Spring is right around the corner, and while seasonal temperature changes may not seem as dramatic for us, they can prove tricky for hardwood flooring. This is especially true for solid hardwood. And with the rainy season also just a few months away, now is the time to begin planning and preparing.
Solid hardwood: the challenge
When temperatures and humidity rise, solid hardwood floors tend to expand. This is especially concerning for Panama City, where temperatures get particularly hot and humidity reaches some of the highest levels in the nation. You may not notice much of a difference after a few seasonal shifts, but over time, this expansion can lead to warped and buckled flooring. Not only does this look bad, but it can lead to additional damage over time.
Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood is a modern flooring type designed to overcome the challenges facing traditional solid hardwood. It’s resistant to both temperature and humidity changes and often doesn’t need time to acclimate. Its resilience is achieved through a special layered design built around a stable core.
Wood-look porcelain
For many years, tile & stone flooring has been praised for its beauty. But as stone (particularly, porcelain) becomes more resilient, it’s increasingly used to design wood-look floors. This is largely due to porcelain’s ability to last where hardwood panels simply can’t – including outdoor applications. So if you’ve felt that a wood-look would complete your landscape design, porcelain might be the choice for you.
Luxury vinyl flooring
In recent years, luxury vinyl flooring has been praised as the choice that offers incredible style and a host of innovative features at affordable prices. LVP can be designed to mimic both the look and texture of hardwood flooring with near-perfect accuracy. It’s also among the most moisture-resistant flooring options available, with many selections implementing a completely waterproof design.
Still prefer solid hardwood?
Solid hardwood still has its perks, and a few innovative treatments can help it last during our crazy summers. For example, the ArmorMax finish is designed to soak within the fibers of each hardwood fiber, protecting it from seasonal changes while enhancing its final look. This finish also helps the flooring earn the FloorScore Certification, an industry-leading standard that ensures your floors promote indoor air quality.
Learn more
If you’re considering new flooring this year, now is the time to plan. To get started, visit Classic Carpet in Panama City today!
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