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Flooring for High-Traffic Areas: A Guide to Choosing the Right Option for Your Home

May 15, 2023

Flooring is a crucial element of any home, and selecting the right flooring for high-traffic areas is especially vital. These areas endure heavy foot traffic, which makes them more vulnerable to wear and tear. When choosing the appropriate flooring for high-traffic areas, you must consider several factors: durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and budget. At Online Carpet and Flooring, we understand the importance of choosing the right product for your home, so we offer a wide range of options, including carpet, vinyl, and laminate. Additionally, our skilled team of installers can provide a free measure to ensure a seamless installation process. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of selecting the right flooring for high-traffic areas, highlight the different types to consider, and touch on some key factors to keep in mind when making your selection.

Importance of Choosing the Right Flooring for High-Traffic Areas:

High-traffic areas, including entryways, hallways, and dining areas, are prone to wear and tear. These areas can quickly wear out without the right floor covering, necessitating expensive repairs and replacements. Considering several factors is essential when choosing the best options for these areas. For example, carpet is popular for its cost-effective and hard-wearing properties. Alternatively, hardwood or laminate flooring can be an excellent choice for its durability and aesthetic appeal. By selecting the right product for your high-traffic areas, you can add value to your property and make your home safer by reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Types of Flooring for High-Traffic Areas:

When selecting the right flooring products for high-traffic areas, it’s crucial to consider the range of options available. Our Auckland showroom offers a large range of high-quality options, including carpets, luxury vinyl planks, vinyl sheeting and laminate. Hardwood laminate floors are a popular choice due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, but laminate flooring offers a more affordable alternative that mimics the look of hardwood. Vinyl flooring is another affordable option that comes in a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is a great flooring choice in kitchens and bathrooms as it is not only durable by also easy to clean. For those who want the comfort of carpets but the durability of hard flooring, carpet tiles are a great option for your next project. We can offer a range of options to suit any style or budget.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Flooring for High-Traffic Areas:

Selecting the right floor covering for high-traffic areas involves several crucial factors that must be considered. Durability is essential, and you need a product that can withstand heavy foot traffic, making vinyl an ideal choice. Additionally, choosing a flooring option that is easy to maintain is essential, which is why our team at Online Carpet and Flooring offers installation services and maintenance tips to keep your floors looking new. Aesthetics play a significant role, and our showroom features a range of styles to suit any taste, including carpets that add comfort and warmth. Finally, we understand that budget is vital, so we offer flooring options that suit any budget. Our team can help you choose the best flooring options to suit your needs and enhance the overall look of your room. Visit our Auckland carpet and flooring showroom for expert advice and professional installation services.

Best Flooring Options for Different High-Traffic Areas in Your Home:

Entryways and hallways are high-traffic areas requiring durable and low-maintenance flooring options like hard floorings, ceramic or porcelain tiles, hardwood, or laminate flooring. For a comfortable and cosy feel in living rooms and family rooms, our options include carpet or carpet tiles and soft vinyl flooring. Vinyl planks can also be a good choice for a modern look. Kitchens and dining rooms require flooring that can withstand spills and stains, and our range includes durable and easy-to-clean options like vinyl flooring. Stairs require sturdy and slip-resistant flooring, making hardwood, vinyl, or carpet tiles ideal for these areas. In bedrooms, it’s essential to have comfortable flooring, and we offer options such as carpets or hardwoods to suit any style or budget. At Online Carpet and Flooring, we provide a wide range of options to suit any high-traffic area in your home, including vinyl flooring that is easy to maintain and laminate flooring for an affordable yet stylish option. Contact us directly or visit us in store to learn more about our services and products.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for High-Traffic Area Flooring:

Professional installation for high-traffic area flooring is recommended to ensure it’s installed correctly and lasts longer. Our skilled installers can manage this entire process from the initial measure and quote right down to installing your new floor covering and removing and disposing of the old one. We have a showroom in East Auckland but service the wider Auckland region, including North Shore, and we also have a mobile showroom covering Queenstown/Lakes and Christchurch. However, if you decide to install it yourself, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use the right tools. Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your flooring’s appearance and functionality, and vacuuming or sweeping daily is recommended. For stains and spills, clean them immediately to prevent them from settling in. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the flooring.

Enhancing the Durability and Longevity of Your High-Traffic Area Flooring:

Rugs and mats are an excellent way to protect your high-traffic area flooring from wear and tear. Use them in entryways, hallways, and other high-traffic areas to prevent dirt and debris from settling on the flooring. Protective floor coatings can also help extend the lifespan of your new flooring. These coatings add an extra layer of protection, making your floor more durable and resistant to scratches and stains. Lastly, wearing proper footwear, such as slippers or socks, can prevent floor damage.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. Is hardwood flooring a good option for high-traffic areas?

Hardwood flooring is a good option for high-traffic areas as it is durable and can withstand constant wear and tear. However, it’s essential to choose a hardwood species that is hard and dense, such as Brazilian cherry or oak, to ensure it can handle heavy foot traffic. Hardwood flooring can also add a classic and elegant look to your home.

Q2. How often should I clean my high-traffic area flooring?

