Pro Tips for Choosing the Perfect Hallway Flooring
Wondering which material will work hard, look wonderful and last well in your hall? Step this way
The hall is the epitome of a high-traffic area, yet it’s also the first glimpse most people have of your home, so the flooring needs to look good while handling the knocks. There are lots of options, and your decision will be guided by how much wear and tear it’s likely to receive, how much maintenance and cleaning you’re willing to do, and the look you’re aiming for.
We asked three experts to talk through the pros and cons of the key flooring options to help you decide which would work best in your home.
We asked three experts to talk through the pros and cons of the key flooring options to help you decide which would work best in your home.
Wood
If you’re eager to bring a natural feel into your home, it’s difficult to beat a wood floor, with its pleasing grain and subtle color shifts. “Wood has an authentic quality that vinyl and laminate cannot provide,” says flooring expert Benjamin Hawkes of The Flooring Group.
Whether you choose solid or engineered wood, there’s nothing quite like the real thing, and it works in contemporary and traditional settings alike.
Wood will need protecting with a lacquer, wax or oil. “The kind of maintenance [you’ll need to do] depends on the finish you’ve selected,” Hawkes says. He suggests lacquer provides better protection, but recommends oil, as it offers a more natural look and it’s easier to sand and reseal a small area if it’s damaged.
“Make sure you deal with any gaps between the boards and underneath the baseboards to eliminate possible drafts,” Byrne says. “A variety of flexible fillers are available to address this.”
See our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
If you’re eager to bring a natural feel into your home, it’s difficult to beat a wood floor, with its pleasing grain and subtle color shifts. “Wood has an authentic quality that vinyl and laminate cannot provide,” says flooring expert Benjamin Hawkes of The Flooring Group.
Whether you choose solid or engineered wood, there’s nothing quite like the real thing, and it works in contemporary and traditional settings alike.
Wood will need protecting with a lacquer, wax or oil. “The kind of maintenance [you’ll need to do] depends on the finish you’ve selected,” Hawkes says. He suggests lacquer provides better protection, but recommends oil, as it offers a more natural look and it’s easier to sand and reseal a small area if it’s damaged.
“Make sure you deal with any gaps between the boards and underneath the baseboards to eliminate possible drafts,” Byrne says. “A variety of flexible fillers are available to address this.”
See our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
Pros: Wood is durable and a lifelong product as long as it’s maintained. Solid wood and engineered wood with a thick top layer can be sanded and refinished repeatedly. It’s easy to clean and can be recycled or reused. “It’s relatively easy to install and it can have good sustainability credentials if it’s appropriately sourced,” says architect Brian O’Tuama of Brian O’Tuama Architect.
There’s a good range of cost options, it can be stained in a wide range of shades, and it’s warm both visually and to the touch.
Engineered wood works well with underfloor heating.
What to Know About Engineered Wood Floors
There’s a good range of cost options, it can be stained in a wide range of shades, and it’s warm both visually and to the touch.
Engineered wood works well with underfloor heating.
What to Know About Engineered Wood Floors
Cons: Solid wood isn’t compatible with underfloor heating. “Oiled wood will be more susceptible to water seeping in and can also be damaged or scratched more easily than a lacquered finish,” Hawkes says.
“Wood will show wear patterns from foot traffic, so it’s best suited with a runner or a no-shoes policy,” O’Tuama says.
It’s difficult to replace a damaged area. “Wood naturally changes coloration over time, meaning that, even if you were to order the exact same product six months later, the replacement wood would show a noticeable difference in appearance to the wood already installed,” Hawkes says.
“Wood will show wear patterns from foot traffic, so it’s best suited with a runner or a no-shoes policy,” O’Tuama says.
It’s difficult to replace a damaged area. “Wood naturally changes coloration over time, meaning that, even if you were to order the exact same product six months later, the replacement wood would show a noticeable difference in appearance to the wood already installed,” Hawkes says.
Tile
Hard-wearing, easy to clean and smart-looking, it’s no wonder that tile, whether ceramic, porcelain or encaustic cement, is a classic choice for hallways.
