Can Flooring Help Keep Gainesville, TX Homes Cooler?

Sunny. Hot. Humid. Yes, that is exactly what summer feels like in Gainesville and greater North Texas right now! It’s no secret that the summer of 2025 is another top 10 hottest summer for the state, with above-normal temperatures for most of Texas. July and August have been exceptionally dry and warm, and our homeowners are looking for ways to beat the heat all season long.

Did you know that certain types of flooring can help keep a home in Gainesville, TX cooler? The key lies in a flooring material’s thermal properties, specifically its ability to conduct and retain heat. Materials with high thermal mass absorb and store heat slowly, meaning they will feel cool underfoot for longer, especially when your home is air-conditioned. Let’s explore a few savvy options from our flooring inventory that can help keep your home cooler!

Flooring Options That Promote Cooler Homes

Tile – A top choice for hot climates, ceramic and porcelain tile varieties are highly conductive and will feel cool to the touch. Tile has high thermal conductivity, meaning it absorbs and transfers heat quickly. When your air conditioning is running, the tile absorbs the cool air and feels cool to the touch, which can be a relief in hot weather. While it doesn’t technically lower the room’s temperature, it can make the space feel cooler and more comfortable.

Natural stone tile options such as slate, travertine, and marble are excellent flooring choices with natural cooling properties. It can bring a luxurious feel to your home while remaining refreshingly cool, though it can be more expensive and may require more maintenance than tile.

Flooring Options That Resist Heat

Some materials don’t conduct heat as readily, acting as a natural insulator and preventing heat from transferring into your home:

• Hardwood – While not as cool as tile, hardwood is still a good choice! Hardwood flooring is a moderate thermal conductor and insulator that won’t retain heat as well as carpet, but it also won’t feel as cold as tile. During the summer, it can help prevent heat from seeping into your home, promoting a cooler indoor environment. Engineered hardwood, which is more stable than solid wood, is also a great option for high-humidity areas.
• Luxury Vinyl – Both modern Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) are designed to be comfortable underfoot, while remaining highly resistant to heat and humidity. In a climate like North Texas, luxury vinyl is a practical, waterproof, and durable choice that mimics the look of wood or stone.

Shopping for Flooring that Stays Cooler

When choosing flooring options that stay cooler in hot conditions, it’s important to consider factors like color and finish in addition to the material’s thermal mass properties:

• Lighter Colors – Lighter colors reflect sunlight and heat, which helps keep the floor and the room cooler. Consider light-colored wood, tile, or vinyl for areas that receive a lot of direct sunlight.
• Darker Colors – Darker colors absorb heat and can make a room feel warmer. If you have your heart set on a darker floor, consider using it in areas with less sun exposure or balancing it with light-colored walls and decor.
• Flooring Finishes – Keep in mind that matte finishes can feel less cool to the touch than glossy ones.
• Insulating Materials – Certain flooring materials like wall-to-wall carpet can trap heat and make your home feel warmer in the summer.

If you are looking for new flooring options that can help keep your Gainesville home cooler in the hottest months, visit our Stevens Floor Coverings Showroom! We can help you explore flooring options with ideal thermal mass properties, textures, and colors for your indoor goals. Contact our flooring experts today to get started and we can even provide a free estimate to help deliver excellent results from your flooring project.