Santa Monica, CA

We supply durable hardwood flooring products, engineered to thrive in Santa Monica. Living by the coast means your home enjoys ocean breezes and a laid-back style, but the seaside climate also brings humidity, salt air, and sand that can affect your floors. We understand these local conditions and help Santa Monica homeowners choose wood floors that look great and last in this beachside environment. Our team provides personalized guidance to find the ideal flooring for your project, backed by professional installation and support.

Have questions or need more information?

Call or Text us at (818) 917-7736

Showroom Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11 AM to 4 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 3 PM

Choosing the Right Wood Floors for Santa Monica Homes

Selecting wood flooring in a coastal area like Santa Monica requires balancing beauty with durability. Coastal homes experience constant exposure to moisture from humidity and salt air, which can cause some flooring materials to warp or buckle. Solid hardwood is a classic choice for its natural beauty, but it is prone to warping in humid conditions. Instead, many Santa Monica homeowners opt for engineered hardwood or other moisture-resistant options. Engineered wood floors have a layered construction that reduces expansion and contraction from humidity, making them more stable near the ocean. For areas prone to wet footprints or high moisture (like entryways or ground-level slabs), waterproof flooring such as luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is also worth considering. LVP offers the look of wood with excellent water resistance and easy maintenance. Our role is to help you weigh these options based on Santa Monica’s climate and your lifestyle, so you get a wood floor that performs well and complements your home’s style.

How Engineered Hardwood Handles Coastal Conditions

Engineered hardwood flooring is especially well-suited for Santa Monica’s coastal conditions. Unlike solid wood, engineered planks consist of a real wood veneer over a stable core (often plywood or birch), which makes them more resistant to humidity changes and warping. This improved stability means engineered hardwood can handle the ocean air and seasonal moisture better, maintaining a tight, level appearance without excessive gapping or cupping. Engineered wood floors are generally less prone to moisture damage, allowing installation in places where solid wood might not be ideal (such as over concrete slabs or in semi-humid areas). Santa Monica’s mild but damp marine layer won’t easily faze a quality engineered hardwood which has a layered design to keep the planks stable when moisture in the air rises and falls. Keep in mind that while engineered hardwood tolerates coastal humidity, it is still real wood and not completely waterproof. That’s why we ensure proper installation techniques (like moisture barriers and sealing of gaps) to give your engineered floors the best protection against the elements. With the right product choice and installation, an engineered hardwood floor will thrive in Santa Monica’s climate and give you long-lasting natural warmth.

Wood Species Trends and Finishes Popular in Santa Monica

Santa Monica’s interior design style often blends beachy casual with modern elegance, and current wood flooring trends reflect that. Many homeowners here favor lighter-toned woods and matte finishes that create an airy, open feel in tune with the coastal vibe. White oak is especially popular. This versatile species offers soft grain patterns and can be finished in light, natural or driftwood-gray tones that brighten up a space. Design experts recommend light, brushed European oak planks with matte finishes as an ideal foundation for a coastal-inspired interior, maximizing natural light and a serene atmosphere. Along with oak, other durable species like maple or hickory are used for their hardness and ability to take a variety of stains. In terms of finishes, Santa Monica trends lean toward low-gloss or oil-finished floors which hide small scratches (useful when sand might get tracked in) and give a relaxed, natural look. Whether you love a classic natural oak, a chic gray finish, or a warm walnut, we can help you find a wood floor that captures Santa Monica’s coastal style and your personal taste.

Comparing Hardwood, Laminate, and LVP in Beachside Environments

Not sure which type of flooring is best for your Santa Monica beach-area home? Here’s a quick comparison of hardwood vs. laminate vs. luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in coastal conditions:

Real hardwood offers unparalleled natural beauty and adds value to your home. In a beachside environment, engineered hardwood (a type of hardwood) is generally preferable to solid planks because it’s more dimensionally stable and handles humidity better. Solid hardwood can still be used if your home has controlled humidity, but it may warp or buckle with excess moisture. Both solid and engineered wood feel warm underfoot and can last decades, but they are not water-proof, so spills or sand should be cleaned promptly to avoid damage.

Laminate is a synthetic, wood-look floor made of a fiberboard core with a photographic wood image on top. It’s typically more affordable than hardwood and resistant to scratches. However, in coastal areas laminate is not the best performer against moisture – standard laminate planks are not waterproof and can swell or delaminate with prolonged humidity or water exposure. If you love the price and look of laminate, you’d need to be cautious about moisture (or explore newer water-resistant laminates). In a Santa Monica home, laminate is fine in dry areas but less ideal near entryways where wet feet or damp air are common.

