Best and Worst Flooring Options for the Florida Climate

Florida’s climate is a unique experience for anyone building a home in the Sunshine State. The tropical climate is abundantly green and has sunshine most days of the year, but the challenges of the climate are apparent when building homes and structures. Florida’s humidity and rain can cause problems for homeowners, including cracking, expansion, and contraction from humidity. If you choose a floor type that is inherently incompatible with the climate, you may face curvature of your flooring and high costs in repair and re-installation fees. It’s important for homeowners to research the materials that will keep the floors in your Florida home pristine and well-maintained.

Worst: Solid Hardwood Flooring

One of the worst options in Florida is solid hardwood flooring. The ¾” solid planks are better suited for Northern climates and have difficulty adjusting to the tropical climate. Most will advise against solid hardwood flooring and instead will suggest engineered hardwood flooring, which is still hardwood but designed to better withstand the climate. Engineered hardwood typically has more flexible installation options as well.

Best: Vinyl Tile Flooring

Vinyl tile can be a good option to protect against humidity and is commonly used in Florida’s homes. Vinyl is used in high moisture areas and many homeowners use it in bathrooms as a go-to flooring type. Vinyl can imitate distressed wood or take on a modern look, from metallics and dark colors to bright ivories.

Best: Laminate Flooring

Laminated wood is moisture-resistant and doesn’t fade from sun exposure. This type of flooring doesn’t expand or curve due to high humidity and can be installed directly over a concrete base. These factors make it a popular choice among homeowners in Florida. Laminate flooring has grown in popularity over the years as technology and aesthetics of the laminate have vastly improved since it first emerged in the flooring market.

Best: Porcelain Tile Flooring

Porcelain tiles are among some of the easiest flooring types to maintain; typically, all they require is a disinfectant and regular mopping. Porcelain tiles are water resistant and easy to clean. Homeowners in Florida like porcelain because it’s aesthetically attractive and can also mimic other floor types.