Are you thinking about installing new flooring in your home? Congrats! You're well on your way to enhancing the beauty and value of your Central Florida home, and we want to assist you in selecting the best flooring for your needs!
Choosing the right flooring for your home can be a difficult undertaking. Style, pricing, availability, and climate are just a few of the elements that go into making one of the most essential design decisions you'll ever make. If you live in Florida, the decision has just become even more difficult. The sorts of flooring that will function in your Florida home are greatly impacted by the heat, humidity, and beaches that the state is known for. So, what distinguishes Florida from the rest of the country? Our extreme climate here in the Sunshine State is why most traditional flooring just won’t cut it.
What Makes Central Florida’s Flooring Needs Unique?
The weather in Florida is generally hot and humid. Despite the fact that visitors like the heat and the beaches, and we inhabitants appreciate our tropical climate, there is one major disadvantage: extreme weather. With an average of 80+ thunderstorm days per year, Florida is the state with the most thunderstorm days. Tornadoes and hurricanes also strike on a regular basis. These weather systems, as well as their frequency in Florida, have a considerable impact on construction, housing, and flooring. As a result, building materials in Florida must be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. So if you're replacing your floors or installing new ones, what type of flooring should you choose, and why?
Hardwood vs Tile: How Will the Flooring Type I Choose Affect the Temperature in My Central Florida Home?
Summer heat is a concern for Floridians, which is unsurprising. AC units are turned down, blinds are drawn, and you shudder when the utility bills arrive. Ceramic tile flooring can help you reduce the amount of heat in your home. Tile flooring is cold because it does not retain heat. Walking on it keeps your feet cold, which means you don't get as hot. What's the end result? Your A/C gets a break. Hardwood flooring is similar in that it helps keep you cool in the summer, but it also holds warmth in the winter (we use the term “winter’ loosely in Florida!).
So, which material is right for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Ceramic Tile vs Hardwood Cost
When deciding between tile and hardwood flooring, one of the first things to consider is price. Of course, the sticker price is significant, but it's also a good idea to consider installation expenses, return on investment, and longevity. Which type is cheaper: hardwood or ceramic tile flooring?
Ceramic tile can cost anything between $1.50 and $5 per square foot. Engineered hardwood costs between $3 and $10 per square foot. Solid hardwood can cost the same or more, with specialist woods costing up to $15 per square foot.
Hardwood vs Ceramic Tile Installation Time
The main difference between hardwood floors and ceramic tile floors is the type of finish you use. Wood floors require sealing every few years, and may need refinishing. Wood-look tiles, however, don't require sealing. While it's best to seal a hardwood floor to ensure that it's protected, the same cannot be said for ceramic tile or porcelain flooring. Hardwood can be more expensive than ceramic, and porcelain tends to be denser and more water-repellent.
Durability of Ceramic Tile vs Hardwood Flooring
When it comes to durability, hardwood floors can last a lifetime with proper installation. However, they will inevitably sustain some minor damage, which can be easily repaired with sanding and refinishing. You can also choose to replace individual planks in the event of damage. While tile floors tend to last longer than hardwood, they need to be set correctly, and the wrong way around can result in cracking.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog as we dive deeper into this topic and share the advantages of engineered wood and ceramic tile, plus maintenance and care instructions!
Interesting in new flooring for your home in Central Florida? Contact us for a free quote!
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