Best flooring for families based on durability and budget

When you have little feet pitter-pattering around, toddlers insisting they can do it themselves, and who-knows-what getting tracked in on the daily, the type of flooring you have matters.

Finding the best flooring for your family means comparing upfront cost, physical wear resistance, water resistance, longevity and more to find the best bang for your buck. USA TODAY asked the experts, and here’s what they agree are the best flooring options for families with kids.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is the best flooring material for families, as it balances upfront cost, water resistance, wear resistance, easy maintenance and visual appeal. Other options include laminate, tile, engineered wood, solid wood and carpet, depending on the room you’re renovating and how often you use the space.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your lifestyle. “I don't believe there is a single type of floor that will work well for all types of families,” says Ashley Torres, cleaning expert and Team lead for Karen’s Green Maids, a maid service based in Chicago. “First, I'd like to know how you actually use the room you're looking at putting this type of flooring into. And then secondly, how much time you want to…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/