While looks are important, there are other factors to take into account when picking the best flooring for the humidity in Florida, including moisture, sand, sunlight, foot traffic, durability, and maintenance. There are also various types of flooring available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the environmental conditions of a coastal household. For coastal homes, there are also different types of flooring, with porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank, ceramic tile, engineered hardwood and natural stone all having different benefits. Determining moisture resistance, scratch resistance, subfloor conditions and installation requirements can help homeowners select a flooring that will thrive in Florida's humid coastal climate.
When it comes to flooring, the Coastal Florida homeowner has many options to choose from.
1. Porcelain Tile
If moisture resistance and durability are paramount, porcelain tile is a great choice to consider.
It is ideal for use in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and other areas where water and heavy use are a concern.
Advantages
• Highly durable
• Excellent moisture resistance for a surface material
• Easy to clean
• Wide Color & Pattern Options
• Can be found in wood-like patterns
• Ideal for use in a variety of high-traffic settings
Potential Drawbacks
• Hard underfoot
• Is cool in comparison to resilient flooring
• Grout requires maintenance
• Installing is often a lot of work.
• Individual damaged tiles may need replacement
Good Choice For
Homeowners who desire a long-lasting floor that will not be adversely affected by moisture and are not concerned with the surface being harder.
2. Luxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a popular flooring option that can simultaneously showcase a wood finish and be relatively easy to maintain.
There are lots of products that have moisture resistance, but one should not assume that all LVP is the same.
Review the specifications, construction, warranty and installation instructions of the exact product.
Advantages
• Numerous products are highly moisture resistant.
• Comfortable compared with tile
• Can be found in many wood-inspired styles
• Easy to care for, in general
• Ideal for various rooms in the house.
Potential Drawbacks
• Product quality varies
• Installation requirements vary
• Some products may not be suitable for sunlight exposure.
• Having a waterproof flooring surface does not make the subfloor waterproof.
Good Choice For
People wishing to get a practical looking floor using wood, and one that can be maintained with relatively little hassle.
3. Ceramic Tile
Another proven solution for damp rooms is ceramic tile.
Different products will look, last and require different maintenance, so it's important to assess the particular tile, not just the material type.
Advantages
• Moisture-proof
• Easy to clean
• Wide design selection
• Resistant to damage upon proper installation
Potential Drawbacks
• Hard surface
• Grout requires maintenance
• Installation quality matters
• Can feel cold feet.
Good Choice For
Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways and bath owners who want the appearance of tile.
4. Engineered Hardwood
If a wood surface is desired, but alternatives to standard solid hardwood construction are desired, engineered hardwood may be of interest to homeowners.
The multi-layer design may offer different dimensional properties to those of solid wood.
Engineered hardwood is not, however, watertight.
The specific product and installation environment still play a part.
Advantages
• Genuine wood surface
• Natural appearance
• Various types of wood and wood finishes
• Can vary in size from solid hardwoods
Potential Drawbacks
• Not intended for standing water
• Environmental conditions matter
• Requires appropriate installation
• This typically requires more upkeep than most tile or vinyl choices.
Good Choice For
Owners who value real wood and a home that is conducive to the wood product.
5. Solid Hardwood
A solid hardwood will be classic and can last a long time if it is well-maintained.
However, this needs to be considered with more care in a humid coastal environment.
Since wood is sensitive to changes in moisture, it is important to discuss the needs of the product prior to installation with the homeowner.
Advantages
• Genuine solid wood
• Timeless appearance
• Can potentially be refinished
• There are numerous species and finishes available.
Potential Drawbacks
• Moisture responsive compared to other options
• Can expand and contract
• Must be under proper environmental conditions
• Not suitable for areas exposed to water often
Good Choice For
Adequate indoor areas in which moisture and humidity can be controlled.
6. Laminate Flooring
Laminate gives you a wood-look for a budget-friendly product.
But products differ greatly in the way they will perform in terms of moisture.
Don't assume a laminate is not waterproof or that modern laminate is waterproof.
Rather, be sure to look at the construction of the specific product, installation and instructions, and warranty.
Advantages
• Wood-look appearance
• Many design choices
• Often relatively affordable
• Resists good everyday wear and tear
Potential Drawbacks
• Moisture performance varies
• Product-specific limitations apply
• Even though the subfloor is not exposed, moisture is still a concern.
• Installation requirements differ
Good Choice For
Homeowners who wish to have a wood-look floor, possibly for a lower cost of materials, and can choose a suitable floor for the room.
7. Natural Stone
Natural stone can be used to achieve an interesting aesthetic, especially in coastal design.
Common choices include:
• Travertine
• Slate
• Limestone
• Marble
But natural stone isn't a single stone. The properties of porosity, maintenance, durability and sealing are different for each type of stone.
Advantages
• Distinctive natural appearance
• Durable
• A variety of colors and textures.
• May complement the architectural styles of the coasts
Potential Drawbacks
• Some varieties are porous
• If necessary, sealing may need to be done
• Maintenance varies
• Installation can be expensive
Good Choice For
Those homeowners that seek to have a high quality of natural materials and are willing to maintain them.
