Choosing Flooring That’s Beautiful, Comfortable and Practical for You and Your Pets

If you’re a woman over 60 buying a home in South Florida or anywhere else, you’ll have plenty of decisions to make. One that often gets overlooked is the flooring.

Many buyers focus on the kitchen, bathrooms, or the view from the lanai, which are all important. But flooring is something to consider, as well. If you’re a woman over 60 and share your home with pets (or not), choosing the right flooring can make a big difference in comfort, safety and maintenance.

Before we begin, I’d like to mention one important point: Flooring preferences vary across the country based on climate, lifestyle and local building trends. I can only speak from my experience here in South Florida. If you’re moving here, you’ll quickly notice that the flooring choices may be very different from what you’re accustomed to in other parts of the country or the world.

Why South Florida Homes Are Different

Many buyers relocating from other areas expect to find hardwood floors or carpet throughout a condo or home. Instead, they’re often surprised to see tile in nearly every room.

There’s a good reason for that.

Our warm, humid climate makes tile an excellent flooring choice. It stays cooler, stands up well to humidity, and is easy to clean. It’s one of the reasons tile has remained so popular throughout South Florida.

You won’t see much hardwood flooring here as you might in other parts of the country. Florida’s heat and humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, making it a less common choice for many homeowners. I have come across engineered wood here and there, but not too often.

Why Flooring Matters After 60

As we get older, many of us begin thinking about living comfortably in our homes for years to come. We want homes that are attractive, easy to maintain and designed for the way we live today.

If you share your home with a dog or cat, flooring becomes even more important. Think about safety – good traction to help reduce slips and falls, easy maintenance, durability for everyday life, comfort walking on. A surface that’s kind to both you and your pets.

Our pets are getting older right along with us. Just like people, dogs and cats often appreciate flooring that provides better footing. You don’t want to see your dog sliding across the floor, and you may often see them sleeping on it, because it’s cool.

What Floors to Use Where

Not every flooring choice is ideal for every room and some work great.

Bathrooms

High-gloss tile is beautiful, but it may become slippery when wet. Since water on bathroom floors is almost unavoidable, I generally recommend choosing a matte or textured finish on the floors, if possible. On the walls, high gloss is beautiful. If your bathroom already has glossy tile, non-slip bath mats can make a big difference.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in any home. Water spills, dropped ice cubes and pets waiting to eat are all part of daily life. Flooring that’s easy to clean and provides good traction can make everyday life easier.

Living Areas

Fully-tiled homes are common throughout South Florida, though the main area may differ from the bedrooms. If smooth tile feels slippery, area rugs with quality non-slip rug pads can provide additional traction. Just be sure the rugs are secured to help prevent tripping!

Bedrooms

Comfort matters. Whatever flooring you choose, think about how it feels when you first get out of bed in the morning and whether it provides secure footing.

Screened Patios and Pool Areas

Don’t overlook outdoor flooring. Rain, pool water and wet paws can make surfaces slippery. Textured finishes like concrete, tile, and pavers generally provide better traction than polished ones.

Ceramic or Porcelain?

This is a question I’m asked from time to time, and the answer may surprise you. Personally, I prefer ceramic tile, but let me explain why.

Porcelain has become extremely popular because it’s beautiful, durable and available in many styles and finishes. However, as a dog owner, I’ve found it to be very hard. I’ve spent plenty of time on my hands and knees with my dogs (they’re small), and I can tell you from experience that porcelain can be tough on the knees!

That doesn’t mean porcelain isn’t an excellent choice for you. Many homeowners love it, and it performs very well in a warm climate. For me, though, comfort is just as important as appearance. That’s one reason I still have a soft spot for ceramic tile.

Whatever you choose, pay close attention to the finish. A matte or textured surface generally provides better traction than a high-gloss finish, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas that may become wet.

Vinyl or Laminate?

The floors look beautiful. Will you and your pet be safe from slips or sliding? Is it waterproof or will it scratch? Only you know what will work best for you.

One Last Thought…

Over the years, I’ve learned that the “best” flooring isn’t always the newest, the trendiest or the most expensive. It’s the flooring that fits your lifestyle.

If you enjoy entertaining, have grandchildren who visit often, share your home with pets, or simply want a home that’s easy to maintain, those factors should all be part of your decision.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you looking to make a move and wondering about the flooring? If you’d like to have a conversation or you need help, let’s talk about it!