Desert living is a treat, but it can take a real toll on what’s under our feet. The best types of flooring for Arizona homes must withstand the desert's extremes, including wide temperature fluctuations, low humidity, and plenty of sand and dust. Start your flooring project by exploring some of the best flooring options for low-humidity climates and learn more about how you can enjoy wood floors in the desert!
Choosing the Right Flooring Material for Desert Climates
Not all flooring products are perfectly suited to the desert. Floor Coverings International® of Chandler-Gilbert will help you align your design preferences with materials that can stand up to our unique, beautiful desert climate.
1. Tile Flooring
Both ceramic and porcelain tile flooring are among the best flooring options for Arizona’s climate due to their incredibly tough composition. Made from clay and other natural materials, tile flooring is exceptionally scratch-resistant, making it effectively impervious to sand or dirt. It’s also heat resistant, which means it stays cool underfoot longer than other materials, and it won’t fade in direct sunlight.
2. Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank and vinyl tile flooring are cost-effective alternatives to premium tile, especially for homeowners looking for wood-like aesthetics without the potential drawbacks. Highly resistant to scratches, vinyl floors are also temperature stable and won’t warp or crack due to low humidity or wild temperature fluctuations.
3. Engineered Wood
The best type of wood flooring for Arizona homes is engineered – and yes, it’s real wood! Made from multiple planks of wood, engineered products are more dimensionally stable than solid wood flooring. Homeowners still need to monitor indoor humidity levels (more on that later), but engineered wood is much less likely to expand, contract, or crack.
If you’re looking for the timeless look of solid wood flooring, speak with our team about the benefits of luxury vinyl plank and engineered wood. Other materials, such as cork or bamboo, are also viable alternatives, depending on your needs. We take time to explain the advantages and disadvantages of all your options, so you know you’re making an informed choice.
The Best Wood Floors for Desert Climates
In the desert, wood floors are susceptible to damage from low humidity and extreme temperature swings. Over time, these conditions may cause planks to swell (absorbing moisture when humidity is higher) and contract (releasing moisture when humidity is low), ultimately causing gaps, cracks, and other problems.
If you opt for solid wood flooring, consider species like oak, maple, or hickory, which tend to absorb slightly more moisture. No matter what wood flooring you choose, including engineered wood, follow these tips during installation and for ongoing maintenance.
- Acclimatize: Always give the wood time to sit in your home for several days to let it adjust to your home’s humidity. This prevents issues during and shortly after installation, when planks are more likely to expand or contract, causing warping or gaps.
- Monitor humidity: Use a whole-home humidifier to keep indoor humidity between 35% and 55%.
- Choose lighter colors: Light wood species and finishes reflect heat better than darker options, reducing heat absorption. Using window coverings also helps and will reduce the risk of fading too.
Explore the Best Flooring Options for Desert Homes in Comfort
Our Mobile Flooring Showroom® brings over 3,000 quality flooring products to you, making it convenient to find the perfect look and material. Our knowledgeable Design Associates will help you select the right material to match your style, space, and budget, so you know you’re getting a product that will last and delight.
See why homeowners in Phoenix, Ocotillo, Queen Creek, Tempe, and beyond. Count on our team for an exceptional experience; schedule your free in-home consultation today!
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