In coastal Virginia, homeowners enjoy incredible views and mild climates, a combination that makes their properties some of the most desirable on the East Coast.
However, these benefits come with challenges such as higher humidity and risk of flooding, which should be considered carefully when choosing flooring materials. While it’s tempting to choose a floor for its aesthetic value only, moisture resistance, durability, and long-term value are more important.
We’ve collected the top flooring options for homeowners buying new property or renovating their Virginia Beach investment.
The highlighted options include details to help you better choose the flooring best suited to the needs of your property.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP), like standard vinyl flooring, is designed to recreate the look of real hardwood floors without the disadvantages of natural materials. Luxury vinyl plank is much lower maintenance than wood, typically needing only an occasional pass with a broom or mop to maintain its condition.
Compared to the hardwood it is designed to mimic, LVP also resists scratching, making it particularly valuable in homes with pets or high foot traffic.
However, for Virginia Beach homes, the most important benefit is LVP’s resistance to moisture. Actual wood material can warp, swell, or crack in the humid salt air of the Virginia coast.
Floors in basements or rooms near sea level can also be susceptible to flooding, which can ruin hardwood far more easily than luxury vinyl. Homeowners can choose from a variety of styles, textures, patterns, and colors when looking for luxury vinyl plank flooring, easily matching their coastal decor regardless of the architecture.
Tile
For homes on the Virginia Beach coast, tile is another advantageous option to combat high humidity and flooding risk. In addition to being water-resistant, tile is durable and cool, which can reduce indoor temperatures and potentially lower HVAC use.
Properties on the coast often deal with sand, mud, and salt getting into more porous flooring types, especially when used on patios, porches, laundry rooms, and other entry points. Tile can be effortlessly cleaned with a broom and mop, increasing its long-term value in areas that are rough on natural wood floors.
Tile can also be customized into personalized statement decor with mosaic-style installations, natural stone accents, and a range of finishes that enhance the custom personality of the new floor.
Engineered Hardwood
When using hardwood flooring in coastal areas like Virginia Beach, humidity and moisture are the main concerns. Compared to traditional solid wood, engineered hardwood offers the same beauty as natural materials with more structural durability.
Engineered wood is manufactured in layers of less moisture-vulnerable materials like fiberboard, then topped with a hardwood veneer that gives it the rustic appearance that many homeowners enjoy, but with fewer risks.
Achieving the timeless appeal of wooden designs in coastal properties with sufficient moisture tolerance can make a home stand apart in a market flooded with more obvious choices.
One final advantage is that, unlike natural wood, well-laid hardwood veneers can be sanded down and refinished 1-2 times over the lifespan of the floor, potentially removing damage and preventing the need for replacements. However, even engineered hardwood is not completely waterproof, so flooding still poses a risk to your investment.
Laminate
Laminate is a top flooring option due to its cost-effectiveness compared to wood and stone. It’s designed to mimic the look and general feel of natural materials without their vulnerabilities, though it’s not as premium or durable as LVP.
Despite being more resistant to salt and moisture exposure than real wood, it can still be warped with enough exposure, especially during a flood. For budget friendly options, this may make sense for particular areas of the home in need of a replacement.
Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is quickly becoming a top choice due to its sustainability and durability. Environmentally-conscious homeowners flock to its comparatively cleaner sourcing and manufacturing process compared to wood and stone, while still reaping the benefits of strong natural materials.
Unlike conventional hardwood, bamboo is more resistant to moisture. When made well, strand-woven bamboo is also considerably harder than other woods, making a difference in homes with heavy foot traffic or pets. Despite its durability, it is not completely waterproof; in a coastal setting, it can still be warped and split with enough exposure to moisture.
To guarantee the security of a bamboo floor investment, Virginia Beach homeowners should prioritize the sealing process, which some flooring providers can overlook. This may not matter as much for inland properties, but coastal homes require proper sealing and acclimatization to make sure the flooring lasts.
Partner with a Team of Flooring Experts to Choose the Right Materials for Your Property
At Yates Flooring, our team of flooring experts helps Virginia Beach property owners choose the right flooring material for their coastal homes. The home’s risk exposure to humidity and flooding, the activity level of the house, and the homeowner’s preferences and budget factor into the decision of which material is right for each home.
Contact us today to learn about the top choices for flooring materials in Virginia Beach and how to make sure your choice is right for your particular risk exposure.
