Selecting the right flooring for your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re upgrading a single room or planning a full renovation, the flooring you choose affects your home’s comfort, value, and long-term durability. As the trusted local flooring specialists in the area, Best Floors & More has put together essential flooring tips for O’Fallon, MO homeowners to help you make the best choices for your home and lifestyle.
From choosing materials to maintaining your floors through Missouri’s humid seasons, these expert tips will help you get the most out of your investment.
1. Choose the Right Flooring for Missouri’s Seasonal Changes
O’Fallon experiences humidity in summer and dry air in winter—conditions that can affect certain flooring types.
Here’s what works best:
✔ Hardwood (with proper acclimation)
Hardwood is a timeless choice, but in Missouri it must be acclimated inside the home for several days before installation. This allows the planks to adjust to the home’s temperature and humidity, reducing the risk of expansion, contraction, and seasonal gaps. Engineered hardwood is especially popular in O’Fallon because it handles climate changes better than solid wood.
✔ Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
A top choice for O’Fallon homes—water-resistant, durable, and stable in changing temperatures. LVP is one of the most climate-friendly flooring options for Missouri homes. It resists moisture, handles temperature fluctuations well, and doesn’t expand or contract easily. It’s ideal for basements, kitchens, and busy households where durability and water resistance matter.
✔ Laminate Flooring
Great for durability and cost-effectiveness, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. Laminate offers excellent scratch resistance and affordability, making it a practical choice for families and pet owners. When installed with proper underlayment, it performs well through Missouri’s humidity swings—especially in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways.
Before deciding, ask your installer how each material performs in Missouri climates.
2. Consider Lifestyle Before Choosing Flooring
Every O’Fallon home is different. Before choosing floors, ask:
- Do you have pets or kids?
- Do you want low-maintenance flooring?
- Do you need moisture-resistant options for kitchens or basements?
- Are you looking for comfort or long-term durability?
Recommended options:
| Lifestyle | Best Flooring Option |
|---|---|
| Busy families | LVP or engineered hardwood |
| Pet owners | Scratch-resistant LVP |
| Luxury upgrade | Solid or engineered hardwood |
| Budget-conscious | Laminate |
3. Protect Your Floors from O’Fallon Weather
Missouri weather can be tough on flooring. O’Fallon’s mix of humid summers, dry winters, and sudden temperature swings can affect how well your flooring ages. Taking a few preventive steps can dramatically extend the life and appearance of hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and carpet. Here’s how to keep floors looking great:
✔ Use entry mats
Protect your floors from dirt, moisture, and rock salt during winter. Entry mats help block moisture, dirt, and winter rock salt from reaching your floors. In Missouri winters, salt can scratch hardwood and stain laminate, so a two-mat system (one outdoor, one indoor) offers the best protection.
✔ Maintain consistent indoor humidity
Keeps hardwood floors stable and prevents gaps or cupping. Hardwood floors respond to humidity changes by expanding or contracting. Running a humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier in summer keeps humidity stable and prevents problems like gapping, cupping, or buckling.
✔ Clean spills quickly
Moisture can damage hardwood and laminate if left untreated. Because Missouri weather often brings rain, mud, and snow, quick cleanup is essential. Standing moisture can warp hardwood, seep under LVP, and cause swelling in laminate boards. A simple wipe-down can prevent long-term damage.
✔ Use felt pads under furniture
Prevents scratching from chairs or heavy furniture. Seasonal dryness can make furniture legs more prone to scratching hardwood or laminate. Felt pads create a smooth buffer, reducing friction and protecting your floor’s finish—especially in high-traffic living areas.
A few simple steps can extend your floor’s lifespan significantly.
4. Know the Difference Between Floor Types Before Buying
Many homeowners believe hardwood, laminate, and vinyl are similar— but they perform differently.
Hardwood Flooring
-
- Timeless appearance
- Can be refinished
- Great for long-term resale value
- Timeless appearance
Engineered Hardwood
-
- Looks like hardwood
- Better for humidity
- Ideal for main floors
- Looks like hardwood
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
-
- Waterproof
- Extremely durable
- Great for basements, kitchens, and families
- Waterproof
Laminate Flooring
-
- Scratch-resistant
- Affordable
- Ideal for bedrooms & hallways
- Scratch-resistant
Understanding these differences helps you choose flooring that fits your lifestyle.
5. Don’t Skip Professional Installation
Even the best flooring will fail if installed poorly. Professional installation ensures:
- Proper leveling
- Subfloor preparation
- Clean transitions
- Long-lasting durability
- Warranty protection
At Best Floors & More, we make sure your floors are installed correctly the first time—saving you time, stress, and money.
6. Schedule Seasonal Floor Maintenance
To keep your floors looking new year-round:
Spring: Deep clean flooring after winter salt and moisture exposure.
Summer: Use dehumidifiers to protect hardwood.
Fall: Inspect for gaps, wear, or scratches.
Winter: Use humidifiers to prevent hardwood shrinkage.
Consistent care protects your investment and helps floors last longer.
Why O’Fallon Homeowners Trust Best Floors & More
Homeowners choose us because:
- We provide expert flooring recommendations
- Our installation quality is unmatched
- We carry high-grade materials that last
- We offer honest quotes and local customer support
- Our team understands Missouri homes and climate
If you want trusted flooring advice and installation in O’Fallon, we’re here to help.
Ready to Upgrade Your Floors in O’Fallon, MO?
Whether you need guidance choosing flooring or you’re ready to install new hardwood, LVP, laminate, or carpet, Best Floors & More is the team O’Fallon homeowners rely on.
📞 Call us for a free flooring consultation: (636) 378-5644
📅 Schedule an in-home estimate: bestfloorsllc.com/contact-us/
🏠 Visit our showroom to explore materials: 1617 E Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO 63366
We’re here to help you create a home you’ll love walking into every day.
