The home builder and realtor industry is still showing an upward trend toward luxury vinyl flooring, where buyers can get the look of hardwood or stone—but without the hassle or cost.
When we talk about “hassle,” we don’t mean that hardwood or natural stone aren’t beautiful options for any home remodeling project. What we mean is, we live in the Florida humidity—and a lot of us have indoor pets. So with that in mind, we have to find flooring that will look great but also stand up to the elements.
Luxury vinyl flooring is the least intrusive when it comes to installation. It can often be placed over current flooring, which means less dust from a messy demo. And while hardwood flooring feels luxurious, it needs to be maintained and doesn’t last as long as tile or luxury vinyl.
At the top of most homeowners’ must-have list for flooring would be that it’s easy to clean. But here are some other features that folks want from their flooring:
- Water Resistant
- Stain Resistant
- Scratch Resistant
- Fire Resistant
- Slip Resistant
And we can’t forget about pets, since animals can be a factor in nearly every one of the points we just listed.
What Is Good Flooring to Get With Pets?
Pet owners typically have a few main concerns when it comes to flooring—stains from “accidents” or spills, odors from the animal (and any “accidents”), dander or hair that can collect, damage from claws or toenails, and anti-slip protection against possible injuries.
Best overall solution? Choose flooring that is durable, stain resistant and easy to clean and sanitize. If your pets tend to roam a particular area of the house and you can select special flooring just for their area, here are a few pet-friendly commercial flooring options to consider:
- Porcelain Tile
- Vinyl Flooring
- Natural Stone
- Concrete Flooring
- Artificial Grass
These choices are especially great for pet areas—indoors or outside. But when picking flooring for the whole house, there are other issues to think about.
Is Flooring Different in the Florida Climate?
The challenges of living in Florida, even when we’re not talking about construction, always include the climate. It’s really hot, and it’s also really muggy. And then there are the severe thunderstorms that pop up out of nowhere. And did we mention hurricanes?
The humidity and rain can cause big trouble for homeowners due to the excess moisture in the air. If you install flooring that’s not compatible with our climate, you could end up paying a lot of money for repairs or replacement.
Most people tend to opt for some type of porcelain tile or vinyl flooring because it provides higher protection against humidity, water and daily wear and tear. We suggest avoiding laminate flooring, everywhere, but especially in bathrooms. We’ve all seen what happens when water seeps into the seams, causing the surface to warp or blister.
Does New Flooring Increase a Home’s Value?
The short answer is yes! While higher quality flooring may cost more upfront, it will be durable and retain its beauty longer. This means less money on repairs or replacement costs, and your flooring will still look lovely if you go to sell.
When it comes to home upgrades, flooring is an expense that yields one of the highest returns on investment.
Best Flooring Options for Your Home Remodel
At Straight Line Construction, we do whole-house remodels, and we specialize in kitchen and bathroom renovations. But don’t forget about us for flooring! We can help from start to finish—from planning, to budgeting, to designing, to selecting quality materials, to vendor deliveries, to installations.
For your flooring needs, here are some of the most popular types we’ve installed in Florida—and some of the benefits they bring:
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Perfect for high-traffic areas, luxury vinyl plank flooring is durable and easy to maintain.
- Luxury Vinyl Tile: Choose from a broad selection of modern styles and colors to create a long-lasting beautiful floor.
- Porcelain Tile: Upscale design styles and exceptional quality make porcelain or ceramic tile the perfect choice for your home renovation.
Marble, Granite, or Travertine: Give your kitchen or bathroom a modern makeover with slip-resistant, long-lasting natural stone tile. - Carpet: Add warmth and comfort throughout your home with carpet. With a ton of options, you can make the right choice for your style and budget.
- Natural and Engineered Hardwood: Enhance your home with the classic look of wood flooring. Natural and engineered hardwood are popular options for durable, easy-to-clean floors.
Local Flooring Companies in Gainesville and Ocala Areas
Straight Line Construction is a top-rated home remodel construction company, serving Marion and Alachua counties for over 13 years. Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation, and let us change your flooring, your house, and the way you do life!