Although that might seem like a tall order, it’s entirely within the scope of possibility—especially considering the scope of choices available to homeowners, these days. Here are a few options we recommend, along with a few we do not.
Tile
Either ceramic or porcelain tile is a wonderful option for a laundry room, largely because it is so resistant to water. There is an abundance of color and style choices, if you go with tile, so you can either coordinate with existing decor or create an entirely new look. Go ahead: get creative! Tile is also easy to clean and very durable, so you won’t need to worry about getting it dirty.Vinyl
When dealing with vinyl options, there is always the choice between luxury vinyl tile and sheet vinyl flooring. While regular sheet vinyl is definitely more budget-friendly, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is thicker and quieter, more insulating, and softer underfoot. In addition, it is supposed to be more aesthetically pleasing (hence the ‘luxury’ label). However, you’ll want to make sure to seal the top layer and be careful not to install it over a sub-par substrate, as it can then appear flawed.Laminate
Another affordable option, laminate flooring resists fading and is resistant to scratches or dents. However, it is less moisture resistant than it might appear, since it can swell or warp with heavy water exposure—a disadvantage if your washer and dryer are located in a mudroom. Also, it shouldn’t be mopped; rather, sweep, vacuum, and wipe up spills as they occur. Since this type of flooring isn’t highly resistant to moisture, it’s probably not the best choice for a laundry room.Stone
Stone is a very attractive, aesthetically pleasing flooring option that can add resale value to your home. It is also resistant to water and virtually indestructible, so it’s a good choice for either a laundry room or a mudroom. However, it’s not budget-friendly; and you’ll want to factor in the cost of installation, as it’s difficult to install or replace yourself, since it typically requires two layers of subflooring, as well.Be sure to clean it correctly: dry sweeping and wet mopping stone tile with a stone-specific pH-neutral cleanser or soapy water is best; you’ll also want to treat grout with an agent such as baking soda and water, along with sealing the tile with a stone sealant in order to protect it from floor marks.
Engineered Hardwood
While many may love the look of hardwood floors, we’re going to recommend going with engineered hardwood over natural hardwood—unless you’re prepared to refinish it in case it becomes warped or your washer and dryer will not be sitting directly on the wooden flooring. Engineered hardwood has the advantage of a veneer, which means it is less affected by moisture, but you should still avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, if at all possible. Consider the use of area rugs near appliances to further insulate the flooring from detergent and water.Bamboo
Bamboo flooring became well-known in the early nineties as an eco-friendly alternative to hardwood floors. Made from bamboo stems or poles, it can be two to three times harder than hardwoods such as pine with a similar lifespan—20 years or more. However, this type of flooring can also be prone to scratches or dents, and they don’t handle excess humidity or leaks very well, either. For this reason, we’d recommend avoiding the use of bamboo flooring for your laundry room.Carpet
Perhaps the worst possible choice for a laundry room, carpet can retain a lot of moisture, making it susceptible to mildew and stains. It’s not a good choice for a space filled with lots of detergent and chemicals, as it stands to be damaged or bleached by spills of detergent or bleach. Although it may be tempting to add coziness to your laundry room with carpet underfoot, we definitely do not recommend carpet for this space.Contact Quest Interiors if you are considering a laundry room makeover. We’d be happy to go over flooring options and other design remodeling features with you.
