Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Florida Home: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers

There is much more to consider when selecting a material for your floors than you may realize. How will hardwood hold up against salty ocean air? Will tile be worth the investment when you eventually sell? Whether you’re in the market for a home or are looking to move, you’ll want to know how to pick the best flooring for your Florida home.

 

Considerations for Selecting Flooring for Your Home

Florida is the state of sun, sand and water. While it is a paradise to live in, it’s not very gentle on your floors. Sand contains abrasive, microscopic particles that scratch surfaces when you drag it inside. Think of it like a low-grit sandpaper you unevenly apply whenever you walk around with your shoes on. 

Direct sunlight can create a similar amount of wear over time. Ultraviolet rays can cause fading or discoloration, while heat damage leads to warping or shrinkage. Your flooring will look and feel older than it should, which is not great for your return on investment (ROI). 

All hardwoods are photosensitive, meaning they react to ultraviolet rays. This limits your hardwood flooring options. Vinyl flooring in Florida is the same way, to some extent. 

Florida is a peninsula, meaning it is almost surrounded by water. Whether you live in the central or southern part of the state, your proximity to the ocean puts you at risk of salt air corrosion. Salt particles accumulate, leaving a film that attracts moisture. If you open your windows often or keep your shoes on inside, you will slowly damage your flooring. 

High humidity is another consideration when selecting flooring for your Florida home. The average relative humidity level is 74.5% here, making it the second-most humid state in the country. Laminate and hardwood absorb moisture easily, leading to swelling, cracking or rot. That further limits your hardwood flooring options, regardless of where you are in the state. 

What about the best flooring choices for Florida coastal homes? You must consider the possibility of flooding if you have a property in a coastal flood zone. Even if you are far inland, water brought on by storm surges, heavy rainfall or hurricanes can affect your first floor and basement. 

Mold and mildew are common in coastal areas prone to high humidity and flooding. Depending on your flooring type, they can lead to discoloration, warping or rot. If your house has a relative humidity level above 50%, mold growth is likely. Carpet and hardwood are especially vulnerable.

The 5 Best Flooring Options for Your Florida Home

Although you don’t have to swear off vinyl, carpet and hardwood flooring options, they might not hold up well when exposed to the sun, sand or water. Better selections for the Sunshine State exist. 

Whether you need flooring solutions for Florida rental properties or you are preparing your home for sale with the right flooring, you need to know which materials are best. Here are the five best options based on looks and longevity. 

1. Stained Concrete 

Stained concrete looks great and lasts for decades — even with minimal maintenance. Plus, since it is moisture-resistant, you don’t have to worry about mold or mildew growth. If you track in sand or water, cleanup is a breeze. 

While cold, hard flooring in your Florida home might sound unpleasant, it feels great on sweltering summer days.

The only catch is installation, which Florida’s fine, sandy soil can complicate — especially if you live along the coast. Improper formwork, reinforcement or curing may lead to stress cracks over time. Hire professionals to prevent this damage from happening. 

2. Slate 

Slate is one of the most affordable natural stones, but it still has a solid return. Stone costs $12 to $35 per square foot and has an ROI of 55% to 70%. While it requires professional installation because it is heavy and rigid, it will attract value-minded Florida homebuyers.

3. Terrazzo

Terrazzo is a composite flooring material made from chips of natural marble, quartz, granite, stone or shells. It is mixed with a binder like epoxy or cement and then made into slabs. It is a great alternative to standard stone or tile if you want stylish, eco-friendly flooring.

The benefits of tile flooring don’t end there. Unlike alternative materials, terrazzo has an impressive longevity. It can last up to 40 years if you care for it properly. It is one of the few flooring types suitable for Florida’s climate and weather conditions. 

4. Waterproof Laminate

If you want hardwood, consider waterproof laminate flooring for homes. It is a synthetic flooring material made of a transparent wear layer over the image and base layers. It resembles real wood. However, unlike hardwood, this flooring type is suitable for Florida’s climate. 

Laminate flooring for homes is incredibly easy to install — you simply click it into place. It’s also relatively cheap. However, it may shift over time, leaving gaps if you don’t measure and cut correctly. 

Make sure the laminate you select is waterproof and not water-resistant. It may have to be coated with waterproofing on all sides. This way, you protect your investment from mold, mildew and moisture. 

5. Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is stylistically versatile and comes in a range of colors, designs and patterns. It is highly durable and water resistant because it is heavily glazed. While it can be pricey — its cost ranges from $4 to $20 per square foot — it stands out as a quality investment.

Picking the Best Flooring Material for Your Florida Home

Picking the right flooring for your Florida home may seem complicated, but it’s relatively straightforward once you understand what you need to look for. Whether you’re buying or selling, your decision can help you protect your investment.