Beat the Heat: Cool Flooring Options for a Comfortable Summer
By Levis4FloorsOH | May 30, 2025
When summer temperatures soar, staying comfortable at home becomes a top priority. While you might think about cranking up the A/C or investing in blackout curtains, there’s another smart way to help your home stay cooler: your flooring.
At Levi’s 4 Floors, we know that choosing the right floor can make a noticeable difference in how your home feels during the warmer months. In fact, some flooring materials naturally stay cooler underfoot—helping you create a more comfortable, inviting space while also potentially easing the strain on your air conditioner.
In this post, we’ll explore the best flooring options to keep your home cooler in the summer, and how to make smart design choices that blend beauty, durability, and seasonal comfort.
How Flooring Affects Indoor Temperature
Your flooring covers every room in your home, making it one of the most impactful surfaces for comfort. Certain materials retain heat, while others release it more quickly or remain cool to the touch—especially beneficial when you’re trying to beat the summer heat.
Some of the key factors that influence how cool a flooring material feels include:
- Thermal conductivity – Materials that transfer heat quickly tend to feel cooler.
- Color and finish – Light colors reflect sunlight and heat better than darker tones.
- Material density – Denser materials typically hold onto less ambient heat.
- Airflow and insulation – The underlayment beneath your floors can also influence temperature comfort.
The good news? There are plenty of attractive and effective options that check the boxes for both comfort and style.
Top Cool Flooring Options to Consider This Summer
Below are some of our favorite flooring solutions to help your home stay cool when the weather heats up:
1. Porcelain and Ceramic Tile: Naturally Cool and Always Stylish
When it comes to cool flooring, porcelain and ceramic tile are top contenders. These dense, non-porous materials naturally stay cooler underfoot, making them ideal for warm-weather living.
Why Homeowners Love It:
- Stays cool even in rooms with lots of sunlight.
- Durable and water-resistant—perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
- Available in a wide variety of styles, from modern to classic.
Style Tip: Choose large-format tiles in neutral tones like beige, cream, or light gray to reflect heat and make spaces feel more open.
2. Natural Stone Tile: Cool Comfort with Timeless Appeal
Stone tile options like slate, travertine, or limestone offer natural cooling properties while elevating the look of any space. These materials absorb heat slowly and typically stay cooler to the touch than many other surfaces.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Excellent thermal properties for naturally regulating temperature.
- Each piece of stone features unique variations, adding character and luxury.
- Works beautifully indoors and can transition seamlessly to patios or covered outdoor spaces.
Care Note: Stone tile is long-lasting and can maintain its cool feel with basic care. Ask our team about sealing and maintenance tips to keep it looking beautiful year after year.
3. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): A Comfortable and Cool Alternative
Luxury Vinyl Plank continues to grow in popularity—and for good reason. In addition to its durability and wide design selection, LVP can help your home feel more comfortable in warmer months.
Why It Works Well in Summer:
- Resists heat buildup better than many traditional flooring materials.
- Provides comfort underfoot without sacrificing appearance.
- Available in designs that mimic hardwood, stone, or tile—without the maintenance or cost.
Bonus: Many LVP products are water-resistant or waterproof, making them great for bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms—spaces that benefit from both cool surfaces and easy cleanup.
4. Laminate Flooring: Light Looks, Cool Feel
Laminate flooring has come a long way in recent years and now offers excellent options for homeowners looking to stay cool without compromising on style.
What Makes It Cool:
- Often designed with lighter tones and smooth finishes that reflect heat.
- Available in plank, tile, and wood-look styles.
- Easier on the budget, with a wide range of designs and durability levels.
Design Tip: Opt for light oak, ash, or whitewashed styles to maximize the brightness and airflow of your space.
5. Hardwood Flooring: Classic Style with Seasonal Sensibility
Hardwood may not be the first material that comes to mind for keeping your home cool, but with the right approach, it can be a beautiful and seasonally smart choice. Today’s hardwood flooring options include a wide range of species, finishes, and installation techniques that contribute to a more comfortable home environment year-round—including during the heat of summer.
Why It Can Work Well in Warm Weather:
- Light-colored woods like maple, ash, or white oak help reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, keeping floors cooler to the touch.
- Matte and satin finishes reduce glare and the warming effect of direct sunlight.
- Wide planks create a more open, airy feeling and minimize visual clutter, which can contribute to a cooler atmosphere.
Design Tip: Pair your hardwood floors with natural textiles like cotton or linen window treatments and neutral-toned walls to enhance that cool, breezy summer aesthetic.
Bonus: Hardwood offers timeless appeal and long-term value, making it a great option for homeowners who want beauty, comfort, and investment potential in one.
Design Tips for a Cooler-Feeling Home
Choosing the right flooring is the first step—but there are also a few design and lifestyle adjustments you can make to enhance that cool, breezy vibe:
1. Keep It Light
Lighter flooring shades don’t just look fresh—they also reflect more light and heat. Soft neutrals and pale grays are perfect for summer-inspired spaces.
2. Maximize Airflow
Use area rugs selectively in cooler months and roll them up during summer to let your floors breathe. This exposes more surface area to help naturally cool the room.
3. Consider Matte Finishes
Glossy floors may look sleek, but they can reflect sunlight intensely. Matte finishes tend to feel less warm and provide a more grounded, comfortable visual tone.
4. Pair Flooring with Smart Window Treatments
Flooring that stays cool will work even better when protected from direct sunlight. Use shades, curtains, or films to block excessive solar heat and reduce the strain on your cooling systems.
Bring Comfort and Style Home with Levi’s 4 Floors
At Levi’s 4 Floors, we believe your home should be a place of comfort—no matter the season. That’s why we offer a wide selection of flooring options designed to meet your needs and match your style.
From tile to luxury vinyl to modern laminates, we carry products that help you stay cool all summer long without sacrificing the beauty of your space. Plus, our team of experts is here to help with product guidance, in-home consultations, and professional installation services.
Whether you’re upgrading one room or your entire home, we’ll help you find a flooring solution that feels just right—season after season.