Longevity is one of the biggest concerns that home and business owners have during a flooring installation. As a contractor, it’s up to you to know the details of the products you’re working with so that a proper recommendation can be made to the client. 

Below, we’ll examine the lifespan of five common flooring materials and explain why authentic hardwood is the best choice for customers seeking maximum value.

How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?

Laminate plank flooring is one of the most popular flooring choices for individuals looking to save money. Visually, this type of flooring resembles true hardwood in many ways, but its construction is entirely different.

The core of laminate is made with compressed wood byproducts that are bonded together with resin. A hardwood “image” is printed on top, with a final wear layer added to that for protection and durability. This layer can come in different thicknesses, and while it does preserve the lifespan of the product, most laminate flooring will only last between 15 and 25 years. 

How Long Does Vinyl Flooring Last?

Often confused with laminate, vinyl flooring is similar in that it’s made to resemble authentic wood. The main difference from laminate is that vinyl is made of 100% synthetic materials. 

Vinyl flooring’s lifespan can be extremely variable, making it an unpredictable and inferior product. Inexpensive vinyl planks can last as little as 5 years, with higher-end vinyl lasting upwards of 25. The main disadvantage is that once vinyl is damaged, there is no saving it. Either the affected panels or the entire floor will need to be replaced.

How Long Epoxy Flooring Last?

Epoxy is commonly used for commercial spaces and residential garages. Made by mixing resin and a hardening agent, this flooring type can be durable when high-end compounds are properly installed. However, maintenance is a never-ending battle with epoxy. Those with this material need to:

• Sweep the floor daily and mop weekly
• Clean up spills immediately so that the finish isn’t damaged
• Repair scratches and gouges as soon as they occur

Even when perfectly cared for, the average epoxy longevity is anywhere from 10-20 years.

Carpeting

It may look and feel nice, but that’s about all carpet has going for it. In terms of longevity, carpet comes in at the bottom of the list. On average, this material only lasts 5 years before significant signs of wear begin to show. 

More expensive carpeting can last up to 15 years when well taken care of. The type of fiber used and the pile size also have a tremendous impact on longevity. The higher the pile, the more quickly it will be matted down by foot traffic.

Hardwood Flooring: The Best Choice for Longevity

When it comes to lifespan, no material compares to the resilience of authentic hardwood flooring. Due to its single-piece construction, hardwood can be continually refinished over the course of its life. The process of refinishing involves professionally sanding down a thin top layer of the flooring to remove any stains, scratches, or blemishes and make the surface like new. If desired, a different stain can be applied afterward. 

With proper maintenance and regular refinishing, hardwood can easily last 100+ years. For this reason, it’s by far the most superior flooring material. If you’d like to make this flooring option available for your clients, browse our extensive collection of hardwood flooring products and contact the team at City Floor Supply today for a quote.