It’s recommended to clean your high-traffic area flooring daily to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating and causing damage. Vacuuming or sweeping daily is recommended to remove dirt and dust. For spills and stains, it’s best to clean them immediately to prevent them from settling in and causing permanent damage.

Q3. Can I install high-traffic area flooring myself?

While it’s possible to install high-traffic area flooring yourself, hiring a professional for the installation is recommended. Professional installation ensures that the flooring is installed correctly and lasts longer. If you decide to install it yourself, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use the right tools.

Q4. How do I know if a flooring option is slip-resistant?

The slip resistance of a flooring option is measured by its Coefficient of Friction (COF). The higher the COF, the more slip-resistant the flooring is. Look for flooring options with a COF of 0.5 or higher to ensure they are slip-resistant. Additionally, some flooring options, such as vinyl and rubber, have a textured surface that provides more slip resistance. When in doubt, consult a flooring professional to help choose a slip-resistant option.

In conclusion, choosing the right flooring for high-traffic areas in your home is crucial to ensuring its longevity and functionality. By considering factors such as durability, maintenance, slip resistance, aesthetics, and budget, you can select the ideal flooring option for each home area. Additionally, professional installation, regular maintenance, and protective measures such as mats and coatings can help enhance the durability and longevity of your high-traffic area flooring.

Remember to clean your high-traffic area flooring daily to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating and causing damage. If you have any spills or stains, cleaning them immediately is important to prevent them from setting in and causing permanent damage. And, if you have any doubts about whether or not a flooring option is slip-resistant, consult a flooring professional to ensure you choose the right option for your home.

By following these tips, you can have beautiful, functional flooring that can handle constant wear and tear. Don’t hesitate to invest in quality flooring for your high-traffic areas – it will be a worthwhile investment that will add value and comfort to your home for years to come.

If you’re choosing new flooring for your home, we hope this article has provided helpful information in guiding you to make the right decision. Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team at Online Carpet and Flooring for help and advice.

Ultimately the best flooring choice for your high-traffic areas will depend on your individual needs and preferences. We encourage you to take your time in making your decision and prioritize functionality and longevity.

Start exploring today and take the first step in enhancing the beauty and functionality of your space!

What is the difference between cheap and expensive laminate?

You get what you pay for with laminate flooring, with cheaper ranges using core material and joints that will swell more aggressively if exposed to water during cleaning or from spills. The repeat pattern is also a good indication of quality, ie. our best range has a pattern repeat of 10sqm, where most ranges are 3sqm. This ensures your floor looks authentic.

Can vinyl planks be used in wet areas?

Yes they can.

Do I need to move my furniture?

This can be discussed at the time of measuring. We can assist with moving large furniture items, but will still require you to empty shelves, move smaller items and unmake beds etc.

What does the ‘weight’ of the carpet mean?

Carpet quality is measured in weight, or ‘oz’. Essentially, the heavier a carpet is, means the longer it will last you and the nicer it will feel underfoot. As well as quality increasing as weight increases, price also goes up.

Is Nylon, wool or polyester carpet best?

Each have their own strengths and weaknesses and we are happy to discuss this further with you, however Solution Dyed Nylon tends to be what we sell the most of.

What is the guarantee on the installation?

We provide a lifetime guarantee on the installation.

What is the process of getting new flooring?

If you have an idea of what you want, the next step is to book in for a measure. You will receive a written quote within 24 hours. Once you accept the quote, we will work with you to find a suitable installation date and will request a 50% deposit. Your flooring will then be ordered. Installation timing varies depending on your needs, layer and product availability. Install usually takes 1-2 days depending on the size of your property. The final payment is due on job completion.

Can I shop ‘online?’

Carpet and flooring is a big investment and it can look a lot different in real life to the photos you see online. You can do your research and book your appointment online and then sit back and let our experts come to your home for you to view samples.

Can laminate be used in wet areas?

Some of our laminate ranges can be used in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries as they have joint sealing technology that will resist water for a long period of time.

How do I best clean my vinyl planks or laminate floor?

Laminate and vinyl floors are very easy to maintain and should only require vacuuming and mopping. However, you should never use a steam mop on either vinyl planks or laminate. Rubber backed items such as mats or bar stool feet should not be used on vinyl floors as these can cause discolouration.

What is tracking and shading?

Plush carpets will show slight depressions left behind from footprints. This is normal and will come out with your next vacuum. All solution dyed nylon carpets do this to some extent, but some more than others, so let us know if this is something you don’t like and we will point you towards the ranges that do it the least.

How long will new carpet last me?

Depending on the weight of your new carpet, and how it is looked after, most manufacturers say carpet should last for ten years.

Do you do repairs?

Our main service is supplying and installing new flooring, however if you have something you are stuck on we can likely steer you in the right direction.

Will I need my doors trimmed?

Sometimes you do need to trim the doors. We have a handyman who charges a very reasonable price, we recommend using him if your doors need to be trimmed.

What sort of carpet or flooring is suitable for me?

We need to establish what your needs are. Is this for your own home, for a rental or are you selling? The best way to do this is to call into our showroom or you can ring and talk to one of our experienced sales staff.