Are you installing your floor for the first time or are you looking into resurfacing? Either way, you want your floor to serve you for the longest time possible. Here are a few popular flooring types and their lifespan.
Wood
Wood is warm, beautiful, and durable. It can last more than 100 years. Wood is however very sensitive to moisture. It can also scratch or warp over time.
Fortunately, you can have it sanded occasionally to bring back its luster. Popular types of wood include teak, oak, maple, walnut, and more recently, bamboo.
Engineered Wood
Unlike solid wood, engineered wood is made of several layers of veneer; typically, three to nine. You can also sand it if worn. However, you cannot sand it too often.
Natural Stone
These include marble and granite. They will also last you a lifetime -- more than 100 years. Natural stone comes in a variety of colors to suit your taste. It is also low maintenance and water resistant.
For it to serve you for a long time, you will need to seal it from time to time.
Tile
Tiles are a popular flooring option. They are also easy to maintain and come in a variety of designs and colors. They will last more than 75 years.
On the downside, they can stain or crack under the weight of heavy objects. You also have to ensure a qualified flooring contractor properly installs them.
Concrete
Concrete floors are known for their sturdiness and durability. They are popular in high traffic, heavy duty spaces such as restaurants and warehouses. For domestic use, you can stain them with a color of your choice to make them more appealing. They will last over 50 years.
Laminate
Laminate looks good and is amazingly resistant to scratches. On the downside, it is very vulnerable to water, other liquids, and moisture in general. Its lifespan is 15-25 years.
Vinyl
Vinyl is easy to clean and maintain and quite affordable. It also gets easily punctured by a sharp object and is difficult to repair. Vinyl floors will last about 25 years.
Carpet
It is warm and comes in a variety of colors to match any décor. It will muffle sound and offer a soft landing in case of a fall. It will also show wear and tear as it begins to age. It will typically last eight to ten years.
Whichever type of flooring you choose, make sure you have it properly installed by a qualified flooring contractor. Also, follow the manufacturer's maintenance guide.
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