Knowledge Builders

what is the best flooring for florida homes

by Prof. Jameson Beer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Thankfully, today there are several good flooring options for Florida homes that include the following:

  1. Engineered wood probably ranks as one of the best flooring options for Florida homes. ...
  2. Luxury vinyl flooring has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. ...
  3. Laminate flooring is fast catching up as one of the best flooring options for Florida homes. ...
  4. Tile flooring may be considered old-school by some, but it is still one of the best flooring materials for homes in Florida. ...

The Best Flooring Options to Withstand Florida's Subtropical Climate
  • Ceramic and Porcelain Tile. Ceramic and porcelain tile is the most popular flooring option for Florida homes. ...
  • Laminate Flooring. ...
  • Vinyl Flooring. ...
  • Engineered Hardwood.
Jun 26, 2019

Full Answer

What is the Best Flooring in Florida?

What is the Best Flooring Material for My Lanai?

  • Hardwood and Engineered Wood Flooring. If you're looking to add luxurious warmth and timeless beauty to your tropical style lanai, nothing compares to genuine hardwood flooring.
  • Cork Flooring. Both cork and bamboo have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially here in Southwest Florida.
  • Porcelain Tile Flooring. ...
  • Ceramic Tile Flooring. ...

Which Wood is best for flooring?

Popular Types of Hardwood Flooring

  • Hickory. Harder than oak, ash and maple.
  • Oak. Hardness varies by subspecies.
  • Ash. Similar hardness to white oak.
  • Maple
  • Cherry
  • Ebony
  • Bamboo. If you’re struggling with hardwood vs. laminate or engineered wood, talk to a flooring professional who can advise you on the best options for your particular circumstances.

How to buy the Best Flooring?

  • Laminate flooring is resistant to dents and scratches.
  • Some laminate flooring is waterproof, making it a good pick for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
  • Laminate floors are easy to clean.
  • Laminate flooring is significantly cheaper than hardwood flooring.

Are bamboo floors a good choice in Florida?

bamboo floors in Florida? Bamboo floors do handle moisture better than some others. However, since you are in Florida you most likely have a slab floor.

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What type of wood flooring is best for Florida?

Engineered wood floors bear a great resemblance in look and feel to solid hardwood, but they are designed to deflect the moisture problems of Florida specifically. Engineered hardwood floors are more impervious to higher moisture levels in the environment, so they are ideal for Florida and similar regions.

Are laminate floors good in Florida?

Laminate wood flooring is resistant to moisture, and this type of flooring does not move or expand when in contact with moisture, which makes it great for Florida weather.

Is vinyl plank flooring good for Florida?

Unlike laminate flooring which can be affected by higher heat and humidity levels, LVP floors are perfectly safe in South Florida homes where these things can cause damage to more water sensitive flooring types.

What is the best flooring for high humidity?

Here are the best types of flooring for hot and humid climates.Luxury Vinyl Tile. Humidity and moisture cause hardwood floors to expand or warp. ... Porcelain Tile. Porcelain is a hard, very durable surface--perfect for damp climates. ... Concrete. ... Rubber. ... Many Types of Flooring Survive Humid Climates.

Which flooring is best for hot climate?

Tile is one of the best flooring choices for hot and humid climates. Since it's hard and durable, it won't expand and contract like other materials. The cold, polished materials feel comfortable against your bare feet as you walk along the floor.

What is the most popular flooring for 2022?

As a result, waterproof laminate floors have gained more popularity in 2022, and not just because of their attractively affordable price tags. The water-resistant layer on the surface of waterproof laminate floors protects both the surface and subfloors from moisture damage.

Which type of flooring is the most durable?

8 Most Durable Flooring Options for Heavy Foot TrafficBamboo.Resiliency.Ceramic and Porcelain.Laminate.Solid Hardwood.Engineered Wood.Concrete.Natural Stone.

What is the most popular flooring in homes today?

Hardwood1. Hardwood Continues to Dominate. Hardwood has remained at the top of the podium for decades now and continues to dominate the home flooring industry.

Which is cheaper LVP or tile?

Cost. Vinyl plank is much more budget-friendly than ceramic tile. Depending on the type of tile you are choosing, ceramics can cost as much as hardwood or high-quality carpet. Materials aside, it costs 40% less to install vinyl plank than it does to install ceramic tile.

What flooring is best over concrete?

Laminate is highly water-resistant, making it ideal for installing over concrete as well as in areas susceptible to moisture like basements and kitchens. We recommend placing a vapour barrier underneath laminate flooring for an extra layer of protection.

What are the disadvantages of LVT flooring?

