Before flooring your home, you must consider all aspects of family life when making decisions — particularly if there are children.

Young ones often engage in active play, spills and accidents which require durable yet safe hardwood options that can withstand their energetic lifestyles.

Having kids in the house doesn’t mean you can’t install stylish hardwood flooring in your home. There are workarounds.

Here, we’ll review top hardwood options which are durable yet safe and suitable for families with children. And to help you get the best from your investment, we’ll show you how to maintain kid-friendly hardwood floors.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is an iconic and timeless choice for homes with kids. Made of natural material that resists wear and tear; solid hardwood is long-term investment worthy. Proper maintenance ensures generations of enjoyment, even with kids around!

To minimize scratches on solid hardwood, consider selecting species like oak, maple or hickory with hard surfaces. Oak hardwood flooring offers the highest hardness score and will withstand even the most energetic young kids.

Additionally, ensure it has added protection against wear and tear by selecting an extra durable finish option that offers extra wear protection.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood is an ideal alternative to solid hardwood in homes with children.

Its construction provides increased stability and moisture resistance than solid wood, making it less susceptible to warping or cupping.

Engineered hardwood also comes in various styles and finishes, so you can find something perfect for your space.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is an environmentally-friendly flooring choice with superior durability and style, ideal for busy households with kids.

While not technically hardwood, it has similar properties that make it suitable for households with children. Bamboo is highly resistant to scratches and dent damage.

As a flooring solution for homes with kids, bamboo also offers moisture and stain resistance. Compared to other flooring surfaces, cleaning up accidents on bamboo floors is easier.

And finally, just like traditional hardwood, bamboo comes with different finishes and colours that complement your decor perfectly. This means you can enjoy kid-resistant flooring while still expressing your taste and style.

Related Article: The Best Hardwood Flooring for Pets: A Guide to Pet-Friendly and Durable Options

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring

LVP flooring has grown increasingly popular due to its outstanding durability, affordability and a wide array of design options.

LVP convincingly mimics the look of wood while offering superior scratch resistance and water resistance — perfect for homes with young children prone to accidents such as spills.

Unlike real hardwood, its soft underfoot texture provides comfort while your kids play on it for extended periods. Your kids can have all the fun they want.

LVP flooring is available in various finishes and textures. And you can always switch up the finish for a different aesthetic look without any damage.

This hardwood flooring solution for kids can bring aesthetic beauty without worry or concern about damage from wear and tear over time!

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring offers the look of hardwood at an economical price point. Made up of high-density fiberboard (HDF), laminate features an image of wood grain printed directly on its surface.

Laminate flooring is a top flooring option if you have kids, thanks to a protective wear layer that can ward off scratches. It’s highly durable and resilient — an excellent option for busy households with children!

However, be wary as laminate can become slippery over time. For additional traction and kid safety, it should have a textured or embossed finish that delivers maximum traction and grip.

Tips for Maintaining Kid-Friendly Hardwood Floors

Once you’ve chosen the appropriate hardwood flooring for your family, you must follow proper maintenance practices to keep it looking its best and maximize its lifespan.

Here are a few pointers on how to maintain kid-friendly hardwood floors in top condition:

1. Use floor protectors: Place felt or rubber pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.
2. Regular Cleaning: Regularly sweep or vacuum your floors to remove dirt and debris that could scratch their surface. Then, damp mop with recommended hardwood floor cleaners to keep them spotlessly clean.
3. Clean up spills quickly: Accidents happen, especially in households with children, so promptly clean up any accidents to protect the wood surface and avoid moisture seeping into it and causing permanent damage.
4. Establish a no-shoes policy: Encourage family and guests to remove their footwear before entering your home to reduce dirt, rocks and debris from scratching up the floors and damaging them.
5. Area rugs and mats: To safeguard hardwood flooring against wear and tear, place area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas like entryways and play spaces. This precaution will protect these high-traffic areas from excessive wear.

Related Article: How to Choose & Install Hardwood Floors: A Complete Guide 2023

Final Thoughts

Finding the appropriate hardwood flooring for a household with children requires careful consideration of durability, style, safety and maintenance practices.

Solid and engineered hardwood, bamboo flooring, and laminate are all great choices that can withstand the demands of an active home environment.

When choosing hardness or finish types that provide additional scratch protection, you should select hardwood species known for hardness. Also, remember to implement proper maintenance practices that ensure beautiful floors provide a safe ground for the daily activities of the entire family.

At Three Trees Flooring, we understand the importance of choosing the right hardwood flooring for households with children. Contact us today — our expert team is ready to guide you through the selection process, helping you find the flooring that best suits your family’s needs.