When we purchase something with “luxury” in the name, we tend to tip-toe around it, hoping to avoid even the slightest scratch. Which is unfortunate, as luxury should be enjoyed, not avoided.

This is especially true with flooring. Fortunately, there are a variety of luxurious flooring options designed with the active family in mind. Here, we’ll take a look at the features and selections that achieve both optimal style and performance.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

If you’re searching for just the right touch of cost, luxury and performance, it’s hard to beat the value of luxury vinyl flooring. Whether it’s tile or plank, vinyl is among the best performing hard surface options currently available. And it’s also one of the most affordable.

And style? Luxury vinyl flooring can be designed to replicate the look and even texture of natural stone or hardwood flooring with near-perfect precision. Luxury vinyl is also available in a variety of colors, including those not found with natural options.

Engineered Hardwood

If you still prefer an authentic choice, engineered hardwood offers a new spin on a timeless classic. Traditionally, solid hardwood has been selected for both its style and (especially before modern manufacturing processes). However, it’s not quite as versatile as many think: solid hardwood flooring is susceptible to warping during drastic temperature changes. Also, it absorbs moisture, which can also cause it to warp and even buckle over time.

Engineered hardwood flooring is designed to overcome these challenges. It’s still composed of real wood, but features a layered design with a core that repels moisture, maintains consistency and enhances stability. Put simply: it’s hardwood flooring made better. It’s available in just as many styles as solid hardwood and outperforms it every time.

Porcelain

Speaking of authentic natural beauty, tile & stone has stood the test of time as one of the most luxurious flooring options available. Although it comes in many forms, today’s most popular tend to be ceramic and porcelain. For a lifeproof option, porcelain is the way to go.

Porcelain tile is manufactured with a dense build that greatly enhances its durability. While this make it more impervious to dents and scratches, it also decreases its moisture absorption (a common, though largely unknown, problem with ceramic tile). In fact, porcelain tile is so robust that it’s even suitable for outdoor use!

Lifeproof Carpet Flooring

Between frayed fibers, stained strands and moldy subfloors, carpet has a history that doesn’t exactly fit with the narrative of a rugged, resilient choice. But in the modern age, this (like most things) has changed. In fact, we’ve dedicated our entire PERFORMANCE Destination category to carpet that is engineered to rival the versatility of hard surface selections. For example, the R2X® treatment is designed to completely repel stains, soiling and pet dander from absorbing or embedding into the carpet’s fibers. And the LifeGuard® Waterproof Backing prevents spills from soaking into the subfloor, thereby preventing molding and structural damage.

As for the fibers themselves, nylon consistently outperforms all others in terms of both durability and moisture resistance. A new take on nylon, Anso Nylon, enhances these features even further. Its anti-crushing construction allows Anso Nylon to maintain its shape and prevent crushing even in high traffic areas. In fact, most Anso Nylon selections have warranties that extend decades or even lifetimes.

Learn More

To learn more about the top flooring options for your home, and to browse the many styles and selections available, visit Canton’s leading flooring experts at Bob & Pete’s Floors today!