The climate in Florida is such that all homeowners should be careful when selecting the best flooring for high humidity. One of the factors that determine the longevity of your flooring is the climate.  That means you need to search for the best flooring for humid climates.  The constant Florida humidity and heat can rapidly hasten the deterioration of several types of flooring. If the wrong type of flooring material is selected, not only will it not last long but it can be a costly venture as you will need to pay for the removal and installation of another type of flooring in just a few years.

While you do have the option of leaving the air conditioner on all the time, this can result in enormous electricity bills. It’s time to consider: What are your flooring options for humid climates?

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

  1. Know that you still have good flooring options. Just because the Florida climate is hot and humid does not mean that there are no decent flooring options. In fact, there are several great options specifically made for humid climates. The key is to know what type of flooring is best suited for each room of the home. For example, the kitchen and the bathroom generally tend to be wetter than the rest of the home; therefore, you will need to be selective with the choice of flooring in these areas.
  2. Your flooring choice needs to be affordable. Today, several types of affordable flooring material work well with the humid weather in Florida. Most of these flooring options are available in many styles, designs, colors, and patterns to enable you to match the decor of your home. In addition, there are flooring materials that won’t break the bank.
  3. When considering the best flooring for a humid climate, remember to look at the bigger picture. Besides the humidity, other things that you should factor in before purchasing flooring for humid climes include the following:
  • Is heavy foot traffic likely?
  • Do you have pets and or children?
  • Is the flooring easy to clean and maintain?
  • Will the flooring prove durable under the conditions for which it is used?

FLOORING OPTIONS FOR HUMID CLIMATES

1. Engineered wood is fast catching on as the flooring of choice for homes located in humid climates. Unlike traditional wood, engineered hardwood is made by applying thin layers of wood in different directions and bonding them with an adhesive. The surface is lined with a top-finished layer that makes the engineered wood elegant, durable, and moisture resistant.

Because of the way engineered wood is constructed, it is resistant to bowing and warping when exposed to high humidity. However, at the same time, it is important to clean up any liquid spills right away and keep the home on the dry side by using a humidity meter. If well maintained, engineered wood can last many decades.

2. Laminate flooring is a great option for a humid climate. Not only is it durable but it is moisture resistant. However, many homeowners like laminate flooring because it can mimic hardwood. Today, there are many variations of laminate flooring that include appearances like tile, stone, metal, ceramic, or even antique. Other features of laminate include the following:

  • It is available as tiles or planks. This design choice makes the installation easy and there is no need for nails.
  • The flooring is stable, firm, and rigid.  This helps prevent the seams from opening in the presence of moisture.
  • Laminate is usually installed over a thin foam cushion, which also increases sound absorption.
  • Glue is typically used to stick laminate onto the undersurface.
  • Easy to clean and maintain.
  • Soft on the feet.
  • Pet and child-friendly.
  • It will last several decades if well maintained.

Laminate can be installed almost anywhere in the home. The key is to ensure that it is installed properly to avoid moisture from gaining entry at the seams. 

3. Luxury Vinyl Flooring. For homeowners in Florida who remain undecided as to which flooring they should select, you will not go wrong with luxury vinyl. Unlike in the past, the latest luxury vinyl is elegant, durable, and is available in many styles, colors, and designs.

It is probably the most cost-effective and best flooring option for humid climates. Luxury vinyl is easy to clean, requires little maintenance, is pet and child friendly, and will even help keep the home cool. It can be installed in the kitchen, bathroom, and basement, areas that are prone to high humidity.

4. Porcelain and ceramic tiles. Another option for flooring in humid climates is porcelain or ceramic tiles. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are durable, easy to clean and maintain, and can be installed in moisture-prone areas, like the basement, bathroom, and kitchen.

The one downside to ceramic flooring is that it has a hard surface and is, therefore, not always very foot-friendly. If you have children, then you may need to cover some areas of the home with a thick rug to prevent possible injuries. In addition, cracks can develop in porcelain and ceramic tiles, and they are not always easy to repair.

Overall, though, ceramic and porcelain tiles are very durable, moisture resistant, and a good fit for the South Florida climate.

5. Concrete. Over the past two decades, the popularity of concrete has been growing in Florida. It is an excellent flooring choice because it is moisture resistant, elegant, durable, and easy to maintain.

When installed properly, it will not absorb moisture and, also on the plus side, it will keep the home cooler during the warm summer months. Further, concrete will rarely grow mildew or mold even during the rainy Florida season; thus, making it a great option if you have asthma/allergy sufferers in your household.

TIPS ON SELECTION

  1. No one flooring material can be used in every room of the home. You will want to mix and match depending on the needs of the room and your decor. When mixing flooring options, you will also avoid a monotonous and dull look. For instance, if you use engineered wood in the living room, hallway and kitchen, you may want to consider carpet for the bedroom. This also helps define each space in your home.
  2. Keep it simple. Beware, though, that too many different types of flooring can create a look that might be too busy or complicated. Instead, try to keep things simple. Besides functionality, you also want to retain the home’s aesthetics by avoiding too many floor transitions. If you do mix flooring options, always try to blend them with the rest of the home’s decor. 

CONCLUSION

When looking for the best flooring for humid climates, there are a few more options than what we have listed above, such as the possibility of rubber and bamboo. Selecting exotic woods may be nice, but it can also be expensive. If you have a strict budget, select flooring material that is affordable and withstands use for many decades even in the presence of moisture. Finally, select the right professional to install your flooring.

If you want to avoid moisture damage, the seams have to be sealed and no gaps should be left in the corners or the sides, for water to seep through.  East Coast Flooring can help with all your flooring needs.