One of the joys of an oceanfront home is that the beach is an extension of the house, not just a view. Opening up the windows and doors to the salt air and humidity is part of coastal living, but it means that flooring choices should be water resistant, easy to clean, and strong enough to hold up to sand and constant foot traffic. Here are the most highly recommended flooring options for beach homes:
Bamboo
Harder than most woods, bamboo has seen a surge in popularity in recent years and still holds strong as a practical and attractive option for beach home flooring. Stranded bamboo, the strongest variety of bamboo flooring, is two to three times stronger than oak, which makes it durable enough to stand up to both sand and busy homes. Adding to its appeal is the fact that it’s eco-friendly, and comes in a variety of shades which allows for customization to match the style of both the room you’re flooring as well as the house overall.
Wide Plank Hardwood
When people think of beachfront homes, they often think of a classic, wide plank hardwood floor, and for good reason. Wide plank white oak hardwood is gorgeous often because it weathers over time, is long-lasting, feels warm underfoot, and the gaps between planks make for easy cleaning. It’s less porous than other wood flooring and is scratch-resistant, making it perfect to hold up to the sand. Wide plank hardwood does require refinishing every ten years, but with care, these floors are built to last.
Stone Tile
Tiles of granite, travertine, marble, or limestone are ideal choices for elevating a beach home from casual and rustic to refined and elegant. Stone tile requires annual sealing, so it is a more high-maintenance option than bamboo or hardwood. This flooring option offers a variety of looks, from refined and elegant to casual and rustic. Consider pairing your stone floor with a wood ceiling that will absorb noise in the room.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile is easily maintained, and more importantly, is strong and durable. There are many customizable options, almost more than any other option, from planks to rectangles to squares and mosaics. Ceramic tile also maintains cooler temperatures in hot climates, making it an ideal option for a Southern California beach home.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way for the past few years, not to be confused with the vinyl flooring of the '70s. It’s a prime choice for any beach house as it looks and feels like wood. Luxury vinyl comes in planks and tiles and feels softer underfoot than tile options. There are 100% waterproof and water-resistant options, and it’s incredibly durable. Unlike wood, it will not warp and is a perfect option for areas prone to moisture problems.