Best Texas Winter Flooring Considerations
As a North Texas homeowner, you know that our winter weather can be unpredictable. While we might not have the heavy snow of the Northeast, the fluctuating temperatures that dip below freezing and the need for indoor heating can take a toll on your floors. As your local Gainesville expert for nearly 80 years, we want to help you protect your investment and keep your home cozy all season long. Here are our best flooring considerations for a North Texas winter!
Managing Indoor Humidity for Flooring
The biggest threat to many popular flooring types during the winter isn’t the cold! You floors will need to handle the dramatic drop in indoor humidity caused by your heating system. When the air inside your Gainesville home dries out, your beautiful hardwood floors will naturally release moisture and contract, which can lead to unsightly gaps between planks or even cracking.
If you love wood flooring, Engineered Hardwood is a much more stable choice for our climate than solid hardwood. Thankfully, a cross-layered engineered hardwood construction is specifically designed to resist the expansion and contraction cycles of Texas weather. Also, monitor your indoor humidity with a hygrometer and consider a humidifier to keep the level between the optimal 35-55%.
Minimizing Winter Moisture at Entryways & Mudrooms
Even a mild North Texas winter brings occasional ice, rain, and the need to track in moisture from wet boots. You need a durable, water-resistant surface in your high-traffic entry areas. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are our top recommendations for areas exposed to the elements. LVP and LVT are often 100% waterproof, incredibly durable, and stand up to heavy foot traffic without worry. Today’s resilient options offer the realistic look of wood or tile with zero of the maintenance headaches associated with moisture.
Porcelain Tile is a timeless, naturally water-resistant flooring option that holds up to wear and tear like nothing else. For the ultimate winter comfort, you can pair porcelain tile floors with a radiant heating system to eliminate that cold-underfoot feeling.
Adding Warmth & Comfort with Flooring
After a chilly day, stepping onto a cold floor is the last thing you want. Luckily, certain flooring materials naturally feel warmer underfoot. For living rooms and bedrooms where comfort is king, plush carpet provides unbeatable warmth, insulation, and softness. Your carpet will also trap heat and adds a luxurious, cozy feel. We recommend choosing a stain-resistant carpet fiber for peace of mind in an active home.
Unlike traditional ceramic and porcelain tile floors, luxury vinyl is warmer underfoot and has a slightly softer feel to make it a great whole-home flooring solution for both winter and summer.
Your Local Gainesville Flooring Partner
Choosing the right flooring is a major decision, especially when balancing year-round Texas climate concerns and our winters. Stevens Floor Coverings has been helping your neighbors in Gainesville, Muenster, and all of North Texas find the perfect balance of style, durability, and comfort.
We offer a convenient Shop-at-Home experience where we bring the samples to you, so you can see how our flooring looks in your home’s unique lighting and environment. Ready to make your home warmer and more resilient this winter? Contact us today for a free estimate and let us help you find the ideal winter-ready flooring solution!