In addition to a wide range of colors and patterns, there are also several layout options. “Think not only in terms of material, but also tile shape and how they’re to be laid — in a regular grid pattern, a brick pattern or on a diagonal,” Byrne says. “Choose pale-colored tiles for optimum light reflection. A little ‘movement,’ a fleck or veining, for example in the tile will be forgiving of dirt.”
“Bear in mind that intricate patterns will be more expensive to install, and avoid polished finishes as they can be slippery,” O’Tuama says.
Most floor tiles are suitable for use with underfloor heating, but do check to be certain. “Otherwise, you may end up with hairline cracks,” Byrne says.
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Hard-wearing, easy to clean and smart-looking, it’s no wonder that tile, whether ceramic, porcelain or encaustic cement, is a classic choice for hallways.
In addition to a wide range of colors and patterns, there are also several layout options. “Think not only in terms of material, but also tile shape and how they’re to be laid — in a regular grid pattern, a brick pattern or on a diagonal,” Byrne says. “Choose pale-colored tiles for optimum light reflection. A little ‘movement,’ a fleck or veining, for example in the tile will be forgiving of dirt.”
“Bear in mind that intricate patterns will be more expensive to install, and avoid polished finishes as they can be slippery,” O’Tuama says.
Most floor tiles are suitable for use with underfloor heating, but do check to be certain. “Otherwise, you may end up with hairline cracks,” Byrne says.
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Ceramic and porcelain. These have a very similar look, though porcelain tiles, made from denser clay fired at a higher temperature, are much tougher than ceramic. “Only use ceramic floor tiles if they’re suitable for heavy traffic,” O’Tuama says. That said, ceramic tiles tend to be cheaper, so they’re ideal if the budget is tight.
Look for tiles with rectified edges, so they can be butted up close to each other, as thinner grout lines harbor less dirt.
Look for tiles with rectified edges, so they can be butted up close to each other, as thinner grout lines harbor less dirt.
Pros: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are durable and generally happy with underfloor heating. “There are numerous cost options and a good range of colors, textures, patterns and sizes,” O’Tuama says. They’re also hygienic and easy to clean.
Cons: Tiles are cold to the touch, can be noisy (depending on the subfloor) and are hard, so dropped objects are more likely to break. They can also feel less characterful than wood and are unrepairable if they do chip.
Cons: Tiles are cold to the touch, can be noisy (depending on the subfloor) and are hard, so dropped objects are more likely to break. They can also feel less characterful than wood and are unrepairable if they do chip.
Encaustic cement. These classic tiles are made from cement, marble powder and colored pigments. They tend to give a traditional look. “They work wonderfully in a period home,” Byrne says. But there are numerous modern designs that can make a real impact in a contemporary hallway too.
Floor Material: Handmade Cement Tile
Floor Material: Handmade Cement Tile
Pros: Encaustic tiles are so resilient that many 19th-century tiled floors still look fabulous today. They’re largely handmade, which gives them character. As the pattern is inlaid, rather than being painted on top, it won’t fade with wear and tear. And the depth of color means that even if they’re chipped, it won’t be very obvious.
They’re easy to clean with soapy water and a mop, though it’s important to avoid anything abrasive or acidic.
Cons: “Encaustic tiles need sealing and may need future re-sealing,” O’Tuama says. “The thickness of the tiles can make level transitions to other rooms difficult, so they’re best suited if the flooring continues throughout an entire level of the property, or if the flooring in adjacent rooms can be made level with the hall floor.”
They tend to be heavier than many ceramic and porcelain designs, so a strong subfloor is important. “They’re also hard underfoot,” O’Tuama adds, “though this is not such an issue in a hall.”
They’re easy to clean with soapy water and a mop, though it’s important to avoid anything abrasive or acidic.
Cons: “Encaustic tiles need sealing and may need future re-sealing,” O’Tuama says. “The thickness of the tiles can make level transitions to other rooms difficult, so they’re best suited if the flooring continues throughout an entire level of the property, or if the flooring in adjacent rooms can be made level with the hall floor.”
They tend to be heavier than many ceramic and porcelain designs, so a strong subfloor is important. “They’re also hard underfoot,” O’Tuama adds, “though this is not such an issue in a hall.”
