The desert climate isn’t kind—it warps wood, fades laminates, and cracks tiles under relentless heat and dryness. Every choice you make matters, because the wrong flooring can fail quickly in the face of 120°F summers and sudden temperature drops that test even the toughest materials.
Homeowners here aren’t just choosing floors; they’re choosing survival against an unforgiving environment. With the right approach, you can install flooring that stands strong for years, no matter what the desert throws at it.
What are the Challenges of Flooring in Las Vegas?
The desert climate in Las Vegas has a big impact on how your floors hold up over time, so it’s important to keep a few key factors in mind. Temperature changes can cause flooring materials to expand and contract, which may lead to issues like buckling if proper expansion gaps aren’t included during installation.
The dry air in the region can also affect wood floors, causing them to shrink and create noticeable gaps between planks. Additionally, the strong UV rays in Las Vegas can fade certain flooring materials over time, making UV-resistant options a smart choice for rooms with large windows or direct sunlight.
6 Tips in Choosing the Best Flooring for Your Home
To help you make the right choice and avoid common pitfalls, these are the five essential steps to guide you through the process. From picking the perfect material to maintaining your investment, these tips will set you up for success.
1. Pick the Right Flooring Material
When you start a flooring project, choose a material that fits your needs and works well in Las Vegas’ climate. Tile is durable, cool, and water-resistant-great for kitchens and bathrooms. Vinyl plank flooring is affordable and easy to install, but needs careful installation to avoid gaps.
If you want the hardwood look, laminate is a budget option but needs protection from water, while engineered wood is better than solid hardwood for dry air
2. Get Your Space Ready
Properly preparing your space is key for a smooth flooring project. Start by checking your subfloor for cracks, dips, or moisture, and use a moisture meter to ensure it’s dry. Remove old flooring, adhesive, and debris, then vacuum and mop so the subfloor is clean.
Before installation, let your flooring materials adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours. This helps prevent uneven surfaces and future problems like expansion or contraction.
3. Use Proper Installation Techniques
No matter if you’re installing the floors yourself or hiring a professional, using the right techniques will ensure a polished result. Always leave expansion gaps around the edges of the room to allow the flooring material to move naturally over time, which helps prevent buckling or warping.
Carefully plan your layout by aligning planks or tiles parallel to the longest wall or main light source for a more balanced and visually appealing look. Make sure to choose an adhesive specifically designed for your flooring material, as using the wrong one can lead to separation or instability later. When cutting planks or tiles, use tools like a jigsaw or miter saw to create clean edges around corners and walls.
4. Watch Out for Common Mistakes
Even small mistakes during installation can lead to big problems later. One common error is skipping subfloor repairs—an uneven subfloor can cause planks or tiles to shift over time, leaving gaps in your floor. Always take the time to level out the surface before laying down new materials.
Another issue is using the wrong underlayment, which can lead to moisture damage or noise problems. Make sure you pick an underlayment that matches both your flooring type and Las Vegas’ climate conditions. Lastly, don’t rush through the installation process. Take your time when clicking planks into place; forcing them together can damage their locking mechanisms.
5. Maintain Your Floors
Once your new floors are installed, regular maintenance will help them stay in great shape for years to come. If you’ve chosen tile floors, make sure you seal grout lines about 72 hours after grouting to protect against stains and water damage.
For any type of flooring, placing area rugs in high-traffic zones or near windows can reduce wear and fading caused by sunlight exposure. If you’ve installed wood floors, consider using a humidifier during dry months to keep them from shrinking due to low humidity levels.
6. Check the New Floor Height
Before you start installing the new flooring, check the height it will add. If the floor becomes higher, you might also need to adjust the doors. If not, the doors may not open and close smoothly.
Some floors, like vinyl and laminate, can be glued down or placed as floating floors. Since these options can go over your old flooring, make sure both inside and outside doors still have enough space to swing open and close properly with the added height.
Resilient Homes Built Strong
A home with floors that endure the harsh Las Vegas summers can offer cool comfort at dawn and the durability to handle every occasion without worry. Strong, reliable flooring allows you to enjoy gatherings stress-free, creating a space that’s both practical and inviting. This goes beyond following trends—it’s about making thoughtful, long-term decisions that safeguard your investment and improve your daily life.
While you focus on choosing the right flooring to withstand the desert’s challenges, remember that a strong foundation starts with reliable plumbing. Vegas Plumbing Pros specializes in expert plumbing services, from water heater installations to whole-house filtration systems, ensuring your home is as resilient as your floors. Contact us today and take the first step toward a home built to last.
FAQs
What is the best flooring for Las Vegas climate?
Engineered hardwood is more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, which makes it a better option for places with climates like Las Vegas.
Is there a wrong way to lay flooring?
As a general rule, install your flooring in the same direction as the main light source and align it with the most-used entrance. If the room has multiple windows or doors, go with the direction that makes installation easiest.
What is the average labor cost to install flooring?
On average, installing flooring in a 500-square-foot room can cost between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the material and labor. That breaks down to about $2 to $20 per square foot. Nationally, the average cost is around $7 per square foot, or about $3,500 for a room of that size.
What is the most cost effective flooring to install?
Affordable flooring options include vinyl plank, vinyl sheet, carpet, laminate, cork, and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). Vinyl and laminate mimic the look of wood at a lower cost, while carpet adds comfort and warmth. Cork is eco-friendly and soft underfoot, and LVT offers a stylish, durable option that’s still budget-friendly.
