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Advantages Of Choosing Luxury Vinyl Plank for Atlanta’s Climate

Atlanta, Georgia Cityscape

Best Types of Hardwood for Tampa’s Climate

Tampa’s warm and humid climate plays a big role in determining the best types of flooring for your home. This coastal environment requires special consideration.

Not all types of wood are created equal. Some hardwoods handle humidity, heat, and moisture better than others, making them more suited for homes in Tampa.

At 50Floor, we’ve spent years helping homeowners find the perfect hardwood flooring for their unique climate needs. Our guide breaks down the best types of hardwood for Tampa’s climate.

The guide will also focus on durability, resistance to moisture, and overall performance in hot, humid conditions.

Achieving your flooring vision is easy when you work with 50Floor. Fill out our form on this page to schedule an appointment online at a time that works best for you.

We bring the flooring showroom to you! Our professionals will visit your home with a variety of luxury vinyl plank samples, allowing you to see how different options complement your space. Choose the perfect flooring based on your style, budget, and the unique needs of your home—all from the comfort of your own living room.

Once you’ve chosen luxury vinyl plank flooring, our expert installation team in Atlanta will get to work right away. We aim to schedule your installation within two weeks of signing the contract, ensuring a quick and efficient process.

Regardless of the luxury vinyl plank style you select, you can enjoy lasting peace of mind, knowing it will provide beauty and functionality for years to come. We also offer comprehensive guides on flooring care to ensure your new luxury vinyl floor remains in excellent condition and looks its best.

living room with lvp

Why Tampa’s Climate Affects Hardwood Choices

Tampa experiences warm, humid summers and mild winters, with average temperatures ranging from 70 °F to 90 °F.

And since Florida is near the Gulf of Mexico, the air is often filled with moisture. This can cause wood floors to expand, contract, or warp if they aren’t built to withstand such conditions.

Homes in Tampa often battle high humidity levels. This humidity can cause traditional hardwood floors to absorb moisture and swell.

On the flip side, when the air becomes drier, the same wood can shrink, leading to gaps between floorboards.

living room with lvp
classic living room with oak hardwood floor

Best Hardwood Species for Tampa Homes

Oak

Oak is one of the most popular hardwood species in the U.S., and for good reason. It’s tough, versatile, and widely available. But more importantly, it handles Tampa’s climate better than most other hardwoods.

Oak Features

  • Oak is known for its strength and hardness, making it ideal for high-traffic areas in your home.
  • While not completely waterproof, oak is less prone to warping than softer woods. It can withstand some of Tampa’s humidity.
  • Oak’s pronounced grain pattern gives it a timeless look that suits both modern and traditional designs.
modern living room with hickory hardwood floor

Hickory

For Tampa homeowners looking for something even harder and more resistant to wear and tear, hickory is a great choice. It’s one of the hardest domestic hardwood species available, making it ideal for homes with pets, children, or heavy foot traffic.

Hickory Features

  • Hickory’s high hardness rating means it’s incredibly resilient to scratches and dents, which is great for long-term use.
  • While hickory is durable, it does expand and contract with extreme moisture fluctuations. Therefore, engineered hickory hardwood is a better option for Tampa’s humid climate.
  • Hickory features bold, dramatic grain patterns and a variety of natural colors ranging from light blondes to deep reddish browns.
modern living room with hickory hardwood floor
dining room with engineered hardwood floor

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood offers a more stable alternative to traditional solid hardwood in high-humidity environments.

Engineered Hardwood Features

Engineered hardwood is constructed by layering a thin hardwood veneer over several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This multi-layer construction is stable and less prone to expanding and contracting due to moisture changes.

Engineered hardwood is better equipped to handle the fluctuations in humidity that come with Tampa’s subtropical climate.

With a real hardwood veneer on top, engineered hardwood offers the same look and feel as solid wood but with improved stability.

Engineered hardwood comes in many species, colors, and finishes, allowing you to choose the perfect match for your home.

elegant living room with brazilian cherry hardwood floor

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)

Brazilian cherry is a durable and moisture-resistant option that works well in Tampa’s climate. It’s known for its rich, deep reddish-brown color and remarkable hardness.

Brazilian Cherry Features

  • Brazilian cherry is one of the hardest hardwoods, offering resistance to wear and tear.
  • This hardwood is naturally dense, making it less likely to absorb moisture and warp.
  • Brazilian cherry’s deep hues and fine grain patterns add an exotic flair to any space.
elegant living room with brazilian cherry hardwood floor
spacious living room with maple hardwood floor

Maple

Maple is another hardwood that performs well in humid climates. It’s dense and durable, making it resistant to scratches and wear. Plus, its light, creamy color makes it a versatile option for various interior design styles.

Maple Features

  • Maple resists dents and scratches. Great for busy households.
  • Although it can expand and contract with humidity, engineered maple hardwood can withstand Tampa’s moisture challenges.
  • Maple’s subtle grain and light color allow it to blend seamlessly with both modern and traditional decor.
  • Choosing engineered maple hardwood provides the durability and stability needed for Tampa’s warm, moist climate without compromising on style.
asian interior style with teak hardwood floor

Teak

Originally used in shipbuilding, teak has natural oils that repel water, making it perfect for humid environments.

Teak Features

  • Teak’s hardness and natural oils make it resistant to rot, decay, and termites.
  • Teak’s natural moisture-resistant properties make it ideal for Tampa’s high humidity and occasional rain.
  • Teak features a rich golden-brown color and straight grain pattern, giving it a distinctive, luxurious look.
asian interior style with teak hardwood floor
modern kitchen with hardwood floormodern kitchen with hardwood floormodern kitchen with hardwood floor

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardwood for Tampa’s Climate

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, whereas engineered hardwood is made up of layers.

While solid hardwood is beautiful and durable, it’s more likely to be affected by Tampa’s humidity. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is more stable and less likely to warp or buckle due to moisture changes.

Wood Finish

The type of finish on your hardwood floor can also affect how well it stands up to Tampa’s climate.

A polyurethane finish provides a protective layer that helps seal the wood and protect it from moisture. Oil-based finishes, while offering a more natural look, don’t provide the same level of protection against humidity.

Acclimation Period

Before installing hardwood floors in Tampa, let the wood acclimate to the environment. This process allows the wood to adjust to the local humidity and temperature. This also reduces the chances of warping or buckling after installation.

Your flooring installer should recommend an acclimation period between 5 and 7 days.

Maintenance

Most floors only require sweeping or vacuuming. Hardwood is no different. This flooring is easy to maintain, but if you live in Tampa, you might need to use a dehumidifier to regulate indoor humidity levels.

bedroom with guitar and engineered hardwood floor

Get the Best of Your Tampa Home with Engineered Hardwood Floors

50Floor specializes in helping Tampa homeowners find the perfect hardwood flooring. Our range of hardwood comes in various species, finishes, and colors to suit every style and need.

From oak to teak, we offer a broad selection of hardwood species that are ideal for Tampa’s humid environment. Our collection includes both domestic and exotic hardwoods, giving you plenty of choices to find the right fit for your home.

Choosing the right hardwood for your home is easier when you can see the options in your space. Schedule a free in-home consultation if you’re ready to add hardwood for your home.

bedroom with guitar and engineered hardwood floor
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