What Flooring Type Is Best For Your Laundry Room?

The flooring in your laundry room is a crucial consideration when designing or remodeling the space.

Your laundry room flooring needs to be tough and resilient to withstand daily wear and tear, including scratches, heat, moisture, and accidental spills. Look for flooring that is water-resistant, easy to clean, and long-lasting. Additionally, consider flooring that can also help reduce noise and provide a comfortable surface for standing or walking.

Now, let’s examine the best and worst flooring options to help you make an informed decision.

Consider These Before Choosing Laundry Room Flooring

Purpose

Before choosing the right flooring for your laundry room, consider how your family will be using the space. If it’s a mudroom that serves as an entrance to the home, you’ll want flooring that can withstand heavy foot traffic and muddy sneakers. On the other hand, if it’s a separate room used primarily by one family member in their slippers, you may not need flooring that’s quite so durable. Think about how often you and your family will be using this area and adjust your priorities accordingly.

Price

Determine your budget for laundry room flooring. The cost of flooring varies depending on the material. Consider how frequently you’ll use the space and whether you’re willing to invest in a more durable or attractive option. If the laundry room will be heavily used, it may be worth splurging on a higher-end choice. Conversely, if the room is less frequently used, you might opt for a more affordable option. Additionally, consider the size of your laundry room when setting your budget, as larger rooms will require more materials and thus a greater investment.

Aesthetic

If you plan on spending a lot of time in this space, you may prioritize a flooring that’s not only functional but also visually appealing. Additionally, if your laundry room serves as an entrance to your home or is a mudroom that guests will use, you may want to choose a flooring that makes a good impression. Think about the style and color scheme of your home and choose a flooring that complements it. This will not only enhance the overall look of your laundry room but also create a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere in your home.

Durability

If you have pets with long nails or destructive tendencies, you’ll want a flooring that can withstand scratches and chewing. Similarly, if children use the laundry room as a thoroughfare or store their toys and sports equipment there, you’ll need a flooring that can handle heavy foot traffic and potential roughhousing. Think about the level of activity your laundry room will see and choose a flooring that can withstand it. For example, if the room will be prone to water spills, pet accidents, or heavy use, consider a flooring with moisture-resistance and easy maintenance properties.

Location in Your Home

For instance, if your laundry room is located in a basement, you’ll want a flooring that’s more resistant to moisture, as basements tend to be prone to humidity and water seepage. Similarly, if your laundry room is in the garage, you may need a flooring that can withstand oil spills, tire tracks, and other potential messes. On the other hand, if your laundry room is on the first or second floor, you may prioritize a flooring that’s more aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain. By considering the specific environment of your laundry room’s location, you can make an informed decision about the type of flooring that will best suit your needs.

Maintenance Requirements

If you’re anticipating a lot of foot traffic, spills, or pet accidents in the laundry room, you’ll want a flooring that can withstand regular cleaning and maintenance. Look for floors that are resistant to stains and can be easily cleaned with common cleaning products. Some floors, such as those with textured surfaces or impermeable coatings, may be better suited for high-traffic areas. On the other hand, if you’re looking to save money and don’t anticipate using the laundry room frequently, easy maintenance may not be as big of a concern for you. In this case, you may opt for a flooring that’s more budget-friendly but requires more effort to clean. However, even if you don’t plan on using the laundry room often, it’s still important to consider the potential for occasional spills or messes and choose a floor that can withstand these incidents.

Best Flooring for Your Laundry Room

Vinyl

One of the key advantages of vinyl flooring for laundry rooms is its exceptional durability, making it a practical choice for this high-traffic area. Additionally, vinyl is often an affordable option. However, it’s essential to note that proper installation requires a clean and level subfloor. This ensures a smooth and successful installation, which is crucial for the longevity of the flooring.

Now let’s get into the three types of vinyl to choose from:

• Vinyl Tiles – Vinyl tiles are affordable, highly durable, and easy to clean and maintain. They’re simple to install and single damaged tiles can be replaced without having to replace the entire floor. Vinyl is also highly resistant to chemical stains and water. The choice of tiles allows you to create a unique design element in the laundry room without commiting to a great deal of expense.
• Vinyl Sheets – Vinyl sheets are the most waterproof option, available in various sizes to fit your space. They’re easy to install, simply rolled out and adhered to the subfloor with a recommended adhesive. Sheet vinyl is low-maintenance and comes in a range of colors, styles, and designs to match your decor. However, be cautious: as a single large sheet, it’s vulnerable to punctures and scratches from sharp objects or heavy items, which would require a full replacement.
• Luxury Vinyl Planks – Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) offer the highest quality and design options compared to vinyl tiles and sheets. They’re durable, waterproof, and available in a wide range of styles. However, note that LVP can be prone to damage if water seeps into the seams, making it crucial to ensure proper installation and maintenance.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile is a top choice for laundry rooms, excelling in both design and durability. It’s resistant to water and chemicals, and natural-finish tiles are more scratch-resistant than those with high-polish finishes.

Natural stone tiles like slate, travertine, marble, and limestone offer unparalleled elegance and durability for laundry rooms. They require only a simple dry sweep or damp mop for maintenance. While installation can be costly, the look and feel they bring are well worth the investment. However, it’s crucial to properly seal the stone to prevent staining from laundry chemicals.

Tile

Tile flooring is a top choice for laundry rooms, offering exceptional durability and long-lasting performance with proper maintenance. Its water-resistance and ease of cleaning make it a practical and low-maintenance option.

Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential for tile flooring to look its best. Grout can become dirty and damaged over time, requiring either DIY effort or professional help to restore its original condition.

Laminate

The allure of laminate flooring is undeniable – it’s hard to resist the charm of its realistic wood grain and durability in the face of pet scratches and rambunctious kids. However, another concern that often comes up is its vulnerability to water damage. Fear not! Fortunately, there are now waterproof and water-resistant laminate flooring options available.

Before making a decision, let’s break down the difference between these two types to ensure you choose the best fit for your needs.

Water-resistant is a term that refers to the floor’s ability to withstand a certain amount of water exposure. This means that while it’s not fully waterproof, a water-resistant laminate floor can handle a small amount of water on its surface for a short period of time. This can be a lifesaver if you accidentally spill something and can’t clean it up right away – the water-resistant coating will give you a buffer zone before the water starts to seep through.

Waterproof laminate flooring takes it to the next level, offering absolute protection against water penetration. No matter the amount of water or the duration of exposure, a waterproof laminate floor will keep your home dry and safe. While both water-resistant and waterproof laminate options are great choices, they share one common benefit: they’re both well-suited for areas prone to moisture, such as laundry rooms, where spills and splashes are common.

Waterproof Hardwood

Yes, it is possible to install hardwood flooring in a laundry room. Waterproof hardwood is an excellent option in this space, as it offers comprehensive protection against water damage. With each plank protected all the way through, exposure to water won’t cause swelling or gaps, provided the spill is cleaned up promptly.

Waterproof hardwood flooring offers the same luxurious look and feel as traditional prefinished hardwood, allowing you to choose from a wide range of species and wood types. However, this added water-resistant feature comes at a cost, making it a more expensive option compared to other types of flooring.

Laundry Room Options to Avoid

Carpet

While the idea of having a soft and cozy surface underfoot in the laundry room may be appealing, wall-to-wall carpeting is not the most practical choice. Imagine if your washing machine were to overflow or leak – you’d not only have to deal with an appliance repair issue, but also the added hassle of removing and replacing the carpet. Moreover, many laundry products can damage carpet fibers and cause permanent stains, making it difficult to clean and maintain.

Furthermore, carpeting can trap dust, lint, and other debris from your dryer, compromising the room’s cleanliness and sanitation.

Solid Hardwood

The cost of installing solid hardwood floors can be prohibitively expensive, making it a significant financial investment. Fortunately, you can achieve a similar look with more budget-friendly options like waterproof hardwood or engineered wood flooring, which offer a comparable aesthetic without the hefty price tag.

Water, traffic, detergent stains, and heavy machines are all enemies to this flooring.

Pro Tip: Get Advice from a Professional

Consulting with a flooring specialist is a wise decision when selecting flooring for your laundry room. They can help you consider factors you may not have thought of, such as durability, moisture resistance, and maintenance requirements. Additionally, a specialist can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs and circumstances, ensuring you find the perfect flooring solution for your laundry room.

At Lifestyle Flooring, our goal is to ensure your complete satisfaction from the moment you step into our showroom to the moment you take your first step on your new flooring. As your trusted partner in home design, we’ll be by your side every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for the perfect flooring or seeking expertise on window treatments, Lifestyle Flooring is your one-stop destination for all your design needs.

Ready to refresh your laundry room flooring?

Book an appointment with Lifestyle Flooring today or reach out to us with any questions you may have about our products and services. We’re excited to assist you with your laundry room floor and all your flooring needs.