In homes with active kids and playful pets, floors take a lot of abuse daily. Spills, scratches, dings, and dirt can all damage your flooring over time. Fortunately, there are several family-friendly options to choose from—including LVT flooring, bamboo, laminates, and even hardwood—that can hold up well against the wear and tear. Here’s a closer look at your best alternatives for a bustling household.

What’s the Best Family-Friendly Flooring?

1. Vinyl

A perennial favorite of busy homes, vinyl flooring is virtually indestructible and resilient against spills. It is low-maintenance, waterproof, and highly resistant to staining—a must for households with tots who are just learning to eat or pets that leave behind wet paw marks. For a classy look, go with LVP or LVT flooring, as it can mimic hardwoods without the hefty price tag.

2. Cork

Like carpet, cork flooring offers softness and bounciness to absorb impact effectively. It is a good alternative if you have crawling babies, tottering tots, or rough-playing kids, as it adds cushion. However, its softness makes it vulnerable to hard edges, gouges, and tears. Because of its anti-static properties, dust and dirt won’t cling as much, making it easy to clean.

3. Bamboo

Grass bamboo is fast becoming an eco-friendly flooring alternative because of its sustainability. It has the look, feel, and hardness of hardwood, especially the strand-woven kind made of compressed shredded bamboo fibers. It is exceptionally durable and highly resistant to stains—perfect for spill-prone areas in the home like the kitchen.

4. Hardwood

Luxurious but durable, hardwood flooring is a top choice for many homes. Oak and cypress are the hardest varieties that easily stand up to heavy use and still maintain aesthetic appeal. Since it doesn’t trap pet dander, pollen, dust, and other airborne pollutants, hardwood is perfect for homes with sensitive or allergy-prone family members. Opt for lighter colors or distressed styles that hide imperfections better than plain, dark ones.

5. Laminate

Often mistaken with LVT flooring, laminate is another great option if you want the appeal of hardwood. It is low-maintenance, as it doesn’t require polishing or waxing—just sweep, vacuum, and occasionally mop to clean. However, be sure to wipe up spills right away to keep them from seeping through the cracks or causing accidental slips because of the slick surface.

Whatever option you choose for your happy, lively household with kids and pets, always count on the expert flooring contractors at Carpets To Go. Located in Onalaska, WI, they carry an extensive range of high-quality LVT flooring, carpets, hardwoods, and ceramic tiles throughout La Crosse County. Request a free estimate by calling (608) 783-3750 or visiting their website.