Florida Hardwood Flooring: How Do I Know What To Choose?

Flooring and Finish -

Florida Hardwood Flooring: How Do I Know What To Choose?

Hardwood flooring is what you need when it comes to adjusting to the weather in Florida.

Florida weather can be very humid. It is the second most humid state in the US, with a 74% average Relative Humidity. The climate in the area, South Florida specifically, is humid subtropical, with the area being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

When choosing hardwood flooring for your home, the climate and the humidity in the area should be a huge consideration. Also, even before moving into an area, ensure that the house has the right flooring depending on the weather in the area.

High levels of humidity can be detrimental to some flooring. Therefore, here are some tips to consider when choosing hardwood flooring in Florida.

 

How Different Unfinished Hardwood Flooring In Florida Reacts With Humidity

Unfinished hardwood flooring in Florida is made of wood to be finished using a final coat after installation. Unfinished solid hardwood flooring performs differently from unfinished engineered flooring in humid environments.

 

Unfinished Solid Hardwood Flooring

When it comes into contact with moisture, the unfinished solid hardwood flooring absorbs all the moisture, causing it to swell and crack due to the pressure between the flooring boards.

During the summers, the high heat in Florida causes a rise in indoor humidity levels, which causes cupping in the unfinished solid hardwood flooring, causing a concave shape on the flooring due to the swelling of the flooring around the edges.

The higher the humidity, the faster the unfinished solid flooring will warp or crack. Therefore, the flooring might need repair sooner than you imagined. 

 

Unfinished Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is not made the same as unfinished solid hardwood flooring. It is not made from solid, plain wood blocks; instead, it is made with layers of other materials to reinforce and improve it. 

Engineered hardwood flooring is made of more than ten layers of ply. The layers of plywood are glued together to form the core of the flooring. The top and bottom of the wood are made of natural solid wood glued to the core.

The core is reinforced by using high-density fiberboards, which make it water-resistant. Since the plywood layers are water-resistant, the only part of this hardwood flooring prone to damage from moisture is the top layer, which is made of natural wood.

 

The Best Florida Hardwood Flooring

Since Florida can get quite hot, causing an increase in humidity levels, the best-unfinished hardwood flooring in Florida is the unfinished engineered hardwood flooring because it will not absorb moisture causing cracking and cupping like unfinished solid hardwood flooring.

 

Hardwood Flooring Near Me

Nature Wood Floors has a variety of hardwood flooring to choose from. We have engineered hardwood flooring that will be perfect for your home in Florida, even when the humidity is relatively high.  

We offer shipping services all around the United States. Contact or visit us for the best hardwood flooring for your home.