The Best Flooring Options for a Coastal Home
When designing a home near the water, flooring isn’t just about looks. It has to handle sand, humidity, and the ebb and flow of coastal living. Whether you’re designing a laid-back beach cottage or a refined vacation home, these are four of our go-to flooring choices for durability and timeless style.
White Oak Engineered Hardwood
As seen in our Gulf Drive Project
Why we love it: Timeless, natural, and durable
White Oak Engineered Hardwood is a go-to for coastal interiors. Its soft, neutral hues enhance natural light and provide a clean foundation for layered decor, coastal blues, and relaxed styling. We often use wide planks to visually expand smaller island cottages. The matte and wire-brushed finish stands up well to wear from sand and humidity, making it ideal for Florida’s coastal conditions.
Large Format Tile
As seen in our Bayview Boulevard Project
Why we love it: Light, breezy, and beach-house approved
In homes where function and flow are just as important as style, large-format tile is a smart choice. It brings a clean, continuous feel to open-concept layouts while staying cool underfoot—perfect for Florida’s heat. The scale helps reduce grout lines, which means less maintenance and a more modern, seamless look. We especially love how it anchors contemporary kitchens (like the one pictured here) with subtle warmth and polish.
Wood-Look Tile
As seen in our Costa Mariner Project
Why we use it: Water-resistant, natural-looking, and tough
For homes where durability matters but style can’t be compromised, we often turn to porcelain wood-look tile. It’s a practical choice that still feels elevated—bringing in the texture and tone of natural wood with the performance of tile. In this home, we used it throughout to create a soft, cohesive foundation that works across bedrooms, living spaces, and even high-traffic areas. The gentle grain and light finish evoke the feel of wood, grounding the interiors in an easy, beach-ready look that doesn’t demand constant upkeep.
Oversized Terrazzo Inspired Tile
As seen in our Coastal Contempo Project
Why we use it: Cool underfoot, organic texture, timeless finish
Inspired by tumbled travertine and Mediterranean stone, this tile adds depth and character to coastal homes. We love the oversized scale, which feels both modern and timeless. These tiles stay cool in the Florida heat and reflect the soft, sandy tones of nearby dunes. Whether on a covered porch or inside a pool bath, they’re an elegant, functional choice for indoor-outdoor living.
Designing with Coastal Living in Mind
Every project we design near the water starts with materials that reflect the lifestyle—light-filled, low-maintenance, and effortlessly beautiful. These flooring choices don’t just look good in photos; they hold up to sandy feet, salty air, and the rhythms of daily life on Anna Maria Island. Whether you're building from the ground up or updating a beloved beach house, the right foundation underfoot makes all the difference.
Looking for flooring that brings your beach dream home to life? From custom material sourcing to full-home design, we specialize in creating luxury spaces that reflect your lifestyle and the island’s natural beauty. Contact EMD to get started or follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes design reveals, product finds, and coastal inspiration.