When selecting the best wood floors for luxury apartments, building owners need to consider durability, as well as aesthetics. It is not realistic to install flooring that is elegant but will not last more than a decade. Today, there are at least five types of flooring that will last several decades or more if well maintained, but which should the building owner choose? Below we provide you with some durable flooring options for luxury apartments, each has its pros and cons.
Hardwood
Hardwood is a popular choice and one of the best wood floors for luxury apartments in North America for many reasons. Not only is it beautiful and it adds value to real estate, but it is probably the most durable flooring on the market. It’s one of the longest-lasting luxury apartment floors.
There are many varieties of hardwood flooring, including maple, oak, pine, cedar, mahogany, Brazilian cherry, and many more. The one universal feature with all hardwood is that this type of flooring will make the apartment look gorgeous and modern, which will be enticing to potential tenants. Hardwood flooring can withstand significant foot traffic and is relatively easy to clean. It can even be refinished several times to erase blemishes and restore the original beauty.
Hardwood can be installed in the living room, bedroom, and in any other area that is not prone to moisture. The one downside to hardwood is that it is not moisture resistant; hence, all spills should be wiped away quickly and the apartment should be kept on the dry side. If well maintained, hardwood can easily last a minimum of two decades. Hardwood is one of the best wood floors for your luxury apartment building. It will definitely be worth the investment.
Tile
Tile is fast becoming the flooring of choice for modern luxury apartments for many reasons. They come in many styles, patterns, and designs to match the decor of the apartment. In addition, tiles are easy to clean, are moisture-resistant and scratch-proof, and can be installed in most areas of the building. You have a choice of ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles but overall porcelain tiles have a slight edge.
They are thicker, come with a finish that is stain and scratch-resistant, and are very durable. In the Sunshine State where the weather is almost always warm and humid, tiles impart a cooling sensation and make it comfortable. Tiles come in many designs, and you have ample choices; in fact, the latest tiles can even mimic the look of hardwood. The one great benefit of tiles is that they can withstand significant foot traffic and are ideal for places like the entrance, hallway, and kitchen.
They can also be installed in moisture or wet areas like the bathroom, laundry room, and even the sunroom. If well-maintained tiles can easily last two or more decades. Tile is less expensive than hardwood but has similar features.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has come a long way over the past three decades. The first-generation products were deemed to be a little tacky and were not all that aesthetically pleasing. A lot has changed since then, and the latest products are elegant and can mimic hardwood, tiles, or stone flooring. Laminate flooring is made similarly to hardwood with thin fibers compressed over plywood or fiber.
In addition, laminate also has a surface coating for additional protection. You can get laminate in many colors and patterns to match your luxury apartment. Laminate is excellent for high traffic areas like the entrance, foyer, hallway, playroom, gym, kitchen, and alley. The key is to have it professionally installed to ensure that no water or moisture can seep through the edges. Laminate flooring is very easy to clean and, if well maintained, can last two decades or more. It is also relatively inexpensive and child-friendly.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is a type of flooring material that is constructed from polyvinyl chloride polymers. It is a very durable type of flooring that is available in many designs and patterns. Luxury vinyl can even mimic hardwood or concrete. The latest generation luxury vinyl has exceptional beauty and is much softer than wood or tiles, making it both pet and child-friendly.
The softness of luxury vinyl also makes it foot-friendly and has better soundproofing characteristics. Luxury vinyl can be installed in almost any area of the luxury apartment, including the bathroom and kitchen. It is available in either vinyl tiles or vinyl sheets. Installation is relatively easy, and, unlike laminate, it doesn’t require any additional adhesives, which makes it much easier to remove.
Luxury vinyl is cheaper than hardwood and if well maintained, can easily last at least two decades. If you are looking for flooring that is versatile, elegant, affordable, and durable, you will not go wrong with luxury vinyl.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is another choice among the best wood floors for luxury apartments with the same elegance as hardwood. Because of the way engineered wood is made, however, it is far more durable than hardwood. Engineered wood is made by compressing planks of wood of different lengths and widths using a strong adhesive.
The surface veneer is usually scratch-proof and even moisture-resistant. It is just as beautiful as hardwood and slightly cheaper. It can even be installed in moisture-prone areas without the potential of warping. Engineered wood is also easy to clean and maintain, and depending on the thickness of the surface veneer, it can be refinished 2-6 times. The only downside to engineered wood is that the choice of design may be limited. If you want one of the longest-lasting luxury apartment floors, consider engineered wood.
Conclusion
What are the best wood floors for luxury apartment buildings? Engineered hardwood is very durable, as well as aesthetically pleasing. The same flooring material shouldn’t be used in every room. If you want elegance and durability, though, hardwood stands at the top of the list.
With good care, hardwood flooring will easily last two decades or more. Best of all, hardwood flooring is a great choice to increase the value of your property. If you are considering durable flooring for your luxury apartment building, consult with a professional from East Coast Flooring & Interiors to discuss the best flooring options available for your needs.
Don’t forget that while durability is important, you also need to consider aesthetics, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and resistance to moisture and scratches.