When you live in Virginia Beach, your floors work overtime. Between humid summers, salty ocean air, sandy feet and the dog running in from the beach, your flooring needs to look great while holding up to coastal living.
When it’s time for new floors, you might be wondering, “What type of flooring product lasts the longest in Virginia Beach?” We have your answers! It comes down to your style, how you use your space and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to do. It’s time to dive into the best options for life here in Hampton Roads.
How Virginia Beach’s Climate Affects Flooring Longevity
We live on the coast and we love it! However, it’s easy to forget how it affects our flooring. Take the following into account:
- Humidity & Moisture: Salt air and seasonal humidity can cause some materials to warp or expand if they’re not moisture-resistant.
- Sand & Grit: You don’t have to live on the waterfront to have a beach day. While they’re a lot of fun, soft floors can get scratched by the sand.
- Temperature Swings: Summers are hot and winters are freezing, this can make some floors expand or contract.
When you live here, moisture resistance is just as (if not more important) than durability. Remember this if you want your floors to last.
Flooring Types That Last the Longest in Virginia Beach
When it comes to longevity, you have options. Multiple flooring types hold up for a while if you choose the right ones. Here are the best choices for our wonderful city:
Tile Flooring: The Coastal Champion
Both porcelain and ceramic tile flooring are designed to last. With regular maintenance, they can last over 50 years. They easily resist moisture, humidity and wear. Sand and grit are less likely to scratch tile so use it in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor spaces like patios or sunrooms. How do you take care of it? Sweep up the sand and then give your floors a mop!
Hardwood Flooring: Timeless and Repairable
Hardwood floors in Virginia Beach has been a favorite for generations. Why? It can last anywhere from 30 to 100 years depending on the species and your maintenance routine. Solid hardwood flooring can be refinished several times over, which lets you restore it to its original appearance even after years of use. Harder species like oak, maple and hickory are ideal as long as you keep your indoor humidity levels stable to prevent warping.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Modern Durability
LVP is growing in popularity. Its image layer resembles hardwood while its waterproof core and synthetic construction keeps it safe from water damage. Generally, it lasts 20 to 30 years, thanks to its thick wear layer. It’s softer and warmer underfoot than tile, which is perfect for family spaces. All you have to do is sweep and give it a quick mop to keep up appearances.
Engineered Hardwood: Stable in Humid Conditions
Engineered hardwood is known for its layered construction. Each plank has a real wood veneer top, criss-crossed layered and dense plywood core. This reduces the chances of expansion and contraction during Virginia Beach’s changing seasons. It usually lasts 20 to 40 years and can be refinished once or twice.
Find the Longest-Lasting Flooring for Your Virginia Beach Home
In terms of longevity, tile is the best option for a coastal climate. However, there are other options that provide excellent water resistance and easy maintenance. At one of the most leading flooring stores in Virginia Beach, Artistic Flooring, our goal is to help you find flooring that suits your budget, style preferences and space. We live here just like you and understand what types of flooring work best in our weather.
Looking for a floor that’s beautiful and lasts for years to come? Visit our showroom or contact us to find the longest lasting flooring in Virginia Beach today!
