The Unique Wood Flooring HGTV's David Bromstad Swears By For A Coastal Look

When planning a vacation, do you opt for sun, sand, and surf? If so, you're in good company. Of the Americans who plan to travel more in 2024, 48% of them are heading to the beach. It's also unsurprising that in coastal states like Florida, beach houses have continued to grow in value. Another popular style, whether you're next to the ocean or landlocked, is the coastal look, which is more upscale than your traditional beach home. When you think of a beach house, you probably imagine shingles, an outdoor shower, a grill, and extra towels everywhere you look. 

But a home outfitted in the coastal style takes inspiration from the beach house without being kitschy. Forget fish netting, seashell collections, and sand on the floor; experts clarified that the hallmarks of the coastal aesthetic are soft color palettes, clean lines, natural light, and linens. But what if you want to achieve a coastal look without fully committing to the style? If that's you, David Bromstad has the perfect hack. After all, he's not the host of "Beach Flip" for nothing.

The HGTV star recommends wood flooring, which encapsulates the natural, organic feel of a beach house. Bonus points if it's weathered because any house on the ocean is going to deal with its fair share of squalls. Weathered wood is elegant and unpretentious, and according to Bromstad, it'll give your home a cozy, lived-in feeling — just as any good beach house should.

Hardwood floors are one of the most popular and common flooring choices for a reason. Wood flooring is cost-efficient, and its neutral palette fits with any kind of decor. It's also durable, which makes wood flooring perfect for a home that's more exposed to the elements (i.e. on the beach), or one that makes you think of the beach. As David Bromstad explained in an interview with HGTV, "Wood is soft to me, and when I picture a beach house, I want it to be cozy and stylish at the same time." 

To achieve the ideal weathered or distressed look, Ralph's Hardwood Flooring recommends common woods like pine, oak, maple, Douglas Fir, and hickory. Specifically, pine and Douglas Fir are good choices because of their "natural knots and blemishes," while the other woods will need to be hand-scratched or wire-brushed to look fully weathered. While Bromstad swears by weathered wood flooring, there are other choices, too. For example, porcelain tile mimics the look of authentic wood.

"I have seen [porcelain tile] in every color of wood and texture you can imagine, and they look amazing. They obviously are not as warm as the feel of wood, but are both durable and practical," he added. You'll have your work cut out for you if you go this route, though. Luckily Wayfair, BuildDirect, and Merola Tile (at Home Depot) all carry a selection of porcelain tile at competitive price points, giving you lots of options to choose from.

Beyond picking your ideal flooring, there are other things you can do to keep the coastal theme going. Naturally, a coastal color palette mimics the look of the ocean, so lean into blues, whites, and taupes. Bromstad noted that brighter colors will do the trick too, because more tropical beaches evoke shades of pink and red. At the end of the day, "It really depends upon your own personal taste and also where you are geographically." Another element that lends itself well to coastal decor is wood. Just think: Any wood accents, wood furniture, or wooden ceiling beams will go perfectly with your wood flooring! 

One easy, authentic way to add wood accents is by strolling along a beach and taking home any driftwood you see lying around. According to Bromstad, "The use of driftwood or reclaimed wood gives that sense of beach." Likewise, coastal decor often incorporates lots of natural elements. A good way to pull this through is furniture choices, like wicker or rattan furniture, plus textured rugs. Something like this handmade Lulu & Georgia Harriette jute rug is easy to layer, and its neutral color palette will work in any room. Like the jute rug, everything else in your coastal home should feel light, airy, and organic.

As the "Beach Flip" host informed the Los Angeles Daily News, "The decor has to go along with the reason for the house in the first place — relaxing and enjoying the water." Even if you're not sitting beachside, this classic design style will make you feel like you're on an endless vacation.