When it comes to designing our laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and mudrooms, it’s an absolute must that we explore waterproof flooring options for these areas. Waterproof flooring technology ensures that our floors will be easy to clean and won’t be comprised if exposed to excessive moisture. This water-resistant quality becomes a high priority in active homes where kids, pets and constant motion can raise the likelihood of spills and water hitting the floor frequently. Modern homeowners have the luxury of being able to install 100% waterproof floors without sacrificing fashion or the finished design vision.
Before we dive into all of the amazing waterproof products, let’s take a moment to breakdown the importance of water resistance. If water or liquid is spilled and left to pool on a non-water-resistant floor, the moisture will seep into the flooring, compromise the core and cause the floor to warp. Never forget this rule of home-ownership: A water-damaged floor is a permanently damaged floor. Certain rooms will require more attention in preventing moisture from seeping into the flooring product, allowing you time to wipe up all spills before any damage occurs.
Waterproof vinyl has long been a go-to choice to install in those rooms where moisture protection is needed the most. No longer are sheet vinyl and vinyl tile the only options in this category: Today’s waterproof vinyl plank flooring is engineered to provide the utmost in performance while delivering high-end, handcrafted designer looks. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is worlds apart from the vinyl stylings of old, yet still as waterproof as ever. Make sure you explore LVT options when you need waterproof flooring. That is, if you want floors that are also affordable, easy to install and capture the latest trends! Shop waterproof luxury vinyl.
If you love the look and durability of wood flooring but want this visual in a room not suitable for hardwood, laminate flooring is a great choice for water resistance in high traffic areas. Not only are laminate floors available to be installed as a floating floor, laminate is affordable and easy to repair if needed. Not every laminate style is inherently waterproof, so be sure to check with your sales professional if water-resistance is important for your floor. You can use a laminate product with an impressive wear layer to defend against the scratch and stain offenders in your home, giving you simultaneous waterproof and wear protection. Shop waterproof laminate.
Ceramic tile has always been a popular waterproof option, one that can be coordinated with walls, counters, backsplashes, showers and mosaics for incredible design capability. Different tile flooring styles will offer different levels of slip resistance, so that is a specific factor you definitely need to investigate when shopping. Modern tile offerings are available in wider widths and longer lengths, perfect for crafting realistic visuals of wood, stone, and more. For even greater defense against water, keep your grout lines smaller when you install tile floors to ensure easy cleanup and prevent all growth of mold and mildew. Shop tile.
Although wood flooring may not be your first idea for a waterproof floor, today’s advancements have produced waterproof wood products that confidently withstand the spills of an active home. Now you can install white and red oak, hickory, pine, maple and walnut varieties that feature the latest design techniques like reactive staining, wire brushing and accent graining- with no fear of moisture. The Intensity Surface Shield™ engineered with multiple layers of aluminum oxide will keep your wood floors dry and stain-resistant, designed to withstand years of use. These are the waterproof hardwoods you’ve been dreaming about! Shop waterproof hardwood flooring.
Sometimes the location of the room that you want to install waterproof flooring in will narrow down the options you are choosing from. If you are looking to add waterproof protection in the basement, you will need to make double sure that the product you want to install is suitable for below-grade installation. This can rule out some laminate and wood options right away. If your subfloor is in poor condition, you may want to go ahead and opt for a floating floor installation that laminate and luxury vinyl tile are engineered for. This will decrease the amount of time that the rooms are off limits during installation.
When determining what the most durable waterproof flooring is and what the best waterproof flooring is for the toughest areas of your home might be, it’s important to consider the primary types of waterproof flooring mentioned: tile, luxury vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. These types of waterproof flooring products are ranked below from most to least durable to help you understand what the best waterproof flooring may be for your home. All of these options are ideal for a variety of styles and spaces and offer water-resistance.
While tile is widely known for being one of the most durable types of flooring, it’s crucial to understand that not all tile is 100% waterproof. Porcelain tile, however, is waterproof and proves to be one of the most durable waterproof floors available on the market today. Tile does not tend to scratch or scuff easily, and it’s one type of flooring that has continuously proven it’s a great option if you’re looking for durable waterproof floors.
Luxury vinyl is another one of the most durable waterproof flooring options, thanks to the materials it is made of, as well as its features. Many of these products have incredible wear layers and protection that will give you the peace of mind you are looking for. And, while many luxury vinyl products have built-in protective layers that keep scuffs, scratches, dents, and stains from occurring, it’s always crucial to take a close look at the specific product you’re considering before purchasing to ensure that these features are included.
Waterproof laminate flooring products and styles are another great option if you’re looking for a durable waterproof flooring option in your home. These styles provide great durability for homes active lifestyles.
While waterproof hardwood is a great choice for many, it’s more likely to dent or scratch when compared to options like luxury vinyl, tile, and laminate. However, that doesn’t mean that waterproof hardwood isn’t the floor for you! It’s still an excellent option for those who love the genuine look and charm of hardwood and for those who want to install it in moisture-prone areas.
When you are ready to find the perfect waterproof floor to install in your home, visit the experts at your local Carpet One Floor & Home and let the shopping begin.