Best Flooring by Climate

Whether a type of flooring is better suited to hot, humid climates, hot desert climates or cold and wet climates often depends on the material and its characteristics. You likely have unique desires for the best flooring for your space and understand that particular flooring is a better option over another — by examining the different options, you will see which is the best flooring by climate.

Best Flooring for Hot Climates

There is a distinct difference between hot, humid climates and hot desert climates. Some flooring, such as various types of hardwood, might warp in humid climates, particularly if you cannot control indoor humidity levels. In hot desert climates, specific flooring is likely to crack. You want to choose the optimal flooring for your comfort and its longevity.

Best Flooring for Humid Climates

If you live in a subtropical or coastal climate, humidity and salty air might be your primary considerations. Although the following flooring still requires a level of maintenance, they do far better in humid climates than alternatives:

• Luxury vinyl: Often referred to as LVT, it is highly resistant to heat and humidity, mildew, water and stains. Apart from withstanding the elements, it offers easy cleaning and easily handles heavy foot traffic. LVT comes in various options, including colors, patterns and overall appearance, such as mimicking hardwood flooring. Two excellent options include Shaw luxury vinyl flooring and Armstrong LVT flooring, which offer various vinyl tile choices.  
• Laminate: This type of floor is budget-friendly, easy to install and durable, making it ideal for family homes or areas with high foot traffic in humid regions. It handles well in hot and humid areas, though you want to select an option that includes high-pressure laminate. Some kinds of laminate flooring are susceptible to moisture absorption — so speak with your flooring specialist first. Two excellent ranges include the Shaw laminate flooring and the laminate hardwood floor pattern, both offering a variety of aesthetics. 
• Bamboo hardwood: Although most hardwood floors are not the best option for humid areas, bamboo hardwood is popular across the United States due to its durability, resistance to humidity and ease of cleaning. The key is to choose the right type of bamboo wood flooring, as only certain species provide the right humidity resistance level.

Best Flooring for Desert Climates

Living in a desert climate, you have to consider the dryness level in the air as opposed to humidity levels, as it can also damage certain types of flooring. Dry heat can lead to cracking, warping and discoloration of certain flooring. Consider the materials below, which can withstand dry heat and offer an appealing look:

• Tile: Depending on your chosen type, tile flooring is immensely durable and resistant to warping and cracking due to extreme heat and dryness. Tiles also tend to stay cool underfoot, making it easier to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. The two best options include ceramic tile flooring and porcelain tile flooring. They are moisture-resistant, easy to clean, durable and available in various styles, colors and finishes.
• Engineered hardwood: If you're looking for wooden flooring, engineered hardwood, with its multilayered construction, is a far better alternative to solid, natural hardwood flooring. The layers prevent it from warping and cracking in dry climates, and engineered hardwood requires far less maintenance than standard wood flooring. You have two primary options, which you can install in almost every room. These are engineered domestic species and engineered exotic species, both offering different overall benefits.  
• Luxury vinyl: LVT is one of the best options for a versatile type of flooring. It works well in humid areas, but its construction also means it can withstand the harsh dryness of desert climates. Like engineered flooring, this type has several layers that protect it from warping or cracking in the heat. The same two options, Shaw laminate flooring and the laminate hardwood floor pattern are just as ideal for arid areas.

Best Flooring for Cold Climates 

If you live in a cold and potentially freezing climate, you want flooring that will keep you comfortable. You also want to consider elements such as snow, ice and rain, so the material should be water, moisture and mildew-resistant. Consider your indoor and possibly underfloor heating, as this will inform you of the best type of flooring material to choose from. These are the top picks for cold-climate flooring: 

• Carpet: You're likely familiar with how carpet fibers improve insulation and trap the warmth, which makes it easier to prevent heat loss and potentially even lower your energy bill. Carpet is often extremely comfortable underfoot. Depending on the type you choose, you can place it in bedrooms, lounges and living rooms. You'll want to speak with your carpet specialist when selecting and will likely want to opt for a type with thick fibers. 
• Hardwood: Installing quality hardwood flooring is ideal for cold climates, as it offers natural insulation and helps retain warmth compared to something like tiled flooring. If you live in an area with a lot of water and moisture, you might need to maintain the hardwood floor periodically to ensure longevity. Another good idea is to strategically place stylish washable rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the wood from unnecessary wear.
• Luxury vinyl: LVT is the best flooring for wet areas, unlike other options for cold climates. The primary reason is that it is highly water resistant. Although tile could offer the same benefit, luxury vinyl provides a warmer surface. You could install radiant heating under your luxury vinyl or install insulation material to improve its ability to retain heat. Wet weather tends to mean an increased need to clean your flooring, and LVT makes this job a breeze. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Flooring for You

When looking for the right type of flooring for your home, weigh your options carefully before making the final decision. Once you have an idea, you can visit your local outlet and discuss options based on your needs. These are some of the primary factors to consider:

1. Your preferred style: Your space likely has an existing look and feel, and you'll want flooring that matches that aesthetic. 
2. Flooring cost: Some options are far more budget-friendly than others, so keep this in mind, especially when outfitting a large area.
3. Amount of foot traffic: Gorgeous, plush carpet might be ideal for bedrooms and similar areas, but you might want something hardier in the entrance hall.
4. Required maintenance: Hardwood and carpet are lovely choices, but they need more maintenance than luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood. 
5. Typical life span: When purchasing your desired flooring, speak to the flooring specialists about the expected life span to know when you'll need to refinish or replace it. 

Get the Ideal Flooring at Carpet & Tile Mart

Choosing the right flooring for your space can be smooth and straightforward. You can start by using the Carpet & Tile Mart flooring and rug room visualizer to get a feel for the right fit for you. Once you have a good idea of what you want, or if you want professional advice from a company that has been in the business for years, find a store near you and visit us.

If you aren't close to any of our locations, contact us — we ship across the U.S. to ensure everyone can have quality flooring at competitive pricing.