Choosing a floor for children needs careful consideration. The floor has to withstand demanding treatment and rough use from falling toys, play cars and spilled sodas. It should not scratch easily, be preferably stain resistant and should be easy to clean. Another important requirement is that the surface must be somewhat cushioned so it softens the blow to bumped knees and does not contribute to injuries. For kids, the floor has to be both safe and durable.

• Vinyl, linoleum and rubber floors are popular choices since they are resilient yet easy to clean. Cork flooring also meets these requirements and additionally is environmentally friendly. A laminate floor is reasonably soft and easy to maintain.
• Carpet is often selected as flooring for kids because of its soft surface. Carpet can easily stain so when choosing carpet for your children’s flooring, consider stain resistant carpet such as Stainmaster® carpet. Carpet tiles are also a great option as replacement, if needed needed, becomes easier.
• Hardwood floors are just that – hard. Furthermore some wood floors can scratch and dents which makes wood a less popular choice in children’s flooring. Adding area rugs will add protection to the floor and also help cushion any falls.
• Ceramic and stone tile are not just hard but potentially dangerous. Hard floors are best avoided being slippery and liable to result in injury. Area rugs are also suggested but make sure a non-slip rug or pad is used.
• Interlocking foam tiles are a great choice flooring choice for children. Many of these foam flooring tiles are available in various colors and even have the ABC’s and 123’s so kids can play on the floor and learn at the same time.

Visit our kid-friendly flooring section for more information and help on choosing floors for children.