Flooring That Keeps You Cool: The Best Options for Aussie Summers

When summer hits in WA, our homes can warm up quickly — especially with long spells of sun, humidity, and constant foot traffic from beach days and outdoor entertaining.

While fans and air-con help, the materials beneath your feet play a bigger role in keeping your home feeling cool, calm, and comfortable.

The right flooring can naturally help regulate temperature, reduce heat retention, and create a fresh, inviting summer atmosphere — without sacrificing style. Here are the top flooring options we recommend for Aussie summers, and why they work so well.

Hybrid Flooring – Cool, Calm & Low Maintenance

Hybrid flooring is one of the most popular choices across WA homes, and summer is exactly where it shines.

Why Hybrid helps keep your home cool:

- Its rigid core doesn’t retain heat the way older vinyls and laminates can.

- The matte timber-look surface helps reflect light rather than absorb it.

- It’s waterproof — ideal for wet swimmers, sandy feet, and busy family living.

Best for: Open-plan homes, kitchens, hallways, living rooms and families that want a cool, modern, coastal feel.

Vinyl Plank – Comfortable & Naturally Cooler Underfoot

Vinyl plank has a softer feel compared to hybrid, making it slightly warmer in winter but still wonderfully cool in summer.

Why it works in warm climates:

- It doesn't trap heat the way tiles or dark timber can.

- It’s softer and quieter — perfect for barefoot summer living.

- Highly water-resistant, low maintenance, and easy to clean.

Best for: Busy family homes, kitchens, living spaces and holiday rentals.

Engineered Timber – Natural, Breathable & Beautiful

Real timber is naturally breathable, helping spaces stay cooler by regulating humidity and airflow.

It’s one of the most premium, timeless choices for summer-friendly interiors.

Why it stays cool:

- Natural timber is less heat-retentive than tiles or laminate.

- Wide boards create an airy, open feel — perfect for coastal and modern homes.

- Works beautifully with natural light, greenery, linen and woven textures.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms and open-plan spaces.

Light Tones = Cooler Rooms

Colour plays a big role in heat retention. For cooler-feeling rooms, especially in WA’s bright summers, look for tones such as:

- Light oak

- Natural blonde

- Driftwood

- Soft beige

- Pale greys

These brighter shades reflect natural light and stop your floors from feeling hot underfoot.

Simple Summer Care Tips

Keeping your floors cool and fresh in summer is easier than you think:

✓ Add rugs sparingly — choose breathable, natural fibres like jute or cotton.

✓ Use mats at entry points to reduce sand, salt and dust.

✓ Clean more frequently — summer brings more outdoor traffic.

✓ Avoid excess moisture, especially on hybrid and timber.

✓ Keep curtains and blinds partially closed to reduce sun exposure.

Conclusion

Whether you’re freshening up a single room or redoing the whole home, choosing the right flooring can make a huge difference to your comfort during the WA summer.

Pop into our Homestyle Flooring showroom to explore Hybrid, Vinyl Plank and Engineered Timber options — with full-sized boards, expert guidance, and a team who genuinely love helping you find the perfect fit.

Your Home, Your Style, Our Craft.

Visit us in-store or book a free measure & quote anytime.