Whether you’re looking for new materials to install in your kitchen or the best flooring for a bathroom, Scottsdale, AZ homeowners should always consider the impact of the climate on their floors. Certain materials are more prone to shrinking, swelling, or warping, and high heat can even weaken some adhesives. Luckily, Floor Coverings International of Old Town Scottsdale, AZ® is here to guide you through your options for flooring that will hold up well in intense heat and dryness.
You’re sure to find something that not only functions well in your home, but that also looks amazing and fits your budget. We tailor our advice to your specific situation, so you’re never pressured to try something that won’t truly suit your needs. Check out our flooring recommendations for Scottsdale, AZ homes today with a free in-home consultation.
Is Bamboo Flooring Good in Dry Climates?
The short answer is that it depends on what type of bamboo you have in mind. For example, natural bamboo in its traditional format isn’t exactly ideal for the arid Arizona climate. Because of its construction, some shrinking and cracking may occur.
In contrast, engineered bamboo can be very suitable as flooring for humid areas because it is designed to resist temperature and moisture fluctuations. This minimizes the chances of shifting, expanding, and cracking. We also recommend you go for a floating floor style rather than gluing down your bamboo, as the floating style allows for natural expansion and contraction.
Can Cork Flooring Work in Dry Climates?
The structure of cork makes it ideal as insulation in hot areas, so it stays comfortable underfoot and prevents outdoor heat transfer. These properties not only keep your home cool, but it makes your space more energy-efficient because your HVAC won’t have to work as hard to keep up with heating and cooling demands.
The main concern with cork flooring would be potential shrinking and gaps forming from the dry air, but there are a few things you can do to protect against this. It’s best to acclimate your cork before installing it, so that it can adjust to the temperature and humidity in your home before being secured in place. You should also be careful to maintain your indoor humidity levels so that you’re never outside of a comfortable range for your floors.
Finally, we recommend you glue down your cork floors instead of going for a floating floor system. Strong adhesives are a great way to limit how much individual cork pieces can shift or gap, which keeps your materials intact for longer.
Shop the Best Flooring for Dry Climates
While bamboo and cork are popular options, there are plenty more flooring ideas that Scottsdale locals can take into consideration. Floor Coverings International of Old Town Scottsdale, AZ® stocks tons of incredible options from well-known brands, so you have a quality selection to choose from. You can explore varieties of…
- Tile – ceramic and porcelain tiles add a unique design element to your space while staying cool underfoot. They’re also easy to clean and won’t expand or contract under high heat.
- Stone – natural stone holds up well under heavy sun, heat, and dust conditions. It’s also cool to the touch and gives your space a luxury, high-end look.
- Vinyl – the best vinyl plank flooring in Scottsdale, AZ won’t crack or warp in dry heat. It’s a budget-friendly way to bring style to your space, and you can even add a UV resistant layer to the material.
You can evaluate your options in more detail during a consultation in our Mobile Flooring Showroom®. We’ll bring a variety of materials right to your location, so you can learn about the pros and cons of each.
Hire the Best Flooring Contractors in Scottsdale Today
You don’t have to search any further for proven flooring advice in Scottsdale, AZ. Floor Coverings International of Old Town Scottsdale, AZ® will gladly walk you through your options, leading with direct and transparent information. You can also expect a down-to-the-penny quote that keeps pricing clear. Start your project with us today by calling (480) 725-5520 or submitting our online form for a free in-home consultation.
