Have a home between Swanboro and Brunswick County? If you do, you know what living on the coast is like. Between salt air, sandy feet, wet dogs and beach gear through the door at all hours, flooring in the busiest areas of your coastal home doesn’t have much time to recover.
The good news? There are flooring options that can handle the demands of real life without sacrificing style. At Tide & Timber, we got your vibe. Here’s what we look for when helping our customers find the right fit.
What Does “High-Traffic” Mean on the Coast?
Most guides tell you that the high-traffic areas of your home are kitchens, hallways and entryways, they aren’t wrong. However, in a coastal home, this definition expands. You also have to account for back entrances and mudrooms that catch sand and moisture from every beach day. Plus when you have an open floor plan, your main living areas connect to the kitchen, dining and living space, screened porches and sunrooms also blur the line between inside and outside, while second homes cycle through guests all summer long.
When you schedule a consultation with us, we look at your whole floor plan, not just the obvious spaces. Even when a floor is made to perform in one area, it needs to make sense for the whole space visually and functionally.
What Flooring Options Should You Consider for Your Home?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is beloved when it comes to high-traffic areas in coastal homes. The waterproof core protects it from moisture as long as you wipe up standing water and a wear layer resists scratches and scuffs. The image layer can suit a variety of beach home styles range from wide-plank driftwood to sleek modern finishes that look high-end.
When shopping for LVP for a high-traffic area, choose a wear layer of 20 mil or higher. This is referring to the protective coating on top, the thicker it is, the longer your floor lasts. We carry products with several looks and price points.
Laminate Flooring
Modern laminate flooring easily stands up to scratches and scuffs, while providing a realistic wood or stone look for an affordable price. Made from compressed wood fibers and resin, it’s an accessible choice for spaces with larger square footage. Use it in hallways, living rooms and bedrooms where moisture isn’t as big of a concern. Water-resistant options are available and perfect for coastal homes, but these floors make more sense for dry areas of the home.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is unique because of its layered construction. Each plank has a real hardwood veneer top, a layered plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core and a strong backing. Unlike its solid counterpart, these floors resist expansion and contraction caused by humidity. While not waterproof, we recommend using these floors in living rooms, dining areas and bedrooms where you want the warmth and character of wood.
What Makes a Difference When Shopping for Flooring for Busy Areas of Coastal Homes?
When it’s time to buy new flooring for the high-traffic areas of your home, there are a few things to think about. Unfortunately, many get overlooked. Consider the following:
- Installation Matters as Much as the Product: Without proper installation, even the best floor in the world won’t last. Improper subfloor prep, gaps at transitions or not leaving enough expansion space will shorten your floor’s lifespan.
- Think in Zones, Not Rooms: Every area of the home has unique needs. Using one flooring material throughout an open concept home might seem stylish, but has to perform. Use thoughtful transitions to naturally define and make flooring work for your spaces.
- Neutral Doesn’t Mean Boring: Mid-tone, varied-grain floors hide sand, dust and scuffs better than very light or very dark finishes. That doesn’t mean you have to go with beige, but it does mean we can find you a floor that fits your preferred style and reality of your life.
At our flooring store in Wilmington and flooring showroom in Jacksonville we got your vibe. We listen so we can recommend flooring materials that make sense for your space and your style.
Ready to Find Your Vibe?
What’s your next project? Are you renovating a single room or rethinking your whole home? At Tide & Timber, it all starts with scheduling a consultation. We serve the North Carolina coast from Swansboro to Brunswick County.
Visit one of our showrooms in Jacksonville, Wilmington or Hampstead or contact us today to book an appointment!
