Kid-proof, pet-proof, and waterproof — a contractor's ranking of the best flooring for busy Long Island households.
If you've got kids, pets, sand from the beach, and snow in the winter, your floors take a beating. Here's what actually holds up in busy Long Island homes — ranked by real-world durability and value.
We install all of these, so this isn't a sales pitch for one product — it's what we'd put in our own homes for each situation.
Waterproof, scratch-resistant, comfortable underfoot, and budget-friendly. Modern LVP looks remarkably like real wood and handles pets, kids, and moisture better than anything. Our #1 recommendation for most high-traffic spaces.
$3–$7 per sq ft installed
Nearly indestructible and fully waterproof — ideal for bathrooms, mudrooms, kitchens, and entryways that see beach sand and snow. Hard underfoot and cold without radiant heat, but it lasts decades.
$7–$20+ per sq ft installed
Real wood veneer over a stable core — more moisture-tolerant than solid hardwood and adds the most resale value. Great for living and dining rooms; avoid full bathrooms and below-grade basements.
$8–$15+ per sq ft installed
Timeless and refinishable for generations, but more sensitive to moisture and scratches. Beautiful on main living floors in drier areas; not ideal for basements or bathrooms.
$8–$16+ per sq ft installed
Practically bulletproof and moisture-tolerant — excellent for finished basements and modern aesthetics. Hard and cold underfoot, so pair it with rugs or radiant heat.
$4–$12+ per sq ft
For the busiest rooms in a Long Island home, luxury vinyl plank is the clear winner — waterproof, tough, and affordable. Use tile in bathrooms and mudrooms, and engineered hardwood in living areas where resale value matters most. Most of our clients mix two or three by room, and we'll help you plan it on a free estimate.
Founder of Milton's Construction. Four decades building and remodeling homes across Long Island. More about us →
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most forgiving for pets and kids — it's waterproof and resists scratches and dents, all at a budget-friendly price. Porcelain tile is even tougher but harder underfoot.
Quality LVP is well-accepted by buyers, but engineered or solid hardwood in main living areas typically adds the most resale value. A common strategy is hardwood in living/dining and LVP or tile in high-moisture rooms.
Waterproof options are essential below grade: LVP (with a proper moisture barrier), tile, or sealed concrete. Avoid solid hardwood in basements.
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