When your home sits on the coast, you have it all: beautiful views, easy beach access and a high-value home. Your floors don’t share the same views. Humidity varies, moisture rises from the ground and any sand you track in from the beach will stress your flooring, but every product handles it differently. That said, you need to choose the right floor the first time around. Otherwise, gaps, cupping, warping and frustration are inevitable.
At Artistic Flooring, we know Virginia Beach homes. For over 30 years, we’ve been installing flooring across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk, so we can help you find the right floors for your climate. Let’s get into the floors that will fit your home, not just look good in the showroom.
How Does a Coastal Climate Change the Flooring Conversation?
Wood and natural materials are vulnerable to humidity. On the coast, moisture levels in the air are constantly changing and this can even happen in the same week. Plus, homes built on slab foundations are closest to ground moisture, so there’s little room for error.
No one can control the weather. However, there are steps your installers can take to prevent your floors from moving:
- Moisture testing
- Acclimation
- Subfloor preparation
These steps are essential, not extras. The technical work will protect your investment regardless of the product you choose.
Which Flooring Holds Up Best in Homes on the Coast?
When it’s time to buy flooring for your coastal home, there are multiple factors to consider such as how well the product handles moisture, its stability in humidity and the ability to withstand daily wear. Every option has its own pros and cons. It’s time to talk about how three of the most common choices compare:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Each luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has a waterproof core so the product itself won’t swell or warp. That’s why it’s such a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and homes built on slab foundations. Plus, the wear layer doesn’t bat an eye when exposed to sandy foot traffic and scuffing. Just know that you should still clean up water because if it gets between the seams, moisture can damage the subfloor.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is real wood. The main difference from its solid counterpart is its layered construction. Ideal for coastal climates, its real wood veneer top sits on a layered plywood core. The cross-grain layers work against each other, counteracting the movement caused by humidity, making it a great option for coastal conditions. Solid hardwood is better for above-grade installations and properly prepared crawl space, but requires careful planning.
Laminate Flooring
If you’re after a durable flooring option that looks like wood, consider laminate flooring. It’s a good fit for areas of the home that don’t get as much moisture exposure such as bedrooms, offices and living spaces. These floors are water-resistant, not waterproof. That means small splashes and spills are fine, but you should keep them out of bathrooms and rooms where spills and moisture are regular concerns.
If you’re wondering what type of flooring is best for your coastal home, turn to the team at Artistic Flooring. We know Virginia Beach.
Why is Prep Just as Important as the Product?
Even the best flooring products won’t last if you don’t install them over the right subfloor or don’t test the subfloor. It’s important to choose a team that will level, test and prepare the subfloor. If not, your chosen product won’t perform the way it should.
Ready to Find the Right Flooring for Your Coastal Home?
There isn’t a universally great floor for every coastal home. Ultimately, it comes down to your space and its use so you can choose the one that works best for you. When you book a consultation in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk or another nearby neighborhood, Artistic Flooring will help you find what you need. Our goal is to help you find a floor you love that will stand up to living on the coast.
Want to find coastal flooring that will work for you? Contact us to book a consultation or visit our showroom today!
