Best Winter Weather Flooring
Unfortunately, salt, ice, and moisture can quickly ruin your flooring.
So when it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, you have to consider not only what style you want, but who is going to be walking on them and what they’re going to be dragging around with them.
Since winter can wreak havoc on your floors, there are certain types of flooring that last better than others.
What Type of Flooring Is Best for Winter Weather?
Hardwood flooring might look nice if you’re into a classic or rustic feel for your home. However, keep in mind that the salt you lay on your sidewalks, steps, and driveway can get tracked into your home and may ultimately end scratching up that beautiful wood flooring. That’s why if you do choose to install wood flooring, make sure that anyone who plans to walk on it removes their shoes before doing so. If you can’t do that, leave some towels by the door and have people wipe their shoes off before entering your home.
The salt can also be damaging on wood floors as it has chemicals in it which can ultimately damage a floor in the long-run. Carpet can also be damaged due to the water and snow you may drag through your home during the winter. As a result, both carpet and hardwood are especially vulnerable to winter weather. Yes, there are ways to avoid damaging your flooring (seriously, invest in towels and tell your guests to take off their boots), there are also flooring options that aren’t quite as vulnerable to ice and salt.
If you’re looking for a type of flooring that is low maintenance and stands up well to all kinds of weather, then laminate maybe your best option. Laminate is a great choice for the cold weather and can last between 15 and 20 years. Like hardwood, it can be damaged by sand or salt, but not as easily as natural hardwood floors.
Finally, ceramic tile is actually another winter-friendly option as it is extremely durable and can withstand chemicals and wet snow. However, be careful when ceramic tile gets wet because it can become extremely slippery.
Carpet vs Laminate vs Hardwood: Which Is Best?
If you’re trying to choose between carpet vs hardwood or carpet vs laminate, just know that with the right preparation and maintenance, any type of flooring can outlast even the harshest winter. So long as you insist that all guests stamp off their shoes, remove them at the door, and regularly clean your flooring, the winter should be no match for your home.
However, there are also creative solutions. Rather than choosing between carpet vs laminate, why not choose both? Install laminate in all entryways of the home, and then invest in carpet installation throughout the living areas of the home. Ultimately, there’s no reason to sacrifice your aesthetic aspirations on account of a little snow.
Whether you’re choosing between carpet vs laminate flooring or ceramic tile, each material has its pros and cons. As long as you’re careful and take the necessary steps to protect your flooring and yourself, any type of flooring installation can work for any home.
