Any suggestions for flooring. Our beach condo has Berber and with renters it's hard to keep spotless.?

Question

We end up shampooing it 3 times a year. I'd like to put in a hard surface but we are on pilings and the first level. I'm afraid it may be too cold during the winter months. Also would the building movement during a storm cause a problem if we added a hard surface. I guess we could add area rugs when it's colder down in NC.

Answer 1

tile tile tile tile.fl is full of tile there is a reason for that. it doesnt get that cold down here let your renters wear slippers.

Answer 2

Install non-slip ceramic or porcelain tile. Select a color that is neutral enough to go throughout the condo (greys and beiges are nice). Select one that has variations in color (it will show dirt less). Don't use white grout. Use a grout color that blends with the tile. Select a tile that is close to commercial grade or commercial grade.

Most important is selecting a good contractor. Your floor will not be even. The contractor will need to float the tile.

Order extra tile to replace any that crack in the future. Aside from storms, tiles can crack if something is dropped on them although I have never had this happen with commercial grade tile.

Major advantage of tile is that it will hold up to water, sand, etc being tracked in as well as water damage from storms. Ceramic tile is a one time expense that will add value to your condo, particularly if you choose large tile (over 12" square).

Answer 3

How about putting an area rug over the carpet? If you use tile the area rugs could work. Is there a stain guard you could put on the carpet that would avoid the staining?

Answer 4

I work in a lot of beach houses in Michigan. Most use stone. I don't know if the house being on pilings would effect it or not. Ask a contractor in the area. If stone doesn't work I would use old fashion linoleum. While looks matter most renting on the beach are doing it for location of the house more then what the house looks like.

Answer 5

I would go with stone or tile as many are suggesting above, and if not too costly you can also have it heated. Heating goes underneath the stone and has come down in price over the years. Maybe you could heat just one area, if the place is huge.

Here is a website by Honeywell that deals with radiant heat.
http://www.honeywellfloorheating.com/products/floorheating.aspx

Answer 6

GO WITH HARD WOOD OR TILE THEY HAVE A LOT OF OPTIONS. THEN JUST PUT THROW RUGS DOWN

Answer 7

Use cheap carpet, dark color and replace every 3 years or so.