Crystal Coast beaches attract millions of visitors every summer. Every beach house owner, full time or only seasonal, knows the beauty of the coastline comes with the extra difficulty of keeping a beach house floor clean and free of grit! Sand, salt, and seashells can tear up a floor! Here are a few tips to keep your floors going strong all summer and free you to enjoy the sun and sand.
The Best Floors
Fight nature with nature. Natural stonetilefrom Mohawk is a dense, water-resistant material that resists stains and wear. This tile is perfect for heavy trafficked areas such as main entrances from the beach. The tough glaze on tile gives the longevity that any beach house needs.
Image – Mohawk Flooring
Wide plank wood flooring can be the perfect choice for a beach house. Mohawk’s Homestead hickory is highly resistant to high humidity levels and built to last. A hardwood like hickory will keep its shape and style for years to come, even looking better with wear and age after many summers of use.
Shaw Flooring Image
Luxury vinyl plank would be perfect for the beach house. Its scratch resistant coatings, simple installation, and truly gorgeous patina make it a great pick. Shaw flooring can hold up to all the weather and wear that a Carolina summer can offer.
Maintenance & Cleanliness
Vinyl
- Door mats can become the first line of defense. They absorb unwanted grime and chemicals that can tarnish the floor.
- Refrain from steeping the vinyl in liquid. This can destroy the bonded glue backing and warp the flooring.
- Clean often. Keeping the sand and dirt off the floor is crucial so that it doesn’t get a chance to be ground into the varnish of your vinyl.
Tile
- Work the broom! Clear the surface area of debris and sand. Feel free to vacuum tile at the lowest setting of your home vacuum.
- Microfiber mops with low moisture and a nonabrasive cleaning agent can do wonders on tile. Look for a cleaner that is specific for your natural stone!
- Perk up your grout with some simple grout paint! It can work wonders, especially in high traffic areas, but plan accordingly for drying time.
Removing Salt Residue
- Elbow grease with a sponge or a magic eraser might just do the trick to get that salt stain away.
- Use a non-liquid remedy like baking soda. This is a great natural cleaner that counteracts salt deposits.A bit of vinegar spritzed on difficult stains can really loosen up the salt residue for greater impact.
Beach house flooring is not impossible to maintain and can add beauty to your home. If your current flooring is too far gone, let Eastman’s help you chose a new flooring option that will last you for many summers to come!