What Type of Flooring for Each Room?
Kitchens
Focus on moisture resistance, durability, stain resistance and easy cleaning.
Consider porcelain tile, ceramic tile and appropriately specified vinyl products.
Bathrooms
The main worry is from water exposure.
A popular choice is tile and some vinyl products might be suitable, depending on product.
Other considerations include slip resistance.
Living Rooms
Fashions and comfort can take precedence.
Possible choices include:
• LVP
• Engineered hardwood
• Hardwood under suitable conditions
• Tile
• Natural stone
Bedrooms
Comfort, appearance and maintenance are other factors that can be more important in bedrooms where direct water exposure is less.
Entryways
Beach homes are important for their entranceways because they are subjected to sand, water and traffic.
Easy cleaning and durability should be key considerations.
Vacation and Beach Houses
Think about occupancy.
If a vacation home is left unoccupied for long stretches, it could be advantageous to install a flooring system that will not need to be maintained as often and that will withstand the normal conditions of living at the home.
Some of the most common errors that coastal homeowners encounter with their flooring projects.
Choosing Appearance Before Performance
A sample floor may appear to be ideal in a showroom, but the floor may be an unsuitable choice for the room in which it is being considered for use.
Evaluate performance first.
When a seal indicates that the item is waterproof, the contents mean the same.
The water rating of a flooring product does not automatically preclude moisture issues related to the subfloor and/or other areas of the installation.
It is assumed that all products in a single category are identical.
There are a lot of different products that fit into the “LVP,” “laminate,” “engineered hardwood” categories and more.
Please verify the exact specifications.
Ignoring the Subfloor
The finished installation may be compromised by moisture, irregularity, damage or other subfloor condition.
Forgetting About Sand
The wear on a beach is different to a suburban environment.
Be prepared to bring sand to entry points.
Ignoring Sun Exposure
When installing in rooms where there is strong direct sunlight, please consult the product-specific conditions.
Choosing Solely by Price
The lowest cost material may not be the lowest cost solution after considering installation, maintenance, and potential replacement costs.
When searching for new flooring, there are some questions you should ask.
When considering signing an installation contract, ask:
• Does this particular product work well in my household?
• What does the manufacturer say about moisture?
• Will it withstand water or will it be waterproof?
• Will subfloor be moisture tested?
• What preparation is required?
• Do you need humidity and/or temperature control?
• How to clean the floor?
• How does direct sunlight affect the product?
• What is the warranty applicable to?
• Which installation conditions could void the warranty?
The knowledgeable flooring professional should be able to give an explanation for a recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
· Which flooring materials are suitable for Florida's humidity?
Where moisture resistance is a concern, a practical choice might be porcelain tile or many of the right-specified vinyl products. In certain situations, wood flooring may be a good option as well; however, it needs more care with humidity, installation, and moisture control.
· Is LVP good for coastal Florida homes?
It can be. A number of LVP products are highly moisture resistant and fairly easy to maintain. But effects are different depending on the product, so homeowners should check the details of the specific product and warranty.
· Should a beach house be made with tile or vinyl?
Not automatically. Both tile and vinyl can be very durable with a wood-like appearance and provide excellent moisture resistance, but vinyl may also offer greater comfort. The choice of the best way depends on the priorities of the homeowner and the conditions of the room.
· Can hardwood flooring work in Florida?
Yes, in suitable habitat. But there are a number of other factors to take into account when choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home, such as indoor humidity, exposure to moisture, subfloor condition, acclimation, installation requirements, and manufacturer's recommendations.
· Which kind of flooring keeps near the beach the cleanest?
Many resilient flooring products are easy to care for, as are tile. Some natural stone and wood items may need more specific maintenance.
· Does Sandy damage flooring?
Long-term abrasive wear and scratching are possible causes of sand. Use of entry mats and regular cleaning can help minimize the sand on the floor.
· Is waterproof flooring completely waterproof?
No floor label should be relied upon without the reading of the product documentation. Waterproof is rated in certain conditions but the complete installed floor (transitions, subfloor, floor itself) must be properly constructed!
Conclusion
When choosing the perfect flooring for your coastal Florida home, it doesn't necessarily depend on the name of a single type.
When moisture resistance and durability are the main concerns, porcelain tile is a good option.
If the homeowner's home needs a wood-look floor that is relatively simple to maintain, luxury vinyl plank may be a good alternative in terms of usability, provided they choose the product that best fits their requirements.
Under the right environmental and installation conditions and when used by the homeowner who appreciates real wood, engineered hardwood can be a viable option.
While natural stone can provide the ultimate coastal look, the level of maintenance will depend on the stone type.
The most critical point is to consider the entire flooring system not just the surface.
Before choosing, take into account the room, moisture, sand, exposure to the sun, subfloor, installation needs, maintenance needs, and any other specifications that may dictate the make.
Flooring that appears stunning when installed will be successful if it will suit the lifestyle of the homeowner and the conditions of the home for the years to follow.
