are easy to mop up. The two downsides to tiles are that they can feel hard and cold on your feet.
With the climate in most of Florida, however, tile can help keep your home’s temperature nice all year round. Or, if you live in a cooler climate, you can always have the latest heating wires installed underneath the tiles and that will keep the flooring warm. If the floor feels hard, you can always place a rug over it. If well-maintained, tile floors will last more than two decades.
Engineered Wood:
If you want an alternative to traditional solid hardwood flooring, then go with engineered wood flooring. It is one of the best flooring options for condominiums. It is not only just as pleasing and functional, but it is also cheaper than solid hardwood flooring. Engineered wood is made in layers that are adhered together with a strong adhesive.
The finish is with a strong surface veneer layer that gives it excellent durability and even makes it more water-resistant compared to the hardwood. Engineered wood also is available in many styles, colors, and finishes, and it is relatively easy to install. Like hardwood flooring, cleaning requires simple sweeping or vacuuming. The big advantage of engineered wood is that it can be installed almost everywhere, including the basement and even the bathroom.
Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood is not much affected by temperature or humidity. If the engineered wood is installed correctly, not only will it feel warm and soft on the feet, but it has a long life expectancy of at least three decades or more. Today, there are multiple hues of engineered wood so that matching decor of the condominium complexes is not difficult at all. And, with the right finish, engineered wood can also be made more scratch-resistant than traditional wood.
The one downside to engineered wood is that the color can fade if exposed to prolonged sunlight. Ways to avoid this include rotating the furniture around the room, keeping curtains closed during the heaviest periods of sunlight, or using blinds on the windows. You can also place throw rugs where the sunlight shines in the most.
Carpet:
Carpet is another flooring material that can last longer if well-maintained. There are many styles and types of carpets and, best of all, carpets can be installed almost anywhere, except the kitchen and bathroom. The latest carpet designs are comparable in aesthetics to hardwood and just as appealing. Carpets can have many good qualities including the following:
- Makes the room feel warm and comfortable
- It is child and pet friendly
- It is easy on the feet
- It can be purchased to match any decor of the home
- Installation is relatively easy
The downside to carpet includes:
- Many varieties are not stain-resistant
- It is not moisture-proof
- It needs regular vacuuming and steam cleaning
- It is not pet-resistant
If the carpet is well-maintained, however, it can last at least two decades. The key is to vacuum it regularly and clean up any spills as soon as possible. Carpet has a big advantage over other flooring materials because it is relatively easy to install, and it is more affordable. If you get cold easily (even in Florida), carpet can help keep the condominium warm.
Vinyl:
Vinyl is another durable flooring material that is softer than tile or wood and is waterproof. The latest luxury vinyl flooring comes in many styles and designs, and the surface can be designed to make it look like stone or wood. Luxury vinyl is relatively easy to install.
Some of its benefits include toughness, water resistance, and it has the ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. Luxury vinyl is also relatively cheap compared to hardwood and, most importantly, it will last two decades or more. The one downside to vinyl is that it is prone to scratches. Vinyl is best installed in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and areas that receive heavy foot traffic.
CONCLUSION
For the best flooring for luxury condominiums, there are several flooring options with long-lasting durability. Engineered wood is perhaps the flooring of choice followed by tiles, laminate, and hardwood. In the end, selecting the flooring depends on many factors, including the amount of foot traffic, the presence of pets and children, and the type of weather the region is most notable for. To know which flooring is best suited for your luxury condominium, speak to a representative from East Coast Flooring & Interiors. By knowing the pros and cons of the different flooring materials, you will be able to make a well-informed decision. Call them today at 1-954-417-6966 to discuss your flooring needs. They are great at installation, too!