Choosing the Perfect Florida Flooring: Your Ultimate Guide
Florida may have a lot of sunshine, but it also is one of the most humid locales in the nation. And this humidity can damage or shorten the lifespan of many home items, including flooring. When selecting flooring for a home in Florida, besides the style and design, one should always factor in the climate. The subtropical weather and high humidity are not a good match for several types of residential flooring. It is essential to choose the best flooring options for Florida homes, so you get the return on investment you need.
Florida Flooring Ideas: Combining Functionality with Aesthetics
We’ve curated a list of the most practical and appealing flooring options for Florida homes. These types of flooring can withstand heat, humidity, and traffic while enhancing your home’s overall look.
Engineered Wood: The Durable Florida Flooring Option
Engineered wood is made from recycled layers of different types of wood. The boards consist of five to seven layers compressed and glued, creating a moisture-resistant material that is also very durable. The top layer is usually made from durable wood like maple, oak, or hickory as it will stand up to significant stress and traffic.
Today, these surfaces are available in many designs and styles; more importantly, they are elegant and aesthetic. Engineered wood in Florida homes is a smart idea: it does not move or expand due to heat or humidity. Plus, engineered wood can withstand wetness, humidity, and extreme heat. It is priced at a higher point, but if you want flooring that will last many decades, you cannot go wrong with engineered wood.
Porcelain: Resilient and Stylish Flooring for Florida Homes
Porcelain is another good flooring option for Florida homes. These man-made clay tiles are dense, resistant to wear, and durable. Porcelain can be used in almost any part of the home but is ideal for the kitchen and bathrooms. The tiles are effortless to maintain and will not get damaged even if moisture is left for many days. The only downside to porcelain is that it can break when a hard object falls on it. Plus, it can feel cold when walking barefoot. Thus, in some areas like the bathroom, you may have to cover the tiles with a warm rug.
Laminate Flooring: Budget-Friendly and Stylish
Unlike the past, the latest laminate flooring material is stylish, and elegant and comes in many designs. The synthetic material is durable and is an excellent option for homes that are prone to high humidity. Laminate flooring is easy to clean and relatively cheap. The most crucial aspect of laminate flooring is to ensure that the installation does not leave any gaps that can allow moisture to seep through. Because laminate flooring is available in many styles, it can be installed in any room. To increase Laminate flooring’s lifespan, it is recommended that moisture be prevented using a dehumidifier or AC. For those on a budget, this is one of the best flooring options for Florida properties.
Luxury Vinyl Tile or Plank: Resilient Florida Flooring
Luxury vinyl is also an excellent option for flooring in Florida homes. Unlike the first generation vinyl, the latest luxury vinyl is aesthetically superior and durable, and resistant to moisture. The added advantage of luxury vinyl is that it is effortless to clean and maintain. It is best installed in the kitchen, bathroom, or basement. However, to enhance the lifespan, it is important to always clean up the floor ASAP after any spill.
The few downsides to the use of luxury vinyl are that it can be difficult to remove, especially if glue was utilized during the installation. Plus, if damaged, it cannot be repaired in pieces. But if you are looking for flooring that can resist humidity and is aesthetic, luxury vinyl should be your top choice.
Concrete: The Long-Lasting Choice
Concrete is perhaps the longest-lasting flooring and is very resistant to humidity. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for something durable and easy to maintain. To enhance the aesthetics, concrete can be polished and will give your home an elegant look. Concrete can be used in virtually any room, depending on your needs and style. The one downside to concrete is that it does feel cool, and you may need a thick covering to protect your feet.
Laminated Wood: The Rising Star of Florida Flooring
Laminated wood is fast becoming a popular flooring option in Florida. Laminated wood is a man-made composite product made from several layers of thin veneer. The final product feels like wood and is often covered with acrylic to prevent moisture damage. It is a durable product that does not expand or move when exposed to heat or moisture. However, it is recommended that all spills be removed quickly and that the home be kept on the dry side.
Flooring to Avoid in Humid Florida
Because of the excess humidity in Florida, the one type of flooring that should be avoided is regular hardwood, especially if you do not have HVAC. While elegant and durable, hardwood does not tolerate humidity well. With time, the edges will start to warp and rot if exposed to wetness. It is only an option if you have a dry home and/or HVAC. Plus, all spills should be removed ASAP to prevent damage.
Florida Flooring Lifespan: A Dependable Investment
In general, the lifespan of flooring depends on the material, maintenance, and traffic. Most modern flooring can last at least 15 years; some like engineered wood can last over 50 years, and concrete can last even longer. There are several good flooring ideas for Florida homes, but no matter what type of surfaces you select, if you give it good care and provide maintenance, the flooring will easily last several decades or more.
Need help to determine the best solutions for your home? Contact the experts at East Coast Flooring & Interiors.