Entryway and mudroom flooring needs to stand up to the dirt, grime, and moisture brought in from daily foot traffic
When choosing among many different flooring options for an entryway or mudroom, you’ll need to consider materials that will stand up to the dirt and grime that gets tracked in season after season. Sure, a layer of floor mats could do the trick, but, ideally, you want something that is as attractive as it is durable. Here are the best types of flooring for entryways and mudrooms.
How to Choose the Best Flooring for Your Entryway or Mudroom
Installing new flooring can be a big project, so you’ll want to make sure you choose the right materials based on both your budget and needs. Fortunately, you have lots of options to get the best flooring for your entryway or mudroom.
3 Types of Flooring for Entryways and Mudrooms
Entryways and mudrooms are high-traffic areas that can benefit from easy maintenance. Here are three flooring options that are as attractive as they are easy to clean.
1. Porcelain Tile or Ceramic Tile
Despite their fragile-sounding names, porcelain and ceramic tiles are more than up to the task of providing a sturdy surface in high-traffic areas. Both types of tiles are easy to clean and maintain.
Porcelain does edge out ceramic in terms of durability, but that also makes it the more expensive option. It costs $4 to $8 per square foot in comparison to ceramic’s $3 to $4 per square foot.
Because porcelain is harder to cut, it also costs slightly more to install—around $800 to $1,500 to install 100 square feet as opposed to $800 to $1,300 for the cost of ceramic tile. If you’ve got room in your budget, though, go for durable porcelain. Also, opt for a darker color grout, which can help reduce the signs of heavy foot traffic.
2. Luxury Vinyl Tiles or Luxury Vinyl Planks
Even though “luxury” is in the name, you won’t bust your budget with this flooring option—luxury vinyl tiles and planks are more economical than ceramic tiles. Planks and tiles both cost just $2 to $5 per square foot, with an additional $3 to $10 per square foot to install.
Known as LVT and LVP for short, they come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Vinyl tiles mimic the look of ceramic or porcelain, while planks resemble hardwood floors at a much lower price point.
Both LVP and LVT are waterproof, making it an easy flooring choice for areas that see high amounts of moisture or humidity, including bathrooms and kitchens. Another bonus with this option is that installation is easier and quicker—no grout means no mess.
3. Laminate Flooring
If you like hardwood floors, laminate flooring offers a similar look that is much easier to maintain in high-traffic areas. Laminate flooring is made from layers of composite wood with a top layer that looks like hardwood, but it is far more resistant to scratches, stains, and other wear and tear.
At $2.70 to $10 per square foot, laminate is a budget-friendly option that is also easy to install, making it a great choice for mudrooms and entryways.
What About Hardwood Flooring?
Gleaming hardwood floors are a glorious sight to return home to each day. However, moisture and puddles from dripping raincoats and snowy boots pose a problem.
While you don’t have to completely rule out hardwood floors for your entryway or mudroom, you’ll have to ensure they’re sealed well to hold up to any moisture and that they’re dried off quickly when they get wet. If you love the look of traditional hardwood floors, then go for it—but be sure to add a plastic shoe tray and a floor mat to help stop wet footwear in their tracks.
Still Not Sure? Talk to a Flooring Professional
With so many flooring options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To choose the best type of flooring for your needs, talk to a flooring contractor in your area.
An experienced professional will have installed countless floors and knows not only what types are right for your home, but also the trends and styles that homeowners want. This will be helpful for you, particularly if you are looking to sell your home in the next few years.
No matter which type of entryway or mudroom flooring you decide is best for your home, you’ll want to make sure it’s made of high-quality materials and installed correctly. Many types of flooring, including luxury vinyl planks, can be completed as a DIY project, but a professional installer can usually get the job done faster and with greater precision.
In the end, you want entryway or mudroom flooring that looks attractive and can stand up to the impact of foot traffic for many years.
