Subfreezing temperatures and heavy snowfall won’t stop Steamboat Springs from enjoying the great outdoors this winter! The Rocky Mountains are beautiful this time of the year, but all of that snow and dirt can prove troublesome for your home’s flooring. Add any equipment that may get dragged or thrown on the floor, and it may be time for replacement sooner than you’d expect. Here, we’ll take a quick look at a few features and flooring options designed to hold up against the rough winter months ahead.
Carpet
When considering the best flooring to resist stains, dirt and moisture, carpet is probably the last option that comes to mind. However, newer features make it more durable, stain resistant and even waterproof than ever before. You just have to know what to look for.
Let’s start with nylon. There’s a reason that it’s the most popular carpet material: its fibers consistently outrank all other carpet in terms of durability, stain resistance and longevity. A newer take on nylon, Anso Nylon, goes even further with a patent treatment designed to last the lifetime of the carpet.
The popular Triexta carpet line from Mohawk is among our most popular high-performance choices, especially as a more budget-friendly alternative to anso nylon selections.
To prevent melting snow and ice from reaching the subfloor, consider carpet featuring the LifeGuard® Waterproof Backing. This backing keeps moisture sitting above the carpet’s surface until it can be removed with ease. It also works in conjunction with the R2X® Stain & Soil Resistance system, a special treatment that prevents liquids from soaking into the carpet’s fibers.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
For a more budget-friendly option, you may want to consider LVP. Vinyl flooring has soared in popularity over the past few years for its durability, price and ability to perfectly replicate other flooring types. In fact, LVP flooring is nearly indistinguishable from its wood or stone counterparts. Even the texture is surprisingly accurate. Yet, its ability to survive extreme temperature changes, heavy foot traffic and heavy drops is nearly unmatched – especially in its price range.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring remains a popular choice in Colorado, but it’s not always as resilient as people think. In fact, solid hardwood is almost as susceptible to stains as traditional carpet. And unlike carpet, solid hardwood can expand and contract during extreme temperature changes. Fortunately, there is a more viable option: engineered hardwood.
Although composed of actual wood, engineered hardwood flooring features a unique manufacturing process. Leftovers from previous manufacturing is used to craft panels with a layered design. When built with a stabilitek core is used, engineered hardwood is specifically designed to resist warping and moisture expansion, making it a great choice for winter sports enthusiasts. Needless to say, it frequently outperforms solid hardwood in terms of durability, moisture resistance and resilience to warping.
If you still prefer solid hardwood, consider finding a floor that features the ScuffResist Platinum Finish. This patent treatment offers an additional layer of protection without impacting the floor’s design.
For more durability – and to help insulate your home during these cold winter months – consider a quality underlayment. Cork, rubber and memory foam are especially effective options. In some cases, an underlayment can actually help extend your floor’s warranty.
Tile & Stone
If you prefer the more luxurious aesthetics of tile & stone flooring, porcelain is a pretty solid choice for our climate, even with outdoor applications. It has proven more durable and hypoallergenic than ceramic and is often regarded as more aesthetically pleasing. It’s also more moisture resistant and less prone to scratches and dents.
Tile & stone does tend to have a low R-value, so to help stay warm, you may want to consider a radiant heating system for your floors. These are safely installed just above the subfloor and help maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. They can be set, adjusted and deactivated just as easily as your home’s heating system.
Learn More
To browse a variety of stylish flooring options, and for expert advice on the best option for your home, visit Steamboat CarpetsPlus today!
