The Best Flooring Option For Humid Climates Isn't What You Think

When it comes to remodeling or even a new build, one of the biggest decisions you might have to make is flooring. Because flooring can be one of the costlier expenditures, it's important to make the right choice from the start. It's even more important to choose the right flooring if you live in a humid environment where moisture can create some pricey problems. Many homeowners in locations with high humidity choose tile, LVP, or natural stone. For a long time, laminate flooring was not even an option for homes built in humid regions, and for good reason. They were notorious for peeling, buckling, and swelling whenever they came in contact with any kind of moisture. Thankfully, technology has come a long way, and there are now laminate flooring options that have proven to withstand moisture, making it one of the best flooring options for humid climates.

Modern laminate flooring has truly shown it can compete with more expensive options like solid wood and luxury vinyl plank. And this is great because price is the biggest reason laminate flooring is better than hardwood. Sadly, hardwood isn't generally a great idea if you live in an extremely humid location, because it is porous and can swell and warp. Over time, hardwood planks will separate and shift, causing expensive repairs. Although there are other options like tile or LVP, modern laminate flooring is not only great at resisting moisture damage, but it's also one of the cheapest choices.

If you are on a budget, live in an area that has high humidity, and want the look of real wood, modern waterproof laminate flooring gives you more options. Luxury vinyl plank used to be the only budget-friendly option for waterproof flooring. Today's laminate flooring is giving LVP a run for its money with its multi-layer construction that not only holds up to high traffic, but is also better at resisting water damage. The key is the core layer, for it to be 100% waterproof — the laminate floor needs to have either stone-plastic composite (SPC) or high-density composite core treated with resin or sealant. Make sure your chosen laminate floor states that it is 100% waterproof.

Not only is modern laminate flooring durable, moisture resistant, and comes in a variety of faux wood grains, but it also comes in a vast number of shades for you to choose the perfect color for your flooring space. Laminate is also a great option for those wanting to save even more money and install it themselves instead of hiring a professional. When you take into consideration all of the features of laminate flooring, it really is a great choice for homeowners that struggle with the effects of high-humidity environments. Just be sure to take care of your floors properly — don't use regular wood cleaner — and they should last almost as long as the more expensive luxury vinyl plank flooring option.