Florida may be the mecca for sunshine and gorgeous beaches, but for homeowners, the heat and humidity plus the heavy downpours that regularly occur in the summer wreak havoc on the flooring. To make matters worse, Florida is surrounded by water and sand on all three sides, and invariably one of these two is going to attack your flooring at some point in time. Choosing the wrong type of material in the presence of heat and humidity will quickly shorten the lifespan and necessitate another flooring in just a matter of years. Are you thinking about flooring in your Florida home? There are a number of things to consider, including the cost, the degree to which the flooring is waterproof, maintenance and installation, durability, and aesthetic appeal. While those factors may narrow your choice, don’t worry! This quick guide through your options can help you choose the best flooring for hot climates like Florida.
The Power of Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is fast becoming the top choice for flooring in hot climates like Florida. Engineered wood has all the elegance and beauty of hardwood, but it is also moisture-proof because of the way it is manufactured. Engineered wood is made from planks of different woods oriented in different directions, and this method of manufacture makes it extremely hard and durable. More important, engineered wood can also raise the value of the home. Engineered wood is relatively easy to install and easy to maintain. It may easily last more than 5 decades if it is well maintained. The most significant advantage of engineered wood is that even though it has the same aesthetics as conventional wood, it is also slightly cheaper. Of course, this also depends on the quality of engineered wood.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Presents Another Option
Luxury vinyl flooring is another choice you may want to consider. Vinyl flooring has been on the market for many decades, but a lot has changed in recent years. Unlike the old dreary, cheap-looking plastic-like material, the latest luxury vinyl is entirely different. The newer generation vinyl is aesthetically beautiful, is available in planks or tiles, and can mimic the surface appearance of every other natural flooring, including wood, concrete, and marble. The other advantages of vinyl include moisture resistance, pet and children-friendly, stand-up to heavy foot traffic, and easy to clean. Luxury vinyl flooring can be installed in almost any room of the home except the bedroom and, if well looked after, can easily last several decades. It has some pretty unique features, too. It’s available in many styles, designs, and colors. It’s cost-effective and easy to install. It’s almost completely scratch-resistant, and it’s easy to clean and maintain. Because luxury vinyl is waterproof, it can be installed in the kitchen, bathroom, and even the basement. If you are on a limited budget and want to avoid the different types of flooring for the home, go with luxury vinyl, as it can be installed in any part of the home
Laminate Flooring Can Take the Heat and Humidity
Laminate flooring is another great option for homes in humid climates. Laminate has many of the features of luxury vinyl, but it excels at mimicking wood flooring. Laminate flooring is probably the most popular choice of flooring for people who have a tight budget but also want all the functionality of wood or luxury vinyl flooring. However, even though laminate flooring is waterproof, you cannot have water standing on it for long periods. It’s an excellent alternative to wood or luxury vinyl, it’s easy to install, and it’s simple to clean and maintain. More than that, though, it’s pet and child-friendly!
If you are going to be selecting laminate flooring, go with the high-pressure variety as this brand can withstand damp conditions without buckling or swelling. Laminate usually adheres to the floor with a strong adhesive, and it’s best installed in the bedroom, living room, hallway, and dining room. It should be avoided in the basement, kitchen, and bathroom. It’s important to note, though, that the lifespan of laminate flooring is only about 10 – 15 years, so this may be an update you need to plan for in the future.
The Simplicity of Tile
Perhaps the best and most affordable flooring for the Florida climate is porcelain or ceramic tiles. These materials can be found in many homes because not only are they waterproof, but they are also durable. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are available in many styles, designs, and colors, and they’re incredibly easy to clean and maintain. Add that to the fact that they’re waterproof, easy to install, and fairly inexpensive, and you have a winning equation for the spaces inside and outside your house.
While tiles are pet and children-friendly, they can feel hard. Thus, in some home areas, you may have to place a thick rug to cushion this flooring choice. Also, keep in mind that if the temperature in your home varies significantly, the tiles could crack thanks to constant expansion and shrinkage.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
If you live in a hot and humid climate like Florida, you have several good flooring options. While aesthetics are important, you should also consider the longevity, cost, and ease of maintenance. The best recommendation is to speak to a flooring expert and know the different materials’ pros and cons. By learning more about flooring materials, you will be able to make an informed decision.