Why do floors cup in North Carolina? We explain how high humidity affects solid hardwood and why Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Engineered Wood are the best choices for Southern homes in Charlotte and Raleigh.
Quick Answer: What is the Best Flooring for Humid Climates?
In North Carolina, the best flooring options are Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Engineered Hardwood. Because the Southeast experiences extreme humidity swings (hot, sticky summers and dry winters), traditional solid hardwood often “cups” or gaps as it expands and contracts. LVP is 100% waterproof and dimensionally stable, making it immune to humidity. Engineered Hardwood uses a cross-ply construction that resists warping, allowing for the real wood look without the instability.
If you live in Charlotte, Raleigh, or the surrounding areas, you know that humidity is just a part of life. But while you can escape the heat in the air conditioning, your floors cannot escape the moisture in the air.
The number one complaint we hear from homeowners with solid wood floors in the South is “cupping,” where the edges of the boards curl up due to moisture absorption.
To build a floor that lasts in the South, you have to choose materials that can handle the swampy summers.
Key Notes
- The Science: Wood is hygroscopic (absorbs water). Vinyl is hydrophobic (repels water).
- The Risk: Solid wood planks wider than 3 inches are at high risk of cupping in NC.
- The Solution: LVP ignores humidity changes completely.
- The Compromise: Engineered wood offers the beauty of oak with a stable plywood core.
Quick Glance: Humidity Resistance by Material
| Feature | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | Engineered Hardwood | Solid Hardwood | Laminate |
| Humidity Stability | Perfect (No movement) | High (Cross-ply core) | Low (Expands/Contracts) | Low (Core swells) |
| Cupping Risk | None | Very Low | High | Moderate |
| Waterproof? | Yes | No | No | No |
| Best for NC? | #1 Choice | #2 Choice | Risky (Requires HVAC) | Avoid in basements |
The “Cupping” Phenomenon
In North Carolina, we often see floors look perfect in January but start to look wavy in August. This is called cupping.
- Summer: The air is wet. Solid wood absorbs this moisture and expands. Since the boards are jammed together, they have nowhere to go but up at the edges.
- Winter: The heat is on, drying out the air. The wood shrinks, leaving ugly gaps between the boards that trap dust.
Luxury Vinyl Plank does not have this problem. It remains the exact same size regardless of the weather outside.
The Crawlspace Factor
Many homes in North Carolina are built on crawlspaces. This means your subfloor is sitting just a few feet above damp earth. Moisture vapor rises from the ground and attacks your floor from underneath.
- Why LVP Wins: High-quality LVP acts as a barrier. When installed with a proper moisture barrier, it stops that dampness from entering your living space.
- Why Solid Wood Fails: If you install solid oak over a damp crawlspace without massive preparation, it will almost certainly warp within the first year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I install wide plank hardwood in North Carolina?
If you want wide planks (5 inches or wider), you must use Engineered Hardwood. Solid wood in wide planks is too unstable for our climate and will almost certainly cup. Engineered wood gives you that wide, luxury look with a stable core that handles the humidity.
2. Do I need a dehumidifier for my floors?
If you have solid hardwood, yes. Manufacturers typically require you to keep your home’s humidity between 35% and 55% year-round to maintain the warranty. With LVP, you do not need to worry about maintaining strict humidity levels for the sake of the floor.
Conclusion
- Choose LVP if: You want a “set it and forget it” floor that ignores the NC weather.
- Choose Engineered Wood if: You demand real timber but want the stability required for the South.
- Next Step: Don’t let the humidity ruin your investment. Book a free consultation to see our climate-proof flooring options.
