Whether you live in a flood-prone area or simply want a type of flooring that can stand up to an abundance of water, waterproof flooring is a good thing to consider. Designed to not buckle, crack, or come up from the subfloor when covered in a few inches (or feet) of liquid, these floors hold up quite well.
On top of holding up to all the challenges water brings, waterproof flooring also won’t become extremely susceptible to mold and mildew, unlike other types of flooring that allow those dangerous microbes to become trapped within. A waterproof floor will stay in good shape, no matter how much water flows on them.
But, which types of flooring are waterproof? And how will you determine the best option for your home? At Hardwood Bargains, we like to present you with all of your top options, including many options that may surprise you!
So, let’s get started, shall we?
The Difference Between Waterproof and Water-Resistant
You’ve more than likely heard the terms waterproof floors and water-resistant floors being thrown around interchangeably. Although many people swap those terms without thinking, they actually mean something quite different.
While floors that are waterproof and water-resistant may be able to stand up to some liquids, one of them is better than the other, especially if you want flooring that can truly stand up to flooding.
To put it simply, waterproof is the best. Waterproof flooring can handle flooding, as well as several inches of water for a prolonged period. You may end with a few issues if the water stays on them for a long amount of time (like weeks or months).
Waterproof flooring can handle plenty of liquid for shorter periods. For example, water that’s wiped up several hours after a bathroom flooding incident won’t harm waterproof flooring.
Water-resistant flooring, on the other hand, is quite different. Water-resistant flooring can handle a small amount of liquid being spilled on it, like that of a cup of water or juice, without becoming damaged. However, anything more than that, such as the aforementioned flooded bathroom example, will likely damage water-resistant flooring.
As we discuss the best types of waterproof flooring, it’s important to keep this major difference in mind.
Waterproof Flooring Options
Now that you know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant, it’s time to go over the various types of waterproof flooring. Some of these forms of flooring come in both waterproof and water-resistant varieties, so you definitely want to make sure that you’re purchasing the correct one.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Usually, laminate floors are water-resistant, not waterproof. Laminate is made from layers of pressed wood or particleboard, topped with an image layer that makes it look like hardwood. On top of that is a clear layer that adds some shine and protects the additional layers.
In the waterproof forms of laminate, the layers are engineered out of wood and other layers that are meant to keep out the water entirely. The top coating is particularly thick instead of thin, and it keeps any moