Flooring Tips for Your Coastal Home Renovation
There’s something special about living by the coast — the fresh sea breeze, the relaxed atmosphere, and the sound of waves in the distance. But when it comes to renovating your coastal home, choosing the right flooring can make all the difference.
At ATS Design, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Orewa, Mangawhai, and the North Shore transform their beachside homes with flooring that’s as beautiful as it is durable. Here’s what you should keep in mind when planning your coastal renovation.
1. Choose Moisture-Resistant Flooring
Humidity and moisture are part of coastal living — but they can be tough on traditional hardwood. That’s why engineered timber and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are the go-to options for coastal homes.
● Engineered timber gives you that natural wood warmth with more stability against humidity.
● Luxury vinyl (like our Aspecta range) is completely waterproof and perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
Pro tip: Always use a moisture barrier underlay to protect your flooring from long-term damage.
2. Go for Light, Natural Tones
Coastal homes thrive on light, space, and simplicity. Think whitewashed oak, blonde timber, or neutral grey tones— colours that complement the bright, airy aesthetic of beachside living.
These lighter tones also help mask sand and dust between cleans, keeping your home looking fresh for longer.
3. Consider Durability for Busy, Barefoot Living
Coastal homes see a lot of foot traffic — kids, pets, and guests coming in and out from the beach. Choose flooring that can handle it all. Our Timbertop and Genuine Oak ranges are coated with seven layers of UV lacquer, ensuring they stand up to sunlight and sandy feet without fading or scratching easily.
4. Embrace Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
One of the joys of coastal living is the connection between your interior and the outdoors. To achieve that effortless flow, use the same flooring or complementary tones from your living space through to the deck or patio area. This design trick makes your home feel larger, lighter, and perfectly suited to its environment.
5. Keep Maintenance Easy
Coastal homes demand practicality. Sand, salt, and humidity can quickly wear down the wrong surfaces — so opt for flooring that’s easy to clean and low maintenance. Vinyl planks and engineered wood need just a light mop and sweep to keep them looking their best — no sanding, polishing, or sealing required.
Bring Your Coastal Vision to Life
Whether you’re refreshing a bach in Mangawhai or designing your dream home in Orewa, the right flooring sets the tone for everything that follows. At ATS Design, we’ll help you find flooring that suits your lifestyle, environment, and design vision — from consultation to installation.
Written by Miguel Magcaling