What Type of Flooring Lasts The Longest?
One of the key considerations behind any home improvement is the question of whether or not it is future-proof, and it’s very common to ask yourself whether or not you’ll be repeating the process in a year or five years. It’s the same whether you’re talking about a new fridge or a new carpet.
This week, Value Carpet and Flooring have decided to sit down, do some research, and find out which type of flooring currently available lasts the longest. Read on to find out!
How Long Do Carpets Last?
It’s very difficult to say for certain how long a carpet will last. The truth is that there are many mitigating factors. Perhaps the most important of these factors is the amount of traffic your carpet will have to go through. A well-loved, family carpet, for example, may last as long as 20 – 30 years, depending on how often it’s cleaned. In contrast, a carpet in an industrial setting – one which undergoes a considerable amount of traffic every day – will wear out much quicker.
Generally speaking, though, a good estimate is anywhere between 10 – 15 years for most carpets. This estimation assumes some light to moderate traffic, but it also imagines that the carpet will be looked after, too; cleaning will be regular but not industrial.
What is the Life Expectancy of Luxury Vinyl Tiles?
Similar to carpeting, the average life expectancy of Luxury Vinyl Tiles varies wildly depending on the level of care and the amount of traffic. A well-maintained set of tiles will last anywhere between 25 to 35 years, allowing for replacement as necessary. A set of tiles which do not have the same level of care and attention will wear out much sooner – anywhere between 10 and 15 years.
It’s important to remember, however, that tiles can be replaced individually – like hardwood, it’s possible to remove a single piece and replacement. As a result, you can expect the ‘complete’ floor to last far, far longer.
How Long Does Laminate Flooring Have?
Unlike carpeting or luxury vinyl tiles – where the life span is tied to the level of traffic and how well the flooring is maintained – the lifespan of laminate flooring is mostly determined by the quality of the initial product. A piece of high-quality laminate flooring fitted by experts could last as long as twenty-five years. Meanwhile, a low-quality piece of laminate flooring could be worn out as quick as ten to fifteen years.
What is the Life Span of Real Wood Flooring?
By far, the longest-lasting surfacing material is natural wood flooring. As a hard, natural material, wood can last a very long time with the proper maintenance and care. This means adjusting the lay of the wood every so often, sanding it down every, and ensuring that the wood doesn’t get damp during the winter.
Ultimately, it’s difficult to give a specific life span for hardwood floors. However, for the sake of consistency, 20 to 30 years is a good general estimation. As previously mentioned, though, individual wood panels can be replaced. This means that the lifespan of an entire floor can be greatly extended if you only have a few broken or weathered boards. As a result, it’s not impossible that a hardwood floor could last a hundred years or more with proper care.
Is That The Answer Then?
Yes and no. Ultimately, real wood flooring does have the longest expected lifespan of any of the flooring options mentioned – lasting on average 5 years longer than laminate flooring does. However, numerous other considerations go into determining whether or not real wood flooring is for you.
First of these is, of course, your budget. While real wood flooring is the longest-lived, it is also the most expensive, and with any such purchase, it’s important to determine whether it is worth the cost now to save money in the long term.
Carpeting, Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Laminate Flooring, and Real Wood Flooring in Birmingham
Whichever flooring solution you choose for your home or office, you can find it at Value Carpets and Flooring.
We offer a wide range of high-quality flooring products, including LVTs, hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, and carpeting, in a range of styles. We also offer a high-quality floor fitting service to ensure that your floor fits as well as possible.
To learn more about laminate flooring, carpeting, LVTs or real wood flooring in Erdington, Birmingham or Sutton Coldfield contact Value Carpeting and Flooring today.