Choosing the perfect flooring for your beach home isn’t merely a matter of aesthetics. Whether your home is right on the beach or a few miles inland, living on the coast presents an array of unique environmental challenges. Salt, sand, humidity, and flooding—these are all clear and present dangers on the coast, threatening the longevity of your floors.

The key to choosing the best coastal flooring material(s) for your needs?

Focus on four primary factors:

• Salt- and moisture-resistance
• Long-term durability
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance
• Overall home aesthetic

Read on as we discuss the best flooring options for coastal homes.

Environmental Considerations for Coastal Flooring

Oceanfront homes are prone to several environmental factors, including:

• Saltwater and salt spray: Corrosive by nature, salt can quickly degrade protective finishes, leaving the base floor vulnerable to damage. For certain materials, salt can also cause severe staining and discoloration.
• Extreme humidity: High moisture content doesn’t mix well with certain types of flooring. It causes wood to warp and expand. It can eat away at adhesives holding tiles and planks together. And it can transform carpet into a serious mold and mildew trap.
• Sand: It’s more than just a cleanliness issue! Persistent exposure to sand particles can accelerate the wear and tear of your flooring, eroding finishes and leaving behind ugly scratches and an unprotected surface.
• Rain, flooding, and storm surge: Heavy storms and hurricanes are a given in many coastal regions. Do your future self a big favor and select a flooring material known for its water resistance and quick-drying properties.
• Sun exposure: Don’t forget about those UV rays! Ultraviolet light slowly fades and discolors flooring materials and can even compromise the structural integrity of the base floor. That’s not to mention the warping and cracking potential of coastal heat.

Best Flooring Materials for Beach Homes

Here are six of the most common types of flooring in coastal environments:

1) Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is extremely durable. Seriously…I dare you to just TRY to scratch or stain a porcelain tile floor. Not only is it resistant to water and salt, but it’s remarkably easy to clean. No special cleaning solutions necessary!

The main drawback is that it’s naturally cold on the feet—which, on second thought, might actually be a perk in hot, humid coastal areas.

Plus, you can find tiles that mimic the look of natural wood or stone, opening up an array of options for classy coastal homes.

2) Ceramic Tile

A more affordable alternative to porcelain, ceramic tile is also pretty durable—just not to the same extent. Contrary to high-density porcelain, ceramic tile is a softer, more porous material. While this makes the tile easier to cut and install, it also means it’s more prone to cracking, chipping, and water-related damage.

Also like porcelain, ceramic tiles are:

• Low-maintenance
• Available in all kinds of colors and designs
• Feel nice and cool all year round

Whether you go with a soft, off-white tile that mimics the sand and seashells or something with a little more texture, you’ll have a strong floor that’ll stay beautiful for the long haul.

3) Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Not a fan of the tile look?

Another cost-effective flooring option, luxury vinyl boasts exceptional resilience in coastal environments. It’s completely scratch-resistant, waterproof, and offered in a diverse range of realistic stone and wood finishes.

However, there are a couple of caveats.

• First of all, you must be careful where you purchase luxury vinyl flooring (and who you hire for installation), as quality can vary.
• Secondly, since vinyl is a synthetic material, it won’t add quite as much value to your home as natural options like hardwood or stone.

4) Concrete (Polished or Sealed)

Modern, industrial, minimalist—concrete flooring is excellent for a wide range of coastal home styles. Not only does it offer a sleek, lustrous appearance, but it’s one of the most durable, water-resistant flooring materials available.

Need to clean off the sand and grime build-up? It couldn’t be easier.

Plus, it stays nice and cool, a welcome trait (for most of us) during hot coastal summers.

With proper sealing and installation, you can count on your concrete floors to live a long, happy life.

5) Engineered Hardwood

Dreaming of a classic hardwood floor?

While synthetic materials like luxury vinyl and porcelain tile can give you that natural wood aesthetic, engineered wood offers a more authentic look and feel.

Created with layers of real hardwood and softwood, engineered hardwood offers:

• The appearance of real hardwood
• Increased strength
• Enhanced moisture-resistance

Pro Tip: You can even find waterproof engineered hardwood—the perfect choice for beachfront living.

Even still, engineered hardwood requires a little more TLC to ensure it doesn’t scratch, fade, or sustain moisture damage. Plus, it’s generally more expensive than many of your other flooring options

6) Natural Stone (Slate, Travertine, or Limestone)

A slightly more high-end flooring option, stone is both luxurious and naturally resistant to water and sand. It doesn’t take much to keep stone flooring looking stunning—even with the persistent beating from coastal wind, rain, and sand particles.

Because of its high price tag, though, stone flooring is most often only used for exterior spaces, like pool decks and patios.

A Note on Outdoor Flooring for Your Beach Home

Exterior porches and decks require even more thoughtful selection than indoor flooring since they are consistently exposed to salt spray, humidity, rain, and UV rays. Coastal outdoor living spaces warrant highly weather-resistant synthetic materials that can handle the relentless coastal conditions.

Some of the most popular options include:

• Composite decking
• Aluminum decking
• Outdoor-rated tile
• Concrete

Your Dream Beach Home? I Bet We Have It!

SDC House Plans offers a wide range of breathtaking coastal home designs, ranging from 1500-square-foot beach cottages to spacious 5-bedroom family homes.

Ready to build your dream beach house? Explore our coastal home designs today!

Read More:

• 10 Benefits of Elevated Home Design
• Best Home Design for Hurricane-Prone Areas
• Best Low-Maintenance Exteriors for Coastal Homes
• What You Need to Know Before Building a Beach House