Stone
From sandstone and limestone to marble, travertine and slate, stone has a timeless quality, with every flag having subtly different characteristics. “They can suit both contemporary and traditional schemes, including more rustic ones,” O’Tuama says.
“If money is no object and the conditions are suitable, stone flags will add opulence and style to your hallway,” Byrne adds.
Remember that stone flags are substantially heavier than tiles, though, so make sure your floor can take the weight.
From sandstone and limestone to marble, travertine and slate, stone has a timeless quality, with every flag having subtly different characteristics. “They can suit both contemporary and traditional schemes, including more rustic ones,” O’Tuama says.
“If money is no object and the conditions are suitable, stone flags will add opulence and style to your hallway,” Byrne adds.
Remember that stone flags are substantially heavier than tiles, though, so make sure your floor can take the weight.
Pros: “They’re durable, there’s a good range of cost options and a good range of fairly neutral colors and sizes,” O’Tuama says. “As they’re porous, they’re suitable for use on lime concrete substrates.” They work well with underfloor heating as they hold on to warmth.
Cons: Without underfloor heating, they’re cold, and they’re hard to the touch. “As they’re porous, they’re prone to staining,” O’Tuama says. “They may need sealing and future resealing, though the patina that develops with time can be attractive.”
Flags tend to be fairy thick, which may cause floor level difficulties.
Cons: Without underfloor heating, they’re cold, and they’re hard to the touch. “As they’re porous, they’re prone to staining,” O’Tuama says. “They may need sealing and future resealing, though the patina that develops with time can be attractive.”
Flags tend to be fairy thick, which may cause floor level difficulties.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Advances in technology mean LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) can convincingly mimic materials such as wood, tiles and stone, but for a fraction of the cost.
It’s also pretty tough, so if you like the idea of wood but have pets or young children, wood-look vinyl with a scuff-proof coating could be just the ticket.
“Vinyl comes in both tile and roll form and a huge range of colors, patterns and effects,” Byrne says. “Choose a cushion-backed vinyl for optimal comfort and longevity.”
Advances in technology mean LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) can convincingly mimic materials such as wood, tiles and stone, but for a fraction of the cost.
It’s also pretty tough, so if you like the idea of wood but have pets or young children, wood-look vinyl with a scuff-proof coating could be just the ticket.
“Vinyl comes in both tile and roll form and a huge range of colors, patterns and effects,” Byrne says. “Choose a cushion-backed vinyl for optimal comfort and longevity.”
Pros: Warmer to the touch than tiles, easy to clean and generally a cheaper option. It’s also softer than many other surfaces. “Vinyl flooring can be a great solution for apartments where you want a hard surface, but where wood floors may be prohibited on acoustic grounds,” Byrne says.
Unlike natural wood, which changes color over time, sections of vinyl can be replaced. “Because it’s not a natural product, you can often simply remove a few planks that are damaged and replace them if required,” Hawkes says.
Cons: It’s generally OK with underfloor heating, but there’s often a heat restriction, so do check. Even though it’s scratch-resistant, it can get damaged, so it needs to be cleaned frequently. If damaged, it’s unrepairable.
The subfloor has to be very flat. “Vinyl in itself is relatively easy to lay; the difficulty is in preparing the subfloor … which needs to be perfectly smooth,” Hawkes says.
What to Know About Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Unlike natural wood, which changes color over time, sections of vinyl can be replaced. “Because it’s not a natural product, you can often simply remove a few planks that are damaged and replace them if required,” Hawkes says.
Cons: It’s generally OK with underfloor heating, but there’s often a heat restriction, so do check. Even though it’s scratch-resistant, it can get damaged, so it needs to be cleaned frequently. If damaged, it’s unrepairable.
The subfloor has to be very flat. “Vinyl in itself is relatively easy to lay; the difficulty is in preparing the subfloor … which needs to be perfectly smooth,” Hawkes says.
What to Know About Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Laminate
Laminate is a high-definition photographic image glued onto a high-density fiberboard core and topped with a protective resin layer. While it tends to bring to mind wood boards (as seen here), it can also mimic materials such as tiles and stone.
Pros: Good-quality laminate is hard-wearing and easy to clean. “The benefit of laminate is often in its pricing, with options available that are much cheaper than wood or vinyl,” Hawkes says. “This allows entry-level customers to have a floor that should last 10 years on average.” Laminate doesn’t stain, doesn’t need sealing, and is easy to fit.
Cons: It’s less visually appealing than wood and can’t be refinished if it’s damaged or worn. It’s not always suitable for use with underfloor heating, so do check. “Laminate is often as easy to scratch as wood products and does not provide the same durability of vinyl,” Hawkes says.
Laminate is a high-definition photographic image glued onto a high-density fiberboard core and topped with a protective resin layer. While it tends to bring to mind wood boards (as seen here), it can also mimic materials such as tiles and stone.
Pros: Good-quality laminate is hard-wearing and easy to clean. “The benefit of laminate is often in its pricing, with options available that are much cheaper than wood or vinyl,” Hawkes says. “This allows entry-level customers to have a floor that should last 10 years on average.” Laminate doesn’t stain, doesn’t need sealing, and is easy to fit.
Cons: It’s less visually appealing than wood and can’t be refinished if it’s damaged or worn. It’s not always suitable for use with underfloor heating, so do check. “Laminate is often as easy to scratch as wood products and does not provide the same durability of vinyl,” Hawkes says.
Linoleum and Cork
If you’d like a soft surface but prefer a natural, environmentally friendly material, consider linoleum or cork. Both are warm and forgiving underfoot, and cork in particular has a little bounce to it. “Objects are less likely to break when dropped,” O’Tuama says.
“There’s a good range of colours, particularly with linoleum, and it’s quite easy to create bespoke patterns, as they’re both easy to cut,” he adds.
Pros: Linoleum and cork are generally cost-effective, easy to install, and suitable for underfloor heating. They can work nicely in contemporary and traditional schemes.
“They’re both easy to clean, relatively quiet, thin — so there are few issues with transitions to other rooms — and have good eco credentials,” O’Tuama says. “Linoleum sheet, as opposed to tiles, can give a seamless appearance.”
Cons: Linoleum and cork can fade and wear over time. Cork can scratch easily, and both can be dented. “They can be damaged by impact or stiletto heels,” O’Tuama says.
If you’d like a soft surface but prefer a natural, environmentally friendly material, consider linoleum or cork. Both are warm and forgiving underfoot, and cork in particular has a little bounce to it. “Objects are less likely to break when dropped,” O’Tuama says.
“There’s a good range of colours, particularly with linoleum, and it’s quite easy to create bespoke patterns, as they’re both easy to cut,” he adds.
Pros: Linoleum and cork are generally cost-effective, easy to install, and suitable for underfloor heating. They can work nicely in contemporary and traditional schemes.
“They’re both easy to clean, relatively quiet, thin — so there are few issues with transitions to other rooms — and have good eco credentials,” O’Tuama says. “Linoleum sheet, as opposed to tiles, can give a seamless appearance.”
Cons: Linoleum and cork can fade and wear over time. Cork can scratch easily, and both can be dented. “They can be damaged by impact or stiletto heels,” O’Tuama says.
Concrete and Micro-Cement
If it’s a contemporary aesthetic you’re after, concrete might be for you. It is expensive, however, so, as O’Tuama says, “The larger the area, the more cost-effective it is, so it’s better for full refurbishment projects rather than retro-fits and smaller areas.”
Micro-cement — a mix of cement, polymers, additives, very fine aggregates and natural pigments — however, gives a concrete look, but can be applied in a much thinner layer. “Micro-cement is a more practical and cost-effective alternative for the refurbishment of a small area such as a hall, and its thickness will make it easier to achieve level transitions with the flooring in adjacent rooms,” O’Tuama says.
If it’s a contemporary aesthetic you’re after, concrete might be for you. It is expensive, however, so, as O’Tuama says, “The larger the area, the more cost-effective it is, so it’s better for full refurbishment projects rather than retro-fits and smaller areas.”
