10 Front Entry Water Resistant Flooring Facts

Here are ten things to think about when you are choosing water-resistant flooring for the front entrance to your home. Whether you choose the most popular options of ceramic tile or natural stone, or something else, these fun facts can help you make the right choice for your project.

1. Ceramic floor tile is designed with more texture than wall tile to prevent slippage.
2. Tumbling natural stone gives it a rough surface, providing traction on wet floors.
3. Dark tiles absorb heat and can get very hot after hours under the blazing sun.
4. High end engineered flooring (AKA vinyl) has a durable topcoat that is water, scratch, and dent resistant.
5. Vinyl will fade if constantly exposed to sunlight unless it is UV protected.
6. Concrete is being used more and more in homes. To avoid an industrial look, consider adding some colorful stains, paints, or stamps. But be warned, these finishes make the surface slicker when wet.
7. Laminate is less expensive than wood, but like wood, it will need to be sealed when in a high traffic and high moisture location, or it will fade and age quickly.
8. There is a new waterproof laminate that keeps water from seeping between the joists of your flooring, which causes the core of the laminate to crumble.
9. Sealed wood floors will combat moisture damage and provide a uniform look if the rest of the home has wood flooring, but they are cold in the winter.
10. Plush carpeting will mold and mildew, but there are carpet options that can be used in areas exposed to high traffic and moisture.