Selecting flooring for a home in Florida is not an easy task. After all, unlike other places, Florida has a very different climate, and that can influence the longevity of the flooring material. Here, it’s not only hot but humid for most of the year, and certain flooring materials just can’t tolerate that moisture. Add that to the fact that many Floridians are beachgoers on a routine basis and water lovers, so lots of homes experience near-constant wet foot traffic. Despite all of those problems, though, some flooring materials are absolutely ideal in Florida homes. What Florida flooring materials might work best in your space? What should you consider before you buy? These tips can help you find the best flooring for Florida homes. 

The Top Flooring Materials to Consider for Florida Homes

Flooring materials that are ideal for wet climates include engineered wood, ceramic and porcelain tile, laminate, and vinyl. 

Engineered wood is probably the best Florida Flooring and for good reason. Unlike hardwood, engineered wood is made in such a manner that it is not only moisture-proof but extremely durable. Engineered wood is made of 6-7 different layers of hardwood arranged in different directions. These layers have adhered to each other with glue, followed by a top layer of very durable hardwood like –oak, maple, hickory– that will hold up to wear and tear and can even be sanded. The way engineered hardwood is made makes it almost impossible to differentiate between real hardwood visually. Further, because the top layer is finished, it looks just as elegant and aesthetically pleasing as hardwood. Because of the way engineered wood is made, it is very resistant to moisture, and thus, this makes it an ideal choice for flooring in Florida homes. Better technology has allowed high-quality engineered wood to be manufactured, and today, this flooring can even be used in the basement and kitchen. More important, engineered wood will not expand or contract with fluctuating temperatures, is easy to install, and comes in many styles and designs to match the decor in your home.

One of the oldest flooring still found in many Florida homes is tile- the reason why it is so common is that it is moisture-proof and requires very little maintenance. Tiles are available as ceramic or porcelain, and both come in many styles, shapes, designs, and colors. Porcelain tiles are made from sand, clay, and feldspar, making them very water-resistant, hard, and durable. The one negative about porcelain is that it is not easy to cut. Therefore if one porcelain tile in the home is broken, then patch repair is not possible. The other minor disadvantage of porcelain is that it is available in limited styles. 

Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are made from brown, red, or white clay. The end product is softer than ceramic and a lot easier to work with. Plus, ceramic tiles are available in many styles and slightly cheaper than porcelain.

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are water-resistant and can be used in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and laundry room. In fact, many Florida homes have tiles in all rooms except the bedroom. The key feature about tiles is that instead of absorbing moisture they form beads on the surface, which gradually evaporate. Therefore unlike other flooring materials, you do not have to repeatedly do a rush wiping job of any liquid spill.

Laminate flooring is made from a synthetic material including fiberboard and melamine resin. One of the best features of laminate is that it can look exactly like hardwood when it comes to aesthetics. Moreover, because laminate has an added ‘surface’ layer, it’s durable and can withstand significant foot traffic. Laminate fell out of favor several decades ago because it was initially made from cheap plastic. With advances in technology, the newer generation of laminate flooring is not only beautiful but has many functionalities of both tiles and wood. Laminate is a great flooring option for Florida homes because it is very affordable, durable, and scratch-resistant. While laminate is waterproof, the installation has to be perfect. All the edges and corners have to be fully tacked down to prevent water seepage; if water does get through, it will rot.

Laminate flooring can be installed in the living room, hallway, and bedroom. If you intend to have laminate in the basement, kitchen, or bathroom, you need to seek the pressurized variety as it is more resistant to moisture. Plus, it is important to keep the AC system on regularly if your home has high humidity.

Luxury vinyl flooring is also a good option for Florida homes. Unlike the first-generation vinyl flooring, the newer generation vinyl is not only aesthetically superb but is functional and easy to care for. Vinyl, like laminate, has one unique feature, it can imitate the beauty of hardwood and yet be water-resistant. Vinyl has many good features. It’s not too expensive; it can be easy to maintain, pet and child friendly, and easy to clean. The one downside to luxury vinyl is that it has a lifespan of about 10-15 years, which is considerably much less than engineered wood.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

No matter what type of flooring you choose, there are a few features you’ll want to keep in mind. 

  • Location: Keep in mind that not all flooring materials are right for every space in your home. Some flooring materials cannot be used in the bathroom, basement, or kitchen because of moisture.
  • Longevity: You’ll also want to consider how long a given flooring material might last. Overall, engineered wood has the longest lifespan, easily lasting 5 decades or more provided you maintain it. The rest of the flooring materials will last 1- 2 decades.
  • Cost: Price is always a factor when selecting flooring. Engineered hardwood is more expensive than some of the other flooring materials mentioned. But if money is an object, then either laminate or luxury vinyl are great alternatives. The cheapest is tile,, but it does not have the aesthetics of wood.
  • Pets and Kids: Whether you have kids or pets, you’ll want to look for a flooring option that can be a bit more durable. For most people, that’s vinyl, as it can withstand quite a bit of abuse from both pets and kids without scratches, but tile can be fairly tough too!
  • Maintenance: How much work do you want to do to your floors? If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, you want something that provides you an option you don’t have to maintain. Tile is likely the best choice there. There are, though, other low-maintenance floor choices on the market today too. 
  • Aesthetics: If you are looking for elegance and beauty, engineered wood stands tall. It comes in many styles, designs, and colors and can match almost any decor in the home. 

The Best Choice For Your Home

Selecting the best flooring for your Florida home can be a daunting task because there is no ideal material. However, no matter what features you desire for a Florida home, it must include moisture resistance, or the flooring won’t last long. If money is no object, go with engineered wood; but select tiles if you are on a tight budget. For more information on the best flooring for your Florida home, speak to a flooring specialist.