LVP is a highly popular choice for coastal homes because it is 100% waterproof and very durable. These planks are made of vinyl/PVC but mimic hardwood surprisingly well with textured surfaces and realistic prints. LVP can handle humidity, spills, and sandy feet without warping, making it a low-maintenance option for beachside living. It’s also softer and quieter underfoot than laminate. The trade-off is that LVP isn’t real wood – you won’t get the exact natural feel or potential property value boost of genuine hardwood. That said, for areas like basements, bathrooms, or ocean-facing patios where water is a concern, LVP provides peace of mind while still giving a wood-like aesthetic.

Each of these options has a role in Santa Monica homes. We’re happy to walk you through the pros and cons in more detail and show samples of hardwood, laminate, and LVP, so you can make an informed decision that fits both your style and the coastal environment.

Concrete Subfloors, Elevated Foundations, and Flooring Compatibility

Homes in Santa Monica come in various construction types – some are built on concrete slab subfloors, while others have elevated foundations (raised wood subfloors). The type of subfloor in your home will influence the installation method and even the choice of flooring. If your home is on a concrete slab (common in many Southern California houses and condos), we typically recommend using engineered hardwood or other floating/glue-down floors that are compatible with concrete. Engineered wood is often the go-to for slabs because it can be glued down directly and offers the stability needed for on-grade concrete installation. Before installation, our team will test the moisture levels of the concrete to ensure it’s dry enough, since concrete can absorb and emit moisture from the ground. Proper moisture barriers or sealants are used as needed – this step is critical because even though engineered wood tolerates some humidity, excess moisture in concrete must be managed to prevent problems later. We follow industry best practices to make sure your beautiful new floor and the concrete subfloor coexist safely without issues.

If your Santa Monica home has an elevated foundation (for example, a crawl space or second-story floor with plywood subfloor), you have more flexibility. Nail-down hardwood installations are possible on wood subfloors, which means even solid hardwood planks can be used if desired (since we can secure them to the plywood). Of course, engineered hardwood works great on raised foundations too since it can be nailed, stapled, or floated, and tends to handle the slightly variable temperatures of a raised foundation space well. One advantage of raised foundations is that they are less susceptible to ground moisture than slabs, but we still ensure proper ventilation in the crawl space and underfloor insulation if needed to minimize humidity. No matter your foundation type, we will recommend flooring products that are compatible with your subfloor and environment. Our installation team has experience with both concrete and wood subfloors in coastal Southern California, so we’ll choose the right underlayments, adhesives, or nailing techniques to guarantee a lasting installation.

Daily Care Tips for Hardwood Flooring Near the Ocean

Living by the beach is wonderful, but the sand, salt, and moisture can be tough on hardwood flooring. Fortunately, a few simple habits will keep your floors looking their best. Follow these daily care tips to protect your wood floors in Santa Monica’s oceanfront environment:

Keep humidity in check with AC or a dehumidifier

Use durable mats at entryways

Vacuum with a soft brush attachment to avoid scratches

Wipe up spills or saltwater immediately

Refresh protective finishes as needed

We’re happy to recommend the right care products and help you keep your floors in top condition.

Engineered Flooring Options That Fit Santa Monica’s Lifestyle

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to wood flooring. That’s why we offer a wide range of engineered hardwood options to suit different households – from families with active kids and pets to homeowners focused on design. Some of our modern engineered wood collections feature stable birch cores and durable finishes that help withstand everyday wear, sand, and moisture. We carry styles ranging from wide-plank European oak to classic walnut, with textured or brushed surfaces to help mask minor scuffs. Whether your priority is durability, ease of care, or a specific color tone, we can help you find an engineered wood floor that fits your lifestyle and Santa Monica’s coastal environment.

Installation and Product Support for Santa Monica Projects

Choosing a great product is only part of the equation. Proper installation and support ensure your flooring performs as expected. At EKO FLOORING, we handle everything from subfloor prep to final walkthrough. Our team has experience working in older homes, modern condos, and beach-facing properties. We check moisture levels, apply necessary barriers, and let your floors acclimate to the local environment. We use precise installation methods based on your subfloor type. Once your flooring is installed, we remain available for ongoing support, helping you with questions about maintenance, warranty, or anything else.

Explore Samples or Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re ready to explore hardwood, laminate, or LVP flooring for your Santa Monica home, visit our showroom or schedule an in-home consultation. Browse our samples and we will guide you through options based on your space and goals. Contact us today to get started.