Knowing the best type of flooring for direct sunlight can save you a lot of trouble down the line if you like to have natural sunlight within your home.
In this article we will explore the best type of flooring for direct sunlight, so you don’t have to worry about letting the sun into your home, as well as some alternatives.
Why Sunlight Damages Floors
Not every floor stands up to direct sunlight as well as others. The main damaging aspect of sunlight is the UV rays.
UV rays can damage the floor’s colors very quickly. It doesn’t usually fade the floor in an even, uniform way either. Floors that are exposed to direct sunlight often fade in patterns of splotches or squares from where it came through a windowpane and hit the floor.
Not every room in your house is going to be hit with sunlight. So, you only need to be concerned with the flooring that is near windows and receive a lot of sunshine throughout the day. If the flooring is near a southwestern-facing window, it will fade faster than in other areas of the house.
Also, where your house is located makes a big difference as well. If you live in an area that is warm year-round, you’re going to potentially have more issues with heat and sunlight than if you live in a cooler or less sunny area.
Prevent Sunlight Fading on Floors
One of the most common ways that sunlight ruins floors is by fading the color. Steps to take to prevent sunlight from damaging your floors include:
- Keep curtains or blinds closed on bright days
- Direct horizontal blinds upwards to reflect toward the ceiling rather than directly onto the floor
- Install window film that filters out UV light
- Upgrade your windows with laminated or low-E coated glass that blocks up to 99% of UV rays
Floors that Resist Fading from Sunlight
Choose a floor that will not easily fade. Some of the best fade-resistant floors include:
- Concrete – To make it even more resistant to sunlight fading, choose a UV resistant paint or a resin coat.
- Hardwood – Stain the wood with a protective sealant that is resistant to UV rays.
- Laminate – Choose a high-quality laminate that will stand up to sunlight. Most laminates will not fade in the direct sun. However, laying the planks so that they run away from the window will allow the sunlight to fall along the length of the plank instead of across the width and make it less noticeable if it fades.
- LVT Luxury Vinyl Tile – Many choose LVT because it looks luxurious at a much lower cost. Not all vinyl is the same, however. Choose one that will handle a lot of light. The flooring manufacturer should be able to tell you honestly which vinyl floor will hold up better than others.
- Tile – Not every tile will resist the damaging rays of sunshine, but there are some that will such as a hard ceramic tile.
UV Resistant Seal
If you choose to use wood floors in a sunlit room, seal it with a good UV-resistant stain or sealant. Otherwise, expect to reseal the floor frequently.
The Best Floors for Sunlit Rooms
Finally, there are some floors that tend to work better than others at standing up to UV rays. Choices such as bamboo, oak, or pine work well in rooms with lots of sunshine. If you prefer a tile floor, choose a hard ceramic tile floor that will be easy to clean and last for years.
Additionally, wood, tile, or other hard floor options offer durability for a long time. Carpet, vinyl, or laminate floors tend to be most susceptible to fading over time.
Choose Neutral Colors
Also, consider the color of the flooring. Light or neutral colors reflect sunlight a lot better than darker options. Light colors absorb less heat and keep the room cooler. Lighter color hardwood floors tend to not show any change when exposed to sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Fading caused by the UV rays of sunlight hitting a floor occurs naturally and can make the entire room look old before its time. It may seem like an expensive choice to select a floor that will stand up to sunlight, but in the long run, it will be an investment you will be glad you made.
Choosing the best floor for sunlit rooms will eventually save you a lot of money in replacing or resurfacing the entire floor later down the road.
When a floor is damaged, it can ruin the look of the entire room. Choose the best type of flooring for direct sunlight, or refinish an existing floor with a UV-resistant sealant while taking some helpful steps to reduce the damaging rays from hitting the floor in the first place.