5 Most Durable Materials

We know that flooring installation in your home can be pretty expensive and time-consuming, so it’s best to get it right the first time. This is why we have taken the liberty to list some of our recommendations for those seeking durable materials. Below are our top 5 recommended most durable flooring options to install for your flooring remodel. 

Hardwood

Hardwood is one of the most common options for flooring in the United States. Coming in either planks or strips, the most common wood used in making hardwood floors includes oak, maple, and mahogany; but, some manufacturers also offer exotic wood varieties such as Brazilian Cherry and Tigerwood.

Many people pick hardwood flooring because it just looks great in any home and increases the value of your home by quite a bit. This material is very durable and can be easily refinished should the wood lose its luster. If you are considering installing hardwood in your home, ensure to place it in areas of the house with low moisture. This will guarantee that the material won’t shrink, swell, or split. 

Bamboo

Bamboo is an eco-friendly alternative to hardwood flooring material while sharing the same look. It also comes in planks and strips with a variety of grain patterns. This material is easier to maintain as the refinishing process is quick and easy. Much like hardwood, this material is seldom suitable for high moister. Try to avoid dark colors as the colorants used to give the material color weakens its fibers.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are manufactured from a mixture of shale and clay that is then heat-treated in a kiln. These fun tiles come with different patterns, colors, and shapes, making them a desirable material to match your interior design. 

This material is best in higher-traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways. They are a fantastic option for wet rooms like the bathroom or laundry room since they are naturally water-resistant. 

Laminate

Laminate flooring is similar to hardwood. However, they are made of compressed wood or plywood covered by a thin veneer. Since they are still made of wood materials, laminate won’t be an excellent option for high-moisture and wet areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements with leak problems.

Vinyl

For a flexible, resilient, and economical option, try vinyl. It is made from PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride). Some vinyl comes with felt layers that make the tiles softer; others are cushioned with layers of foam and even textured to have a similar feeling to hardwood floors. They come in peel-and-stick backing that doesn’t require additional adhesives before installment. Vinyl is also by far the cheapest flooring material to maintain. 

Once you have picked your desired material, you need an experienced contractor to make sure all your tiles are appropriately placed, leveled, and more. Our contractors at Rudd Builders are experts in home remodeling; call our offices today to get a free consultation and start building the home of your dreams.

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First, let’s talk about the different options available. These include natural stone such as marble, granite, soapstone – just to start. You can also explore options such as butcher block (which is beautiful but will require periodic treatment) but scratches and nicks can be buffed out; metal (stainless steel or zinc); concrete (today’s concrete countertops are prefabrication and come in a variety of styles and colors; tile; or Formica laminate. Obviously, in making your choice you will want to weigh your options. Pros and cons should be explored between you and your contractor. Of consideration should be appearance, durability, how well the material will withstand wear and tear, and overall price.

In addition to the countertop, characteristics can be accentuated with a backsplash. Backsplashes are often done in tile and can pull out or highlight your kitchen countertop. The tiles themselves can also be made to match the stone you end up using on your countertop. However, choosing a countertop should be decided based on what works for you. Here are a few things to consider before you commit to a countertop material:

How will the countertop be used?

The most crucial aspect of your countertop decision should be assessed by how you and your family use the kitchen. It’s also important to make a choice that can withstand all varieties of cooking and cleaning that you do without having to make an extra effort to its maintenance. Also, materials that are stain-resistant are amazing if you have toddlers that love to spill their fruit punch on the counter.

Do you agree with its maintenance?

As stated before, you should choose a material that doesn’t demand much maintenance. Many countertop materials come with a chore list of upkeep demands, while some are more resilient. It’s important to be realistic about how much effort you’re going to want to put into the maintenance of your countertop. Don’t just fall in love with a material, if you do not agree with its upkeep routine.

Can your budget handle it?

Kitchen countertop materials vary greatly when it comes to price. A butcher block style of countertop will naturally cost less than solid marble. So, bear in mind the budget that you have and how the ideal countertop fits into it. Though, it’s also reasonable to spend more than you planned, as this is going to become the centerpiece of your home for many years to come.

Our experts at Rudd Builders hope that these tips have kick-started your thinking and directed you closer to finding the best material for your kitchen countertop. Should you need more help, call our offices for a free consultation. Together we will build the kitchen of your dreams.

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