The Best Waterproof Flooring Options for Your Home
Waterproof floors provide unmatched peace of mind for busy homeowners. They prevent little messes from becoming stains or necessitating major repairs or replacements. Available in various materials and aesthetics, we work with the industry’s leading manufacturers to carry the right flooring for your bathroom, kitchen, or basement. Start your waterproof flooring search today with a free, in-home consultation!
What Flooring Is Waterproof?
Waterproof flooring is made of materials that prevent liquids from soaking through the surface material to the subfloor. Because of this, it’s also more “smell-proof” than other materials, making it less likely to trap odors.
Several waterproof flooring options exist, including new products like Corian and traditional materials like natural stone or tile. Remember to pair your new floors with the right waterproof subflooring material to ensure complete protection against water damage.
Waterproof vs. Water-resistant Flooring
Waterproof is sometimes used interchangeably with water-resistant, but there are important distinctions.
- Waterproof flooring is impermeable, which means water cannot pass through the material.
- Water-resistant flooring does not entirely prevent water penetration, though it holds up well for small spills that are cleaned up quickly.
Truly waterproof flooring is made from:
- Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
- Certain Non-Porous Stone
- Concrete
- Epoxy
- Sheet Vinyl
- Solid Surface Flooring such as Corian or Avonite
- Rubber
These materials are among the most waterproof available. However, it’s important to note that even these materials can be damaged if they are exposed to water for extended periods or if water seeps underneath the floor. Proper installation and maintenance are key to ensuring your flooring stays in good condition over time.
Why Choose Waterproof Flooring?
Home and business owners choose waterproof flooring for a variety of reasons. When weighing your options, consider these factors:
- Durability: Waterproof flooring is designed to be durable and withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and other wear and tear. For the most durable floor, look for scratch-resistant and dent-resistant materials with a high abrasion resistance rating.
- Slip resistance: Choose a slip-resistant waterproof flooring material, if possible. This is especially for commercial settings where customers and employees walk on the floor.
- Maintenance: Consider how easy cleaning and maintaining the waterproof flooring is.
- For commercial settings, you may need a floor that can be easily cleaned and sanitized frequently.
- For residential use, look for materials that are low maintenance and can be easily cleaned with regular household cleaners.
- Installation: Most waterproof flooring materials require special adhesives or underlayment, which can add to the cost and complexity of installation. It’s best to let a professional install most types of waterproof flooring.
- Cost: Waterproof flooring is typically higher than water-resistant options, and may have high labor costs.
- Style: Make sure your waterproof flooring matches your décor. With a wide range of waterproof vinyl, laminate, and other materials available, you’ll be able to get the look just right!
What Is the Best Waterproof Flooring Material?
The best waterproof flooring depends on your needs and preferences. Our recommendations include:
- Rubber has sound-dampening qualities, is comfortable to stand on, and is high-impact resistant, making it a perfect flooring option for factory settings and even home gyms.
- Epoxy is also highly durable, but protects more against harsh chemicals, making it great for commercial settings and even garages.
Both rubber and epoxy are available in different styles, colors, and patterns. Your waterproof floor installers will steer you towards the waterproof flooring installation that checks all your boxes.
Types of Water-Resistant Flooring for Homeowners
Looking for a durable flooring with a little more choice? Water-resistant flooring might be a good choice for your home. Available water-resistant flooring types include:
- Laminate flooring: Laminate flooring is a synthetic material that mimics the look of hardwood, tile, or stone. It has a water-resistant core and a durable top layer that resists spills and stains.
- Engineered hardwood flooring: Engineered hardwood flooring is made with a plywood base and a real hardwood veneer on top. It is more water-resistant than solid hardwood because the plywood base is less susceptible to warping and damage from moisture.
- Bamboo flooring: Bamboo is a fast-growing, highly renewable, sustainable type of grass. It is naturally water-resistant, making it a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that are prone to spills.
- Cork flooring: Cork is a natural material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It is naturally water-resistant and has a soft, cushiony feel underfoot.
- Certain types of Stone flooring: Stone flooring, such as granite, marble, or travertine, is highly water-resistant and can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas exposed to water.
- Vinyl flooring: Vinyl flooring comes in many different forms, including luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and sheet vinyl. It is highly water-resistant and durable, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Some materials that weren’t considered water-resistant in the past are today, thanks to many innovations in the flooring industry.
Waterproof Flooring FAQs
Is Vinyl Flooring Waterproof?
Some types of waterproof vinyl flooring are available, though most types of commercially available vinyl floors are not rated as such. Waterproof vinyl features an additional layer that makes it impermeable and slightly more expensive.
Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?
Like vinyl, there are several waterproof laminate flooring products available. Waterproof laminate features an additional layer to withstand spills and more substantial water and moisture exposure.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Waterproof?
Thanks to improved manufacturing processes, some engineered wood flooring materials are waterproof.
Across most flooring types, it’s best to trust the experienced waterproof floor installation contractors at your local Floor Coverings International® to ensure the effectiveness of your new flooring!
Find Waterproof Flooring Near Me
With hundreds of locations across North America, there’s an experienced waterproof flooring contractor nearby ready to help. Our design associates take the time to understand your needs and preferences and help you find the best flooring solutions. Our Mobile Flooring Showroom® brings our wide selection of flooring options to you as a part of our stress-free shopping and installation experience. Let’s get started; schedule your free in-home consultation today.
Schedule A Complimentary Consultation Today
Getting the best waterproof flooring installation will depend on whether you have access to a large selection of materials and styles. Floor Coverings International® has the most extensive inventory and the expert installers to ensure the project lives up to your expectations. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our Design Associates and view samples of waterproof flooring in your home by contacting us today.
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