Best Flooring Options for Colorado’s Climate: What Works in the Front Range Area?
- Dry Air: Low humidity can cause some flooring materials to shrink, crack, or gap over time.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Wild temperature swings from day to night can affect material stability.
- Snow and Moisture: Winters bring snow, salt, and mud—all of which can wreak havoc on unprotected floors.
- More dimensionally stable than solid wood
- Withstands dry climates better
- Offers a real wood surface
- Higher end products are even able to be sanded and refinished one or two times in the life of the product.
2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Durable & Water-Proof
Luxury vinyl plank offers the perfect blend of durability, style, and moisture resistance. It’s an excellent choice for active households and high-traffic areas—especially when wet boots are in the mix.
LVP looks like wood but resists moisture, scratches, and wear—perfect for Front Range winters.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof
- Handles daily temperature shifts
- Low maintenance and budget-friendly
Best For: Entryways, kitchens, mudrooms, and basements.
3. Tile Flooring: Ideal for Wet, High-Traffic Areas
Porcelain or ceramic tile is nearly indestructible when it comes to water, making it a go-to for snowy, slushy Front Range winters. Plus, it pairs perfectly with radiant heating systems.
Tile flooring holds up to moisture and looks clean year-round—even with snow boots.
Pros:
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Extremely durable
- Great compatibility with heated floors
Watch Out For: Tile can be cold underfoot without radiant heating, and grout may need sealing over time.
4. Cork or Bamboo: Eco-Friendly and Resilient
Many Front Range residents care deeply about sustainability. Cork and bamboo are excellent green flooring options that also offer comfort and insulation. When properly maintained, they handle Colorado’s conditions well.
Eco-friendly cork or bamboo gives you style, warmth, and peace of mind.
Pros:
- Renewable and sustainable
- Soft, warm, and comfortable underfoot
- Resistant to mold and mildew
Tip: Keep humidity levels balanced and re-seal as needed to prolong lifespan.
5. Reclaimed Barn Wood: Sustainable and Elegant
We at Darn Good Flooring do install hardwood in the Front Range and it is still a great option. If you do go that route, we recommend that you stick to 2-¼ inch or less width planks. Another incredible option, if you have some room in your budget, is reclaimed barn wood. The wood we have is from Colorado Wood and Metal and is kiln-dried to less than 5% moisture, so it is much more resilient to the dry climate of Colorado than typical solid hardwood.
Reclaimed barn wood is the most eco-friendly option we have and it adds immense character to your Front Range home.
Pros:
- Up-cycled and sustainable
- Unique character and warm feel
- Kiln-dried to resist cracking and gaps.
Final Thoughts from Darn Good Flooring
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to flooring. Your lifestyle, budget, and specific space needs all factor into the best choice. At Darn Good Flooring, we’re proud to help Front Range homeowners select flooring that’s not only beautiful but built to thrive in Colorado’s unique climate.
Need help choosing the right floor for your Front Range home?
Contact Darn Good Flooring today to schedule a free in-home consultation. We’ll help you find a flooring solution that’s stylish, durable, and Darn Good.