Colorado is known for its breathtaking landscapes, from beautiful mountain vistas to high desert plains, and lake and river views. Our climate is also legendary, bringing extremes in weather conditions throughout the year, from hot and dry summers to cold and snowy winters.
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Durango, CO, is no exception to this diverse climate and the unique challenges it poses when selecting flooring for homes and commercial spaces. Factors like low humidity, dramatic temperature swings, and high-altitude UV exposure require careful consideration to ensure long-lasting performance. As a home or business owner in Durango, choosing flooring that can withstand the changing seasons while also adding beauty and functionality to your space is essential.
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Understanding Colorado’s Unique Climate
Colorado’s unique climate brings its residents a full spectrum of weather conditions throughout the year. Let’s explore how those conditions affect flooring choices.
High altitude and stronger UV exposure
High-altitude living means beautiful views, but it also means being exposed to stronger UV rays. A high altitude level of constant UV exposure can cause some flooring materials, particularly those with natural finishes, to fade over time. For home and business owners, builders, and designers, this means choosing flooring with UV-resistant treatments or finishes to help mitigate long-term wear.
Temperature swings
One of the most unique features of Colorado weather is the dramatic temperature fluctuations, not only between seasons, but between day and night as well. It’s not uncommon to have temperatures near freezing overnight and high seventies in the afternoon. These temperature shifts can stress some flooring materials, leading to expansion and contraction, compromising stability and durability.
Dry air and humidity variations
Durango is considered a high plains desert, and the dry air here is one of its defining features. Unlike more humid regions, Durango’s low moisture levels can cause certain flooring materials, such as hardwood, to shrink, crack, or warp over time.
Snow, moisture, and precipitation considerations
Colorado winters bring snow and slush, while the rainy seasons come with mud and grit.
Entryways and high-traffic areas in Durango homes and businesses often face water exposure and abrasions from tracked-in debris. It’s crucial to choose flooring that can handle these challenges, ensuring durability and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Best Flooring Options for Colorado Homes & Businesses
Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood is one of the best flooring choices for Colorado’s unique climate. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered planks are constructed with multiple layers of wood and finished with a durable top veneer. This structure minimizes the expansion and contraction caused by moisture fluctuations. For areas with significant sun exposure, UV-resistant finishes can prevent fading, ensuring the floors maintain their beauty for years.
Key Benefits: Stability in low humidity, classic aesthetic, and UV-resistant finishes are available.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
LVP is another highly versatile Colorado flooring option. This material has recently grown in popularity due to its ability to mimic the look of natural wood, tile, or stone while being highly resistant to moisture and temperature variations. LVP is ideal for basements, entryways, mudrooms, and kitchens. It can withstand the summer heat and humidity and remains comfortable underfoot during the winter. It’s also scratch resistant, an essential feature for households with pets or active lifestyles, or businesses with high-traffic areas.
Key Benefits: Water-resistant, scratch-resistant, mimics natural materials.
Porcelain tile
Tile flooring, particularly porcelain, is an excellent choice to consider for spaces requiring maximum durability. Porcelain tiles are unaffected by Colorado’s temperature swings and are a wise choice for high-traffic spaces, like entryways or bathrooms, where moisture and dirt are common. During Colorado’s hot summers, porcelain tile provides a cool surface underfoot. In winter, it can be paired with radiant heating systems for added comfort.
Key Benefits: Extremely durable, unaffected by temperature swings, ideal for high-traffic areas.
Laminate flooring
Modern laminate flooring is another excellent option, offering a balance between cost, appearance, and performance. With finishes that closely mimic wood and stone, laminate is both scratch-resistant and suited to low-humidity environments.
Key Benefits: Affordable, scratch-resistant, modern designs suited to dry climates.
Carpeting
Carpeting remains a popular choice for Durango residents, especially in low-traffic areas like bedrooms, where comfort and warmth are priorities. In the winter, carpeting provides insulation and helps give your home a cozy and inviting vibe. High-quality carpet with proper padding can withstand heavy foot traffic and wear over time, making it a durable and comforting option for Colorado’s four seasons.
Key benefits: It adds warmth and comfort and is excellent for insulating rooms during winter.
Find Flooring for all Four Seasons at CFS Design Center
In Durango, CO, where you can experience hot summers and snowy winters, choosing the right flooring can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl, porcelain tile, laminate, and carpeting are all excellent options that can withstand the diverse weather conditions in the area.
Contact us today to explore these flooring options and find the perfect fit for your Durango home or business. Our experts at CFS Design Center, with their extensive knowledge and experience, are here to help you make an informed decision and ensure that your flooring can withstand the challenges of Colorado’s four seasons while enhancing the beauty and functionality of your space.