Let’s face it, summer heat isn’t just an outdoor problem. When the temperature rises, your home can quickly become uncomfortably warm, especially if your floors trap heat instead of deflecting it. The good news? You don’t need a full HVAC overhaul to stay cool.
One of the most effective (and stylish) ways to beat the heat indoors is by choosing the right summer-friendly flooring. From kitchens to bedrooms, the flooring you walk on can have a major impact on how your home feels during the hottest months of the year.
Why does flooring affect room temperature?
Many homeowners don’t realize it, but flooring plays a big role in the overall temperature and comfort of a home. Dense materials like carpet tend to trap heat, while smoother, harder surfaces like tile or vinyl stay cooler to the touch.
Here’s what to consider:
- Surface reflectivity: lighter-colored floors reflect more sunlight and heat.
- Thermal mass: some materials retain heat more than others.
- Airflow and moisture: proper underlayment and flooring types can improve ventilation and reduce humidity indoors.
By selecting cool flooring options, you’re not just enhancing style, you’re helping your entire home feel more refreshing and livable in summer.
Top summer-friendly flooring options
Looking to stay cool from the ground up? These summer-friendly flooring options combine comfort, durability, and style. Perfect for every room in your home.
1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is quickly becoming the go-to choice for homeowners who want a cool, comfortable, and waterproof floor that also looks amazing. It doesn’t retain heat like carpet and feels noticeably cooler underfoot compared to hardwood.
- Great for: living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and basements.
- Benefits: moisture-resistant, scratch-proof, easy to maintain, budget-friendly.
- Summer appeal: cooler touch, especially in light finishes like ash, sand, or white oak.
2. Tile flooring
Tile is one of the most naturally cool flooring materials. Whether you go with ceramic or porcelain, tile doesn’t hold heat and stays cool even on the hottest days. It’s especially ideal in high-moisture areas.
- Great for: kitchens, bathrooms, entryways.
- Benefits: extremely durable, moisture- and heat-resistant, easy to clean.
- Summer appeal: tiles don’t absorb heat, helping rooms feel fresh all day long.
3. Engineered hardwood
While traditional hardwood can retain some warmth, engineered hardwood offers better stability and, in lighter shades, contributes to a cooler aesthetic. It combines the beauty of wood with improved performance in heat and humidity.
- Great for: living rooms, dining rooms, hallways.
- Benefits: real wood layer, less expansion/contraction, available in cool tones.
- Summer appeal: elegant look with less heat retention than solid hardwood.
4. Laminate flooring
If you’re working on a budget but still want comfort and style, laminate flooring is a fantastic alternative. It mimics the appearance of wood or stone and is often cooler than carpet.
- Great for: bedrooms, family rooms, rental properties.
- Benefits: affordable, easy to install, resistant to fading.
- Summer appeal: feels cooler than carpet and offers seasonal flexibility.
Room-by-Room Recommendations
Want to cool down your home room by room? Here’s what we recommend:
Living room
Opt for LVP in light oak or gray tones. It’s stylish, resilient, and cool underfoot: perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with the family.
Kitchen
Choose tile or waterproof vinyl. These materials handle spills, humidity, and heavy foot traffic while helping the kitchen stay breezy and fresh.
Bedrooms
Go with laminate or LVP for comfort, especially if you enjoy walking barefoot. Choose lighter finishes to enhance the calming summer feel.
Basement
Basements can feel damp and muggy in summer. Combat that with LVP, which resists moisture and keeps the temperature stable without warping.
Tips to maximize the cooling effect
Your flooring choice sets the foundation, but you can take it further with these tips:
- Use lighter colors: light flooring reflects heat and enhances natural light.
- Install underlayments that promote airflow and moisture control.
- Choose matte finishes over high-gloss, they retain less radiant heat.
- Add light rugs in high-use areas to protect floors and keep things cool.
- Pair with sheer curtains or solar shades to limit heat from windows.
Why choose MAR Flooring for summer renovations
At MAR Flooring, we don’t just sell and install flooring, we help homeowners create homes that feel better year-round. When it comes to summer-friendly flooring, our expertise makes all the difference:
- Personalized guidance on which materials stay coolest in Missouri and Illinois homes.
- Fast, professional installation with a trained team you can trust.
- LVP and laminate in stock now, ready to transform your space this season.
- Price-match guarantee and 1-year service warranty for total peace of mind.
We understand your home is more than just a place, it’s where you live, rest, and entertain. That’s why we’re committed to helping you make it feel exactly how it should: cool, clean, and comfortable.
Don’t let the summer heat take over your home.
Explore MAR Flooring’s summer-friendly flooring options and create a cooler, more inviting space today.