The Pros and Cons of LVT FlooringProsConsAlmost indestructible Resistant to moisture and dampness Little maintenance Easy to lay Versatile Good value for moneyDifficult to remove if glued down Soft material Discolouration Non-sustainableSep 23, 2021

Which flooring is cooler?

Ceramic is a great option especially if a room is not in direct sunlight. Using blinds and keeping your tiles out of the sun will help to keep your room cool. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are also a good option compared to natural stone tiles as they tend to be more budget-friendly.

Why do most homes in Florida have tile floors?

For one, tile flooring is a great choice for the Florida environment that sweats through high humidity levels. Tiles are tough and water-resistant, which enables them to take on the excessive moisture in the Florida atmosphere without taking it in and harboring mold or mildew.

Will mold grow under laminate flooring?

When water gets trapped under the boards, it creates a dark, moist environment that's ideal for the growth of mold. Eventually, this mold will creep upwards from the sub-floor to the top of the surfacing. At this point, without a doubt, you'll need a new flooring installation.

What is the best flooring for a lanai in Florida?

Porcelain tile is one of the most popular choices for lanai flooring. Compared to ceramic tiles, porcelain is a denser, less porous and harder option that offers greater stain and water resistance.

Which type of flooring is the most durable?

8 Most Durable Flooring Options for Heavy Foot TrafficBamboo.Resiliency.Ceramic and Porcelain.Laminate.Solid Hardwood.Engineered Wood.Concrete.Natural Stone.

What makes Florida’s flooring needs unique?

The state is surrounded by water on three sides and the interior parts of the state have a great deal of water. Basically, Florida weather is almost always hot and humid.

Why is it so hard to choose flooring in Florida?

If you happen to live in Florida, that decision just got a lot more difficult. Because of the heat, humidity, and beaches Florida is famous for, the types of flooring ...

What maintenance is needed to care for these floor types?

Your new flooring will come with maintenance requirements. Whether it’s mopping or refinishing, maintenance will be dependant on the type of floors installed in your home.

How long can I expect these flooring types to last in Florida?

But how many years exactly? It all depends on the type of flooring you have install ed. Keep in mind that all estimates are based on proper care and maintenance of your flooring.

What is laminate flooring made of?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic material, made mostly from melamine resin and fiberboard, constructed to imitate the look of natural wood with a top “wear” layer that makes it very durable. Laminates used to look as if they were made of plastic because the materials were cheap and the process was unrefined.

How many layers of wood are in an engineered hardwood floor?

Engineered hardwood floors are manufactured boards made up of several different recycled layers of wood. Typically, each board has five to seven layers, which are compressed and glued together creating a stronger and more moisture resistant board.

What is porcelain tile?

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are man-made clay tiles that are constructed by being fired at a very high temperature to reduce the water content of the clay and allow it to be shaped.

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.

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.

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.

What makes Florida’s flooring needs unique?from flooringhq.com

The state is surrounded by water on three sides and the interior parts of the state have a great deal of water. Basically, Florida weather is almost always hot and humid.

Why is it so hard to choose flooring in Florida?from flooringhq.com

If you happen to live in Florida, that decision just got a lot more difficult. Because of the heat, humidity, and beaches Florida is famous for, the types of flooring ...

How long can I expect these flooring types to last in Florida?from flooringhq.com

But how many years exactly? It all depends on the type of flooring you have install ed. Keep in mind that all estimates are based on proper care and maintenance of your flooring.

What maintenance is needed to care for these floor types?from flooringhq.com

Your new flooring will come with maintenance requirements. Whether it’s mopping or refinishing, maintenance will be dependant on the type of floors installed in your home.

What is engineered hardwood flooring?from flooringhq.com

Engineered hardwood floors are manufactured boards made up of several different recycled layers of wood. Typically, each board has five to seven layers, which are compressed and glued together creating a stronger and more moisture resistant board. The top layer is made of a more durable type of wood, –oak, maple, hickory– that will hold up to wear and tear and can even be sanded.

What happens if you don't install laminate flooring?from flooringhq.com

If the floor was not installed properly, that moisture coming from the ground and building up below the laminate can leak out through the seams of the floor and the bottom layers of the floor can swell, ruining the floor. There is a new, high-pressure laminate that was developed for high humidity climates..

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?from flooringhq.com

Ceramic tiles are made with red, brown, or white clay. This tile is softer, easier to work with, and less expensive than porcelain. Ceramic tile comes in hundreds of new and classic styles. Sonoma Sky 20″x 20″.

What is the best flooring for Florida?

Considering how much rain Floridians deal with, vinyl tile could be the best flooring for Florida weather.

What type of flooring is best for South Florida?

Tile Flooring . Ceramic and porcelain tiles are considered the best type of flooring for south Florida homes. They share similar characteristics such as they are mostly waterproof, scratch-resistant, available in multiple colors and shapes and they are both easy to clean.

