For managers and owners of luxury apartment complexes or condominiums, the type of flooring used in the building is vital. In most luxury condos or high-end apartments, the foot traffic can often be heavy, not only from the residents but also from service professionals and other laborers who help maintain the building. Not selecting the right type of flooring the first time around can lead to rapid wear and tear and an early need for flooring replacement, which can cause a great deal of inconvenience, aggravation, and can reduce rental profits. Given the large amount of use the flooring gets, it is important to spend extra time considering your flooring options. Today, there are at least half a dozen flooring materials available, but what are the most highly rated luxury apartment floors for your apartment complex? Below are the pros and cons of each flooring material.
Engineered Hardwood is a Favorite
Similar to solid hardwood, this is one of the most highly rated luxury apartment floors in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Engineered hardwood is made up of a layer of wood on top (veneer), and then more layers of backing (the core). The thickness of the top layer and core can vary depending on the design and the manufacturer. How the layers are designed is what factors into how your flooring looks, how it feels underfoot, and the durability and lifespan. Unlike solid wood, engineered wood is manufactured in wider widths and longer lengths and, because of the layering, it is very durable and strong.
Unlike solid wood, engineered wood is also less likely to warp or crack when exposed to moisture. Engineered wood can be installed in any room, even the bathroom, and basement. The flooring is foot-friendly, warm, easy to clean and maintain, and can be re-finished many more times compared to hardwood.
Even though engineered wood is moisture resistant, it is important to clean all spills as soon as possible. The key is to have it installed properly so that there are no gaps for moisture to seep through. The cost of high-quality engineered wood varies from $10 to $15 depending on the style and finish.
Tile Floors are a Great Option for Luxury Apartment Buildings
Tile (porcelain or ceramic) is ideal for wet areas as it is moisture-resistant and durable. The other benefit of tile luxury apartment tile floors is that it comes in many styles and designs, including porcelain, marble, slate granite, and travertine. Tile flooring is best recommended for the bathroom, kitchen, foyer, and hallways. Additionally, tiles are very easy to clean and maintain.
For condos, it is important to select the glazed variety as it is less prone to scratches and cracks. Because luxury apartment tile floors can make your home feel cooler, it is the ideal flooring for the Florida climate. With good maintenance, tiles can easily last two decades or more.
One downside to tile is that it is not very good at being soundproof, but this can be remedied by applying a base wooden undercoating that can absorb noise. The cost of tiles can vary from $5-$20 a square foot. If you want flooring that is durable, relatively easy to install and look after, you will never go wrong with luxury apartment tile floors.
Carpet:
Even though some may not consider carpet, this flooring material is excellent for luxury condos. The key is to choose the right type of carpeting and have it installed in the appropriate areas. For a bedroom and living room, a high pile carpet is ideal but for the hallways, a low pile carpet is recommended.
In addition, you also need to consider the material. Nylon is durable and can withstand all types of foot traffic and is ideal for the entrance, walkways, hallway, gym, foyer, etc. Carpet should be avoided in the bathroom and kitchen as it can get wet and dirty very quickly. Carpet has many advantages, including its ability to muffle sound, it helps keep the space warm, it is easy on the feet, can hide dirt, it’s easy to install, and it is relatively inexpensive.
If the right carpet fabric is selected and installed in the appropriate rooms, it can last for 10 or 20 years. The one downside to carpets is that they need to be vacuumed regularly to maintain the aesthetics. As well, if they get stained, then shampooing is required at least every 1-3 years. Advances in technology have led to the development of more stain-resistant carpets.
The cost of carpet, including the padding, typically varies between $5-$10 per square foot. Installation is usually a straightforward process when professionals are involved.
Laminate is the Flooring of Choice in Luxury Apartment Buildings
Unlike the first-generation laminate, current products are elegant, have excellent cosmesis, and can mimic very well the look of stone, wood, or even tile. Laminate has many great features, including long durability, resistance to scratches, easy to clean and maintain, pet and child friendly, and available in many colors, styles, and thicknesses.
Laminate can be installed almost everywhere except in the kitchen and bathroom. The thicker laminate can also absorb sound, which is recommended for condos. The two cons about laminate are that it is difficult to remove and, secondly, it is not completely moisture-proof.
Thus, all spills should be quickly cleaned. The installation should be done professionally so that there are no gaps for water to seep underneath the flooring. The cost of laminate varies from $5-$10 per square foot.
Luxury Vinyl:
If variety and quality are important to you, then luxury vinyl should be in your consideration for flooring. Luxury vinyl has come a long way over the past two decades. Not only does luxury vinyl have excellent aesthetics, but it is also durable and can withstand significant foot traffic.
Plus, it is child and pet-friendly, can absorb sound, and is easy on the feet. Luxury vinyl is made by compressing 6-8 layers with a top coat that is designed to protect the design layer underneath. It has a base layer of PVC, which offers rigidity and good strength. The best part about luxury vinyl flooring is that it can mimic stone or ceramic tiles, or even wood.
There are dozens of styles and designs of luxury vinyl to match any decor. Luxury vinyl can be installed in the living room, foyer, entrance, hallway, basement, children’s room, exercise room, and even the bathroom and kitchen. It is one of the few floorings that are completely moisture-proof.
Luxury vinyl is easy to clean, maintain, and install. The cost of luxury vinyl varies from $5-$10 per square foot. Once installed, it can last many years if well maintained.
Conclusion
For highly rated luxury apartment floors, there are at least six good flooring options to select from. Engineered hardwood is currently the most popular, and for good reason, but it is a little more expensive. If money is a big factor, then luxury vinyl or laminate can be a good choice for functionality and aesthetic.
Many building owners and apartment managers decide on luxury apartment tile floors and the flooring of choice. The best way to know which flooring is right for your luxury apartment complex is to speak to an East Coast Flooring & Design professional. By knowing more about the different flooring, you will be able to make a better-informed choice. Call them today at 1-954-773-9575.