Navigating Your Flooring Remodel: A Guide for Florida Homeowners
Choosing the right materials for your flooring remodel can feel daunting, especially with the myriad of options available! In Florida, it's particularly essential to select flooring that both suits your style and withstands the local climate. Thankfully, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right flooring for your remodel!
Top Flooring Choices for Florida Homes
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is a favorite among Florida homeowners due to both its look and resilience against humidity. Unlike traditional hardwood floors which don't do well when wet, engineered hardwood is unlikely to warp or swell, making it a more suitable option for the Florida climate. It provides the classic look of wood floors with added durability!
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is a versatile and durable option that mimics the look of hardwood or stone without the high cost. It’s waterproof, making it a popular choice for Florida homes, and is available in a wide variety of styles and colors. LVP is also easy to install and maintain, making it a popular flooring option for busy households!
Tile
Tile is another excellent type of flooring for Florida homes, particularly in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. It’s durable, easy to clean, and highly resistant to water and humidity. With a variety of options to choose between, from ceramic to porcelain, tile is a popular flooring choice that can suit any design style!
Key Considerations for Choosing Flooring
Budget
Your overall project budget is a crucial consideration when determining which flooring to choose. Flooring varies widely in cost, from affordable options like vinyl to pricier hardwood and natural stone. It’s essential to consider how much you realistically want to spend on flooring to ensure you can allocate funds appropriately across your entire remodel. Once you’ve decided on your budget, stick to flooring options that meet it!
Wear and Tear
Consider any areas of heavy foot traffic in your home. High-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms require durable flooring that can withstand daily use. For these spaces, options like tile and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are excellent due to their resilience.
This is especially true if you have pets or young children! You’ll want to opt for flooring that is both scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Engineered hardwood, LVP, and tile all offer durability and easy maintenance- an essential if your home is full of little feet (furry or otherwise).
Maintenance
Different flooring materials require varying levels of maintenance. Hardwood flooring needs regular refinishing to maintain its look, while tile and LVP are excellent choices for minimal upkeep. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing (and able) to invest in maintaining your floors before you make your final choice.
Longevity
While budget does matter, (see point one) investing in high-quality flooring can actually save you money in the long run. Durable options like tile and engineered hardwood tend to last longer and retain their appearance better over time compared to cheaper alternatives. Hardwood floors are also more timeless! It can often be worthwhile to invest a little more money upfront to avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Want to see a completed project? Check out this stunning kitchen remodel!
Waterproofing
In Florida, where humidity and occasional flooding are concerns, waterproof or water-resistant flooring is a smart choice. Tile and LVP are both excellent options for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. We use this product a lot in homes on the beach, waterfront homes, and in high-traffic areas when homes have pools. Exposure to water is an eventuality in Florida, so this is a key consideration!
Sound and Feel
The acoustics and comfort of your flooring are also important. Carpeting is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, making it a good choice for bedrooms and living areas, especially if you have a full household. Conversely, hard surfaces like tile and wood can amplify sound but offer a more solid feel underfoot. There’s no wrong option here, but it’s important to consider your lifestyle and priorities when making your selection.
Let Us Help With Your Next Home Remodel!
Choosing the right flooring can feel overwhelming! Hopefully, you now feel equipped to make an informed decision, but if you need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team! We can help you achieve the remodeled home of your dreams- custom floor included!
