Selecting the best luxury flooring for Florida homes can be challenging for a variety of reasons. Aside from the cost, style, design, and type of flooring material, there are two important factors to be considered for Florida homes: heat and humidity. Both of these conditions can significantly decrease the lifespan of the flooring. Florida is very hot and humid all year round and in between, there is a rainy season with heavy downpours; the constant exposure to these environmental conditions can cause the flooring to deteriorate much faster than in other climates. In general, factors that you should consider for home flooring, in addition to the climate, including the following:
- Ease of maintenance
- Easy to clean
- Impervious to water
- Affordable
- Pet and child friendly
- Ability to absorb noise
- Scratch-resistant
- Long durability
What is considered the best flooring for Florida homes? Thankfully, today there are several good flooring options for Florida homes that include the following:
- Engineered wood probably ranks as one of the best flooring options for Florida homes. Not only is it eye-catching and beautiful, but it is also durable, and it will enhance the home’s value. It is important to appreciate that engineered wood is different from hardwood; the latter is quite susceptible to moisture and can warp rapidly if it constantly stays wet. On the other hand, engineered wood is made in layers and completed with a surface layer of a waterproof finish. This makes engineered wood more resistant to scratches and moisture, with an extremely hard-wearing surface. Engineered wood comes in many styles, colors, and designs to match any decor of the home. What’s more, is that because engineered wood is moisture resistant, so it can be installed in any room of the home including the kitchen. Finally, engineered wood looks exactly like hardwood, is easy to maintain, and will easily last five decades or longer, if well maintained.
- Luxury vinyl flooring has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. Unlike the dull and often cheap-looking flooring of the past, the latest luxury vinyl flooring is elegant, modern, and can mimic hardwood, concrete, tile, or ceramic. Luxury vinyl flooring is available in planks or tiles and comes in many shapes, colors and designs. It is durable and can be installed in many rooms of the home, including the kitchen. The flooring will hold up to moisture, dirt, and foot traffic for many years. It is also much cheaper than hardwood and relatively easy to install. Other benefits of luxury vinyl include scratch resistance and the fact that it is relatively easy to clean. With the amount of rain in Florida each year, luxury vinyl flooring should be at the top of your list.
- Laminate flooring is fast catching up as one of the best flooring options for Florida homes. People can confuse laminate flooring with vinyl flooring because they do look similar and can mimic many natural flooring materials; however, one unique feature of laminate flooring is that it can mimic wood flooring exceptionally well. If you are on a tight budget and want something durable, moisture-resistant, and easy on the feet, then laminate flooring is a great choice. Even though laminate flooring is moisture resistant, it is vital that water is not left standing on it for long periods. Therefore, good maintenance is necessary to ensure longevity. Laminate flooring can be installed in the bedroom, hallways, and living room. It should be avoided in the kitchen, bathrooms, and basement where the moisture content is usually higher. thickness, it is easy on the feet and can absorb sound better than vinyl. If well looked after, laminate flooring can last one to two decades.
- Tile flooring may be considered old-school by some, but it is still one of the best flooring materials for homes in Florida. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for humid climates. Other than being waterproof, tile flooring can keep homes cooler, is very easy to clean, and is available in many styles, colors, and designs. Tile flooring is ideal for the basement, bathroom, hallway, and kitchen. In fact, many Florida homes have tile flooring in the entire house. However, tile flooring should be avoided in regions where there is a risk of freezing because the tiles can crack during the repeated expansion and cooling process. Tile flooring is durable but can be hard on the feet and if you have children, you may need to place a thick rug over some areas of the flooring to help cushion any falls. The latest tiles can be made to mimic hardwood or natural stone, which enhances the aesthetic appeal. The one downside to tiles is that they can crack if heavy objects fall on them. On the positive side, tile flooring is a very affordable option.
CONCLUSION
If you are considering flooring for your home and have questions about the available choices, the best recommendation is to speak to a flooring expert. Call East Coast Flooring to ask about the options for flooring in different parts of the home and the cost of installation. East Coast Flooring has knowledgeable experts who specialize in the best flooring for Florida homes.