How Humidity Impacts Flooring and What You Can Do About It

Humidity can be hard on floors.

Whether it’s from daily showers, cooking steam, or moisture buildup in the basement, excess humidity has the potential to affect the way flooring performs over time.

Certain materials are more sensitive to environmental changes than others. Knowing how humidity interacts with various flooring materials, identifying early warning signs, and implementing preventative measures will help you protect your floors and avoid costly repairs.

How Humidity Affects Flooring Materials

Even when water isn’t visible, elevated humidity can affect how flooring looks, feels, and performs. The risk isn’t limited to leaks or spills. Daily moisture in the air can cause changes over time, especially in rooms with poor ventilation or inconsistent climate control.

Some flooring materials are more vulnerable to these effects, while others are better suited for humid environments. Understanding how different materials respond helps you avoid issues like swelling, warping, or mildew.

Flooring Types That Are Sensitive to Humidity

Some materials are more likely to show signs of damage when exposed to consistent humidity or moisture over time. Moisture in the air causes many flooring materials to expand and contract. This repeated movement puts stress on boards, seams, and adhesives, which can result in visible damage. These changes often go unnoticed until they affect the floor’s appearance or structural integrity.

Areas with poor ventilation, inconsistent heating, or higher moisture levels are more prone to issues.

Hardwood

Wood is naturally porous and absorbs moisture from the air. As humidity rises, hardwood planks expand. When the air dries out, they contract. This ongoing movement can cause wear over time, which is why it’s important to keep indoor humidity levels stable.

Signs of humidity-related movement include:

• Gaps between boards during dry periods
• Raised edges (cupping) from moisture exposure
• Surface cracks or minor buckling in extreme cases

Engineered hardwood is generally more stable than solid wood but can still be affected if moisture is excessive or fluctuates frequently.

Laminate

Laminate flooring typically has a fiberboard core, which absorbs moisture easily. If the laminate isn’t specifically designed to resist water, even limited exposure to humidity can lead to swelling and damage.

Humidity-related concerns with laminate include:

• Warping or raised edges
• Peeling of the top wear layer
• A soft or unstable feel underfoot

Standard laminate should not be used in high-humidity spaces unless it’s specifically rated for moisture resistance.

Carpet

Humidity can have a significant impact on carpet, particularly on what’s beneath the surface. Moisture trapped in the padding or subfloor can lead to mold, mildew, or unpleasant odors.

When humidity is high, carpet may:

• Feel damp or musty over time
• Harbor mold or mildew in the underlayment
• Wear down faster due to moisture exposure

Synthetic fibers perform better than natural ones in these environments, but ventilation and moisture barriers are still key to long-term performance.

Flooring Materials That Withstand Humidity

Other flooring types are designed to perform well in moisture-prone areas. They resist swelling, warping, and mold, making them strong options for bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and entryways.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl (LVP or LVT) is built for durability in high-humidity areas. Its waterproof construction helps it remain stable regardless of indoor moisture levels.

Benefits include:

• Strong resistance to water and humidity
• Little to no expansion or contraction
• Easy cleanup and low maintenance

Even so, it should be installed over a dry, level subfloor with a moisture barrier as needed.

Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tile are virtually unaffected by humidity. They’re dense, nonporous, and dimensionally stable, which makes them ideal for wet or humid conditions.

Properly installed tile offers:

• Long-term resistance to moisture
• No swelling, buckling, or warping
• Simple upkeep with routine cleaning

Grout and backing materials should be chosen carefully and sealed to prevent moisture infiltration below the surface.

How to Respond to Common Flooring Problems

Gaps in Hardwood

Small seasonal gaps are normal. However, persistent or large gaps may indicate low humidity or installation issues.

Recommended steps:

• Monitor indoor humidity, ideally between 35% and 55%
• Use a humidifier during dry months to stabilize moisture levels
• Avoid filling gaps unless advised by a flooring professional

Cupping and Buckling

Raised edges or buckling usually point to excess moisture exposure.

What to do:

• Identify and eliminate moisture sources such as leaks or condensation
• Increase ventilation with fans or dehumidifiers
• Consult a professional if flooring does not return to normal shape

Damp or Musty Carpet

Persistent dampness signals trapped moisture, increasing risk for mold.

Suggested actions:

• Improve airflow in the affected room
• Use a dehumidifier to maintain proper humidity levels
• Replace carpet padding if mold or odor persists

Best Installation Practices

A successful flooring installation in a humid area depends on more than product choice. Even the most moisture-resistant materials can fail if they’re not installed correctly. Whether you’re finishing a basement or remodeling a bathroom, the right prep and methods make a measurable difference.

Key considerations include:

• Acclimation – Flooring should sit in the room where it will be installed for at least 48–72 hours so it can adjust to the ambient humidity. Skipping this step often leads to movement or gaps later.
• Moisture barriers – In basements, slab-on-grade foundations, or other moisture-prone areas, underlayments or vapor barriers are critical. These protect both the flooring and subfloor from slow moisture buildup.
• Product ratings – Not every flooring labeled “durable” is suited for high humidity. Look for products specifically rated for kitchens, bathrooms, or below-grade rooms.
• Installer experience – Proper installation methods vary by material. A trained professional who understands moisture management will know how to select adhesives, allow for expansion, and install the right underlayment.

When these factors are addressed up front, floors last longer and require fewer repairs, especially in moisture-sensitive areas.

Ongoing Maintenance

Even moisture-resistant flooring benefits from thoughtful upkeep. Routine maintenance not only keeps floors looking their best but also helps prevent long-term issues caused by trapped humidity or standing water.

Here are a few habits that help:

• Clean up promptly: Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible. This is especially important on hardwood, laminate, and carpet, where moisture can soak in quickly.
• Choose the right cleaning methods: Avoid steam cleaners or soaking wet mops. Use a damp (not wet) mop for vinyl or tile, and dry methods for hardwood and laminate.
• Protect high-risk areas: Entryways, sinks, tubs, and laundry zones benefit from area rugs or mats that catch drips and splashes. Choose moisture-resistant rugs with non-slip backings.
• Manage indoor air: Regular HVAC service helps maintain balanced humidity year-round. In closed-off or windowless rooms, consider adding a dehumidifier or using an exhaust fan after daily use.

Consistent care helps minimize movement, discoloration, or odor caused by moisture and supports the long-term performance of your flooring investment.

Best Flooring Options for Humid Areas

In rooms where moisture and humidity are part of daily life—like bathrooms, laundry areas, basements, and entryways—it’s best to choose flooring that resists swelling, warping, or mold growth.

Not every moisture-resistant floor works in every space. The right choice depends on the room’s purpose, ventilation, and how often it deals with water or steam.

Top choices for humid areas include:

• Luxury vinyl (LVP or LVT)
• Porcelain or ceramic tile
• Engineered hardwood
• Water-resistant laminate

Lasting Protection for Your Floors

Moisture is an inherent part of daily life in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other spaces. However, with the right materials and careful attention to detail, it does not have to inflict lasting damage.

At Ambassador Flooring, we help homeowners in St. Louis, MO, Chesterfield, MO find flooring that withstands humidity without compromising style, comfort, or durability. Whether updating a single room or building from the ground up, our team can guide you toward durable, low-maintenance options that fit both your needs and your space.