What is BuildDirect flooring?

BuildDirect is your one-stop resource for top-quality flooring featuring waterproof engineered wood flooring for south Florida, vinyl flooring, hardwood, laminate flooring, and ceramic and porcelain tiles. We have an experienced customer service staff ready to assist you with product selection and our website is full of helpful videos and pdfs to make installation quick and easy.

What is the bottom of engineered hardwood planks?

The bottom of the engineered hardwood plank contains a thick pad which eliminates the need for additional underlayment and also makes the floor much more comfortable to walk on. Consider the following additional benefits:

How durable is Vesdura vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is one of the best ways to create a realistic wood look while protecting your home from water damage. Featuring: Vesdura Vinyl Planks Monterey Collection in Santa Cruz. SKU: 15257623.

Is tile flooring good for humidity?

Since it is primarily made from clay, tile flooring is well-suited to high heat and humidity, and it is extremely durable. Tile flooring is used extensively in all parts of Florida and it is often used to cover the entire floor of a home. With designs, shapes, and textures that look like wood and natural stone, you can have all the advantages of tile without sacrificing your design theme. Another benefit of tile flooring is that it will not trap allergens dust or dirt, helping to keep allergies at bay.

Is flooring waterproof in Florida?

Easy to clean surface. Mostly waterproof. The good news is that there are a variety of floor coverings that are mostly waterproof that will work very well on wood or concrete subfloors. Let’s take a look at some flooring ideas that can be utilized in Florida: The Best Flooring for Florida Homes.

What type of flooring is best for Florida?

Laminate flooring is another great option for your Florida home. They are resistant to moisture and do not expand or move as a result. They’re also robust, which means long term performance shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, you can choose from a wide variety of designs or patterns.

Why is flooring important?

The flooring in your home is very important, both aesthetically and functionally. The design and patterns you choose can make or break the appeal of your interior. As for functionality, the floors are the first to experience wear and tear.

Is vinyl flooring good?

Vinyl flooring may not look the best. However, they’re great when it comes to practicality. They are highly moisture resistant and durable. Plus, they are relatively cheaper than most other flooring options. So, if you’re looking at affordability and durability, vinyl flooring is your best bet.

Is engineered wood better than hardwood?

Engineered wood flooring consists of particle wood. This is a better alternative to hardwood since it can offer better resistance to moisture. Also, acrylics are added during the manufacturing process, which makes engineered wood flooring much stronger than hardwood flooring.

Do porcelain tiles work in Florida?

They are also extremely easy to maintain. All you have to do is mop the floors using a disinfectant.

Is hardwood flooring good for Florida?

Hardwood floors are great to look at and they’re quite durable too. In fact, they’re capable of providing insulation as well. But the truth is they don’t respond well to the weather in Florida. The moisture and humidity of the tropical climate here can lead to mold formation and rot.

What is the best flooring to use in Florida?

Best: Porcelain tile flooring. Porcelain tiles considered to be the decent and easiest flooring types to maintain your homes in Florida; commonly, all they need is a disinfectant and some daily cleaning and mopping. Porcelain tiles are also water resistant and you can clean it easily as compared to other types.

What happens if you choose a floor in Florida?

Thus, if you choose the floor type which is not compatible with the state’s climate, then you might end up paying high costs in the overall repair and installation. It’s recommended for homeowners to find the materials that keep your homes in Florida pristine and comfortable. Here are some suggestions regarding bad and worst flooring types ...

Why do carpets smell so bad in Florida?

Carpets usually collect a lot of condensation and moisture down to the padding. As the climate of Florida is cold, so a combination of moisture, heating, and mold will make the floors damp and give a dank and musty smell to the whole room.

What is the climate like in Florida?

Its climate is clean & green and spread yellow sunshine most of the time.

Is solid hardwood flooring bad for Florida?

If you are living in Florida, you must know that solid hardwood flooring is the worst option among all. There are almost ¾ types of solid planks are best suited for colder climates and have difficulty in adjustment according to the tropical climate. Therefore, most of the local flooring contractors do not recommend solid hardwood flooring ...

Which is better, vinyl tile or vinyl tile?

Best: Vinyl tile flooring. Vinyl type is a much better option which provides the greatest protection against humidity. People love to use this option in Florida these days. Vinyl flooring type is commonly used in the high moisture areas and that’s the reason, people tend to use it in their bathrooms as a preferred option.

Is porcelain tile water resistant?

Porcelain tiles are also water resistant and you can clean it easily as compared to other types. People in Florida love porcelain tile flooring because it’s appealing and mimic the structure of other expensive floor types.

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