It's not uncommon for local homeowners to wonder, can you have hardwood floors in Florida? And the answer is yes. With the right materials, proper installation, and consistent climate control, wood flooring can absolutely work in many North Tampa homes. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes hardwood a viable flooring choice in a humid climate, explore which wood options perform well here in Florida, and share how to keep your floors looking their best year after year.
Ready to explore beautiful wood species that handle humidity well? At Floor Coverings International® of North Tampa, FL, we offer an in-home floor selection experience where we bring samples to you, so you can shop comfortably at home. Contact us for a free in-home consultation today.
How Florida's Climate Impacts Wood Floors
Are hardwood floors a good idea in the Florida climate? Not usually, at least not without choosing the right construction and taking extra precautions. North Tampa’s tropical climate brings high humidity for much of the year, which affects how wood expands and contracts. With the right wood type, acclimation, and moisture control, though, hardwood can still be a beautiful and practical choice for your home.
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood: What Works Better in North Tampa?
Traditional solid wood and modern engineered wood both look beautiful, but they perform differently in humid weather. Here’s what to know when deciding what the best wood flooring is for your Florida home.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Long admired as a timeless option, solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be refinished many times. In Florida’s climate, solid hardwood requires very stable indoor humidity, proper acclimation, and expert installation to avoid warping or gaps.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is often a better fit for humid climates. Built with layered construction, it has a real wood surface and a stable core that resists movement as moisture levels change. For many North Tampa homeowners, engineered hardwood provides the same beautiful appearance as solid wood while performing far better in the humid climate.
Wood Species for Humid Climates
Some wood species are naturally more stable and less prone to swelling or cupping. Dense species perform best in Florida homes.
Good choices include:
- Oak, known for its durability and classic appearance.
- Hickory, which resists dents and moisture fluctuations.
- Maple, which is a smooth, stable wood.
- Teak and Brazilian cherry are tropical woods that handle humidity exceptionally well.
Why Installation Matters
Even the strongest wood species can fail if installed incorrectly. Proper installation ensures your floors have room to expand and contract, prevents moisture issues, and keeps your planks tight and level.
Key installation steps for Florida conditions include:
- Acclimation. Let the wood adjust to your home’s humidity before installation.
- Moisture barriers. Use proper barriers over concrete slabs or ground-level rooms.
- Correct adhesives and sealing. Apply materials that keep floors stable as humidity changes.
This is why it’s important to work with local professionals who understand the needs of North Tampa homes.
Moisture Control and Everyday Maintenance
Whether you choose solid or engineered wood, moisture control is critical for long-term performance.
Helpful care tips include:
- Keeping humidity between 35% and 55% with a dehumidifier or HVAC system.
- Wiping up spills immediately.
- Using rugs at entryways and near sinks.
- Avoiding steam mops or overly wet cleaning methods.
- Maintaining a protective finish as needed.
When Wood Floors Might Not Be Ideal
While hardwood can work well in many homes, some areas aren’t ideal. Rooms that see consistent moisture, such as bathrooms or laundry spaces, can expose wood to standing water. Hardwood is also not a good choice for vacation homes left without climate control for long periods.
If you still want the look of wood without worrying about moisture issues, wood-look tile, or luxury vinyl plank can give you the same beauty with added waterproof protection.
Upgrade Your Home with Classic Charm and Dense, Stable Wood Floors
As you can see, hardwood flooring isn’t off limits in North Tampa and the surrounding area — you simply need the right type (often engineered hardwood), consistent humidity control, and skilled installation to keep your floors looking beautiful in the future.
If you’re ready to explore the best wood options for your home, our team at Floor Coverings International® of North Tampa, FL, makes it simple by bringing samples directly to you. We’ll help you compare materials and choose wood floors designed to thrive in Florida’s climate.
Call us at (813) 501-7554 or schedule your free in-home consultation today to get started.
