June 10, 2025
Hardwood vs. Luxury Vinyl: Which Is Better for Boulder Homes?
May 19, 2025
By Garrett Braun, Darn Good Flooring CEO – Front Range’s Trusted Local Flooring Experts If you’re a homeowner in the Front Range, you know Colorado’s climate is as beautiful as it is fickle. With dry air, wild temperature swings, and snowy winters, choosing the right flooring isn’t just about style—it’s about durability and performance in our specific conditions. At Darn Good Flooring , we help homeowners make smart, long-lasting flooring decisions that stand up to the Front Range’s environment. Understanding the Climate Challenges Colorado’s semi-arid climate presents a few flooring-specific challenges: 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. So, what flooring works best in the Front Range? Let’s break it down. 1. Engineered Hardwood: Beauty + Stability If you love the timeless look of wood, engineered hardwood is a strong contender. Built with layered construction, it’s more resistant to the effects of dry air and temperature shifts than solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood brings warmth and elegance, even in Colorado's dry conditions. Pros: 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. Tips: Use a humidifier during the winter to protect your floors and consider matte finishes to reduce the appearance of minor scratches from tracked-in snow or dirt.