HGTV's Mike Holmes Says Hardwood Flooring Should Never Be Installed In One Area

It's safe to say HGTV's Mike Holmes has seen his fair share of damaged hardwood floors. The "Holmes on Homes" star has helped homeowners recover from all kinds of botched home repairs and renovations while arming his audience with information that helps them avoid similar problems in the future. According to 24/7 Wall St.'s analysis of National Association of Realtors data (via USA Today), over half of all potential home buyers are willing to spend more on a house that has hardwoods. It's also one of the best flooring options for your home, according to HGTV stars. 

Realtors agree that installing hardwood floors is an improvement that typically results in an over 100% return on investment. But although they can create an attractive and desirable look in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, Holmes says hardwood flooring should never be installed near the front door.

"You can ruin the wood when you bring in moisture from outside," Holmes wrote on the HGTV Canada blog. A porous material that easily absorbs water, from small spills to regular exposure from muddy boots, wood planks will start to show stains over time even if they are sealed or waxed. With constant exposure to moisture or periods of wet and dry, your floor can begin to warp and buckle as the planks swell and contract. From choosing tile for his own front entryway to installing wheelchair-friendly vinyl that mimics the look of wood in an episode of "Holmes Family Rescue," the contracting expert opts for materials that are water-resistant if they're going next to an exterior door.

Installing wood in your entryway doesn't just put you at risk of damaged floors that look unattractive. It can also cause serious health issues. "As long as there is air, moisture, and a source of organic matter — wood, paper, grout, and drywall — there's potential for mold growth," Mike Holmes writes on the HGTV Canada website. Mold can start to germinate in just 24 hours and it only takes a few weeks before it becomes visible. That's assuming it isn't growing under your floorboards, where you may not even notice it until you start to experience headaches or a strange smell. "Mold smells musty, mossy or like mildew," Holmes cautions.

The potential risk isn't just limited to your front door and can happen in any high-moisture room. Consider tile or other flooring options if you want the look of hardwood in the bathroom. Along with selecting products that stand up to moisture, Holmes focuses on prep work like leveling uneven floors, reminding DIYers on his own blog that "putting in the effort to correctly install your flooring will save you time and money down the road."

There might be several flooring trends that'll be taking over in 2025, but the look of wood will always be in style. When you have your heart set on this beautiful natural material, make sure you install it only in dry areas to ensure your investment lasts for decades to come.