Thinking about changing your floor? As a parent, you know that keeping a home full of children clean and tidy can be a constant challenge, so choosing appropriate flooring is important. Knowing what will hold up to the wear and tear of kids’ play and spills can be hard. You may also feel overwhelmed with so many floor types available, so to help you choose the right child-friendly flooring, here are some popular options that are hard-wearing, easy to clean and affordable.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is a classic and timeless choice for any home. It’s durable, easy to clean, and can add value to your home. However, it can be more susceptible to scratches and dents than other options. To prevent this, consider choosing a durable option such as oak or maple, and make sure to keep the floors well-maintained with regular cleaning and refinishing.
Hardwood flooring varies in cost, depending on the type of wood you choose. The most popular choice is oak, which is typically priced at £60 to £115 per square metre just for the materials, and labour will range from £20 to £100 per square metre.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a great option for families on a budget. It’s affordable, easy to install, and can mimic the look of more expensive flooring options like hardwood or tile. Laminate flooring costs range from £17 per square metre for pine to £28 for hickory laminate, plus labour costs if hiring a professional floor fitter.
Laminate is also durable and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for busy families. However, remember that it can be more slippery than other options, so it may not be the best choice for households with very young children.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring has come a long way in recent years and is now available in various colors and styles. It’s durable, waterproof, and easy to clean, making it a great choice for homes with kids and pets.
Vinyl flooring can also be installed over existing flooring, making it a cost-effective choice for home renovations. You should expect to pay anywhere from £6 per square metre for vinyl sheet flooring up to £50 per square metre for luxury vinyl plank flooring. You should also factor in the supply costs if a professional installs the floor.
Carpet
Carpet is a popular choice for bedrooms and playrooms, providing a soft and cosy surface for kids to play on. A carpet is also affordable, as costs range from £5 per square metre for budget material up to £50 per square metre for luxury carpet styles, plus the supply costs. You may also need to pay extra for carpet underlay, which is typically priced at £10 per square metre.
Remember that carpet can be more difficult to clean than hard surface flooring options and can harbor allergens and bacteria. To keep your carpet looking and smelling fresh, consider investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner and having it professionally cleaned on a regular basis.