Top 5 Flooring Options for High-Traffic Areas in Your Home or Business
When it comes to flooring in high-traffic areas — like hallways, entryways, kitchens, retail stores, or commercial spaces — durability and appearance go hand in hand. These spaces demand surfaces that can handle daily wear and tear while still looking beautiful. Whether you're upgrading your home or designing a business interior, choosing the right flooring material can save you time, money, and maintenance in the long run.
Here are the top 5 flooring options that balance strength, style, and longevity:
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Best for: Homes and commercial spaces seeking timeless beauty and reliable durability.
Engineered hardwood flooring offers the natural elegance of solid wood with added stability and strength. Unlike traditional hardwood, it's built with multiple layers that resist warping, making it ideal for areas with foot traffic and varying humidity levels.
Many engineered wood products — such as our TimberTop collection — also feature a tough surface finish and FSC Certification, ensuring both environmental responsibility and long-lasting performance.
Why it works:
Scratch-resistant finishes available
Holds up better than solid wood in fluctuating climates
Can be refinished depending on the wear layer
Adds resale value to properties
2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Best for: Busy households, retail stores, and commercial offices.
Luxury vinyl plank (like Aspecta) is rapidly gaining popularity thanks to its durability, water resistance, and low maintenance needs. With features like Duraspect™ technology and 'In-Register' embossing, LVP provides the realistic texture and appearance of wood without the same maintenance requirements.
Available in different thicknesses — including heavy-duty 5.0mm for commercial use — LVP is ideal for spaces that experience frequent foot traffic, spills, or pet activity.
Why it works:
Highly resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture
Easy to clean and maintain
Comfortable underfoot
Wide range of colours and styles
3. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and open-plan commercial environments.
Tiles are incredibly hard-wearing and offer excellent resistance to water and stains. They’re available in endless styles, including wood-look tiles for those who want the aesthetic of timber with the practicality of tile.
Why it works:
Excellent for moisture-prone areas
Low maintenance and easy to sanitize
Long lifespan
Fire and UV resistant
4. Laminate Flooring
Best for: Residential hallways, lounges, and cost-conscious renovations.
Laminate is a budget-friendly flooring choice that mimics hardwood while offering good resistance to wear and tear. While not quite as moisture-resistant as vinyl or tile, modern laminates offer decent durability for medium to high-traffic areas when properly installed and maintained.
Why it works:
Affordable alternative to wood
Scratch and fade resistant
Quick installation with click-lock systems
Easy to clean
5. Hybrid Flooring
Best for: Multi-purpose areas, family homes, and light commercial spaces.
Hybrid flooring combines the best of laminate and vinyl — offering the beauty of wood, the water resistance of vinyl, and the rigidity of laminate. It’s a great all-rounder that works well in areas exposed to both foot traffic and occasional moisture.
Why it works:
100% waterproof core
UV and scratch-resistant
Easy DIY installation
Minimal expansion/contraction with temperature
Final Thoughts
When choosing flooring for high-traffic areas, don’t just think about style — consider how well the surface will stand up to footfall, pets, spills, and cleaning. Whether you want the prestige of engineered wood or the practicality of luxury vinyl, there’s a flooring solution that’s perfect for your space.
Need help choosing? Our team at ATS Design can help you select the right flooring product for your lifestyle, space, and budget.
Explore our range of engineered wood, vinyl, and hybrid flooring today.
Written by Ollie Duncan