When you are building a custom home, the look of the flooring plays a key role in your enjoyment of the space. It must also stand up to the environmental conditions. Because of the humid subtropical climate and four distinct weather seasons in Springfield, you need the best flooring materials for the local climate.
Learn more about which types of flooring are ideal for use in Springfield’s weather.
Natural Hardwood Floors Need Protection From Humidity
People love the luxurious and rich feel that natural hardwood floors provide. However, certain types of hardwood could suffer issues with warping or other damage during periods of high humidity.
To solve this issue, you could stick with hardwoods that are resistant to humidity, like bamboo, teak, or ipe. You could also take steps that reduce humidity inside your custom house. Try running a dehumidifier or using the air conditioner when humidity levels are high.
Another option is to select an engineered hardwood product. Engineered hardwood uses layers of wood glued together in a cross-grain pattern that resists humidity. The top layer is a veneer in your desired type of wood, giving this material the look of natural hardwood.
Luxury Vinyl Planks Are Resistant to Moisture
In southwest Missouri’s humid subtropical climate, luxury vinyl planks (LVPs) are a great choice. They can withstand moisture and humidity well, far better than laminate sheets.
However, during cold winters in the Springfield region when humidity levels drop, the LVP materials may shrink, leaving gaps around the edges of the room. You could run a humidifier inside your house during winter, which would negate the potential issue of shrinkage.
Among the best flooring materials, LVP is extremely durable. It fits well in high-traffic areas of the house and is available in many different finishes, meaning you can mimic natural wood grains or stone tiles that cost quite a bit more.
Stone Floor Tile Remains Cool to the Touch
Stone tiles are a popular choice for custom homes. Stone looks amazing and provides maximum durability. During winter time or a rainy spring in Springfield, it’s easy to clean after pets and kids track mud and snow into the house.
During Springfield’s humid and hot summers, stone tile floors naturally resist moisture absorption. They remain cool to the touch when they’re out of direct sunlight, which can help your home feel cooler in warm summer.
If you use dark tiles, they will soak up sunlight through the windows during winter. They then can release the radiant heat back into the home after sunset, which can make the house feel cozier. Keep this in mind when considering the best flooring materials for your home.
Some Types of Carpet Struggle in Humid Conditions
If you want to use carpeting in your Springfield, MO, house, you need to be aware of high humidity levels. Some types of carpet fibers can soak up moisture from the air, leading to mold growth after a lengthy moisture exposure.
As long as you clean the carpet regularly and run the air conditioner to keep the air inside the home at a low humidity level, you should be able to avoid most issues.
Contact Us Today for Help with Choosing Flooring for Your Custom Home
At Mitchell Construction & Design, our professional designers focus on every detail of your custom home. We know how to recommend the best flooring materials that match the aesthetic you’re trying to create while offering features that fit our local Springfield climate.
Our experts can give you advice regarding flooring, whether you’re performing a new home build or a renovation. To learn more about how our top-rated builders and designers can serve you, call us at (417) 322-6789.
