The best hallway flooring needs to stand up to all the foot traffic of inhabitants (including, perhaps, those with paws) and visitors.

A low-maintenance, easy to clean material is a must, as are a pattern and colour that won’t show the first speck as soon as the vacuum or mop have been returned to the cupboard.

We guide you through all the best choices available for hallway flooring.

WHAT CHOICES ARE THERE FOR THE BEST HALLWAY FLOORING?

It may be a demanding space, but there remains a huge range of flooring suitable for a hallway.

You’ll need to select between hard flooring and floor coverings that are more forgiving underfoot. Think about colour as well.

Do you want a floor that’s available in a dark hue that won’t make what’s tracked in immediately obvious? Prefer pattern for the same reason? Alternatively, you may favour a pale finish that can make a dark hall lighter.

How do you prefer to clean the hall floor? Is vacuuming sufficient or do you like to be able to mop as well?

HARD FLOOR COVERINGS FOR HALLWAYS:

If you want hard flooring that’s suitable for a hallway, Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), wooden flooring, and laminate flooring are all worth investigating.

On a budget? Also think about vinyl flooring, which is an affordable cushioned surface.

Vinyl Hallway Flooring

Wooden flooring in a hallway can be a good option, too.

Mid-toned finishes and dark woods will be more forgiving in terms of showing up dust, while pale wood will demand more work but can help the space look more expansive.

Wood flooring has a lasting style and durability. The advantage of wood flooring is that it can be refinished if any damage occurs over time.

Don’t just think wooden boards for hallways. Parquet makes for a handsome hall floor because plenty of the design will be on show rather than covered by furniture.

Engineered wood is an alternative to solid wood for hallways.

Made from several layers, engineered wood or composite wood is designed to be more stable in response to changes in humidity than solid wood.

The best quality designs can be refinished if they become damaged.

Laminate hallway flooring can create the look of solid or engineered wood in the hallway at a lower price point.

Good laminate flooring will stand up to the wear and tear it’s subject to in the hall.

Stay away from the cheap options which won’t wear well.

Hallway Laminate Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) all types of LVT flooring are hard wearing and durable.

Most are also waterproof and have a built it scratch and stain guard. LVT is far more robust than wood or tile flooring that can easily become worn due to daily wear and tear.

The surface of LVT will not dent or scratch as easily as some wooden floors.

Amtico LVT Hallway

CARPET AND NATURAL FLOORING FOR HALLWAYS

Warmer and softer underfoot than hard floor coverings, carpets and some of the plant-fibre flooring options can be a success in a hallway, particularly up the stairs and on to landings.

Hallway Carpet

Carpet is the hallway flooring choice for many homeowners.

Unfortunately, carpet can’t be mopped if shoes or paws bring mud in, but carpets can have good resistance to soiling and be hard wearing enough for hallway life.

Carpet is also a good noise-dampener.

Pattern, including stripes, can make an impact in the hall and will look nice between vacuuming sessions.

Hallway Carpet

Natural flooring is made from plant fibers and has pleasing texture that can add subtle decorative interest in the hall.

Not all natural flooring is suitable for a hallway. However, look for sisal and coir, which are tough enough to take the traffic.

Coir comes in golden tones and will keep their look, while sisal comes in a wide variety of colours.

Natural Hallway Carpet

Runners make for a more relaxed (if smart) look in a hallway. Match – or co-ordinate – it with that of your stairs for a cohesive look, and bear in mind that stripes, like these below will visually lengthen your hall, a bonus in a small hallway.

Hallway Runner

LAYING HALLWAY FLOORING WITH UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Hard hallway flooring such as stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles combine effectively with underfloor heating and provide good heat output.

Solid wood flooring can be suitable for use with underfloor heating, but check with your supplier. Composite wood should be compatible as well.

High-quality laminates and vinyls can be used with underfloor heating.

Carpet can also be combined with underfloor heating, however the carpet and underlay needs to conform to the maximum TOG (thermal resistance) rating specified by the heating manufacturer.

Top tip: Whichever hallway flooring you choose always lay a door mat at the entrance to your home to prevent grit damaging the floor covering and to prolong its life.