Micro-cement — a mix of cement, polymers, additives, very fine aggregates and natural pigments — however, gives a concrete look, but can be applied in a much thinner layer. “Micro-cement is a more practical and cost-effective alternative for the refurbishment of a small area such as a hall, and its thickness will make it easier to achieve level transitions with the flooring in adjacent rooms,” O’Tuama says.
Pros: Concrete and micro-cement are very durable, with a seamless appearance, and suitable for use with underfloor heating. They’re available in various colors and textures, and are hygienic and anti-slip. Micro-cement can be laid on floorboards with a suitable base on top, and it shouldn’t crack.
Cons: “Concrete is best used with a concrete slab substrate, so older properties with suspended wood ground floors are generally not suitable,” O’Tuama says. “Cracking is almost inevitable [with concrete], so a pristine surface can’t be guaranteed,” he says. “The polished surface will wear in high-traffic areas, so may need future re-finishing, which is a messy process — as is the installation itself,” he adds.
Cons: “Concrete is best used with a concrete slab substrate, so older properties with suspended wood ground floors are generally not suitable,” O’Tuama says. “Cracking is almost inevitable [with concrete], so a pristine surface can’t be guaranteed,” he says. “The polished surface will wear in high-traffic areas, so may need future re-finishing, which is a messy process — as is the installation itself,” he adds.
Terrazzo
Available as tiles or poured in situ for a seamless slab, terrazzo is an elegant choice for a hallway. It’s a mix of cement and crushed marble, granite, quartz and/or glass, so there are numerous options and the patterns are unique.
Pros: Terrazzo retains warmth, so it’s great with underfloor heating. If sealed and well-maintained, it should last a lifetime. “It’s great for homes with pets,” Byrne says.
“If poured in situ, it has the advantage over tiles of having no grouting, thus offering a smooth, easily maintained and hygienic finish,” she adds.
Cons: It’s expensive to install in situ, cold without heating and hard underfoot. If it cracks, it will need to be reground and repolished. It can also be slippery if it gets wet.
5 Reasons to Go for Venetian Terrazzo
Available as tiles or poured in situ for a seamless slab, terrazzo is an elegant choice for a hallway. It’s a mix of cement and crushed marble, granite, quartz and/or glass, so there are numerous options and the patterns are unique.
Pros: Terrazzo retains warmth, so it’s great with underfloor heating. If sealed and well-maintained, it should last a lifetime. “It’s great for homes with pets,” Byrne says.
“If poured in situ, it has the advantage over tiles of having no grouting, thus offering a smooth, easily maintained and hygienic finish,” she adds.
Cons: It’s expensive to install in situ, cold without heating and hard underfoot. If it cracks, it will need to be reground and repolished. It can also be slippery if it gets wet.
5 Reasons to Go for Venetian Terrazzo
Dirt Management
When choosing flooring for a hallway, bear in mind the fact that people will be coming in with dirty shoes. “A recessed mat well just inside the door, with an inset mat laid flush with the floor finish, will prompt those entering to wipe their feet,” Byrne says. A runner can be useful as a second dust and dirt catcher. “Use a quality underlay beneath the runner, so it’s kept in place and doesn’t cause a trip hazard.”
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When choosing flooring for a hallway, bear in mind the fact that people will be coming in with dirty shoes. “A recessed mat well just inside the door, with an inset mat laid flush with the floor finish, will prompt those entering to wipe their feet,” Byrne says. A runner can be useful as a second dust and dirt catcher. “Use a quality underlay beneath the runner, so it’s kept in place and doesn’t cause a trip hazard.”
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Before you set your heart on a particular product, bear in mind that your existing floor might need to be modified.
“The construction of the structural floor will have a bearing on what material you choose and how you lay it,” says architect Eva Byrne of houseology. “A concrete floor, typical of most contemporary houses, can accommodate most floor coverings. A suspended wood floor, typical of period houses, will normally already include some form of wood boarding. You will need to lay a ply base on top of this to achieve a level surface for laying tiles.
“If you want to fit a new wood floor, it might be prudent to remove the existing boards, so as not to raise the floor level too much,” Byrne says.
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