27th October 2025
Sticky fingers, muddy paws, pilled brews and wet wellies. Life gets real in a busy home and your floors need to keep up!
If you’re constantly on the go, have little ones, or simply want flooring that won’t give up at the first sign of chaos, you’re in the right place. At Frank’s The Flooring Store, we’ve spent over 25 years helping families across the North East find floors that are tough, comfy, and easy to live with.
Let’s break down the best flooring options for real life that get the job done.
Before we take a look at the best picks, here’s what to look for in a high-performance floor:
Durability: Can it handle heavy footfall, furniture movement, toys, and paws?
Stain resistance: Let’s face it, spills happen. Is it easy to clean?
Low maintenance: You want to spend your weekends relaxing, not scrubbing.
Comfort: Especially important if you’ve got little ones crawling or playing on the floor.
Style: Just because it’s practical doesn’t mean it can’t look smashing.
If there’s one floor made for family life, it’s vinyl. Modern vinyl is a world away from what you remember in your nan’s kitchen because today’s options are stylish, hard-wearing and proper practical.
Why it’s a great pick:
Completely waterproof – great for kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms
Super easy to clean – just a quick mop or wipe and it’s good as new
Soft underfoot – great for kids who play on the floor
Comes in loads of styles – wood-look, tile-look, patterns, and more
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, playrooms, dining rooms
Need something that looks like real wood but without the price or maintenance? Laminate is your go-to.
Why it’s a great pick:
Hard-wearing top layer resists scratches and dents
Stain-resistant and easy to clean, which is ideal for families with pets or kids
Loads of colours and styles, from rustic oak to modern grey
Budget-friendly but still smart-looking
Best for: Living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, open-plan spaces
Top tip: Go for water-resistant laminate in splash-prone areas – some ranges are designed to handle spills without warping.
Sometimes, you can’t beat the feeling of soft carpet under your feet. And when it comes to busy homes, you just need the right type of carpet.
Why it’s a great pick:
Adds warmth and comfort, especially for toddlers or crawlers
Reduces noise, which is great if you’ve got kids running around
Comes in stain-resistant ranges, so it’s ideal for bedrooms and lounges
What to look for:
Polypropylene carpets – hard-wearing and bleach-cleanable
Loop pile or short-cut pile – holds up better to foot traffic than long plush options
Best for: Bedrooms, stairs, living rooms, play zones
Got a garden that turns into a swamp every time it rains? Artificial grass is a low-maintenance lifesaver for active households.
Why it’s brill:
No mud, no mowing, no mess
Great for pets and kids to play on year-round
Hard-wearing and drains well
Looks tidy whatever the weather
Best for: Back gardens, patios, balconies, front lawns
| Situation | Best Flooring |
|---|---|
| Kids who drop everything | Vinyl or stain-resistant carpet |
| Pets with claws & muddy paws | Laminate or waterproof vinyl |
| Busy mornings & messy kitchens | Vinyl all day long |
| Sleepy Sundays & soft landings | Carpet (with a good underlay) |
| Back gardens + wild children | Artificial grass = no muddy footprints |
Whatever floor you choose, a few simple habits will help it last longer:
Use doormats to catch dirt before it gets trodden in
Keep felt pads under heavy furniture to avoid dents or scratches
Clean up spills quickly, especially on wood or laminate
Vacuum carpet regularly to keep it fresh and fluff-free
Use flooring-specific cleaners – no harsh stuff needed!
Q: What’s the most durable flooring for pets?
Laminate or vinyl is ideal because both resist scratching and are easy to clean. Go for textured finishes to help hide pet hair.
Q: Can you have carpet with small kids?
Yes, just choose a stain-resistant option like polypropylene. Pair it with a good underlay for extra comfort and warmth.
Q: Is vinyl flooring safe for kids?
Modern vinyl is completely safe and often softer than hard flooring, making it great for play areas.
Q: Which flooring is easiest to clean?
Vinyl and laminate are both wipe-clean. Carpet needs a bit more care but modern stain-resistant ranges hold up well.
A busy household shouldn’t mean battered floors. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, wrangling dogs, or just want your home to stay looking good with minimal effort, at Frank’s The Flooring Store we have the right floor for the job.
From waterproof vinyl to wipe-clean laminate and comfy carpet, we’ve got something for every room and every kind of busy.
Come down and visit your local Frank’s store and chat with one of our flooring experts. We’ll help you pick the perfect floor that handles everything your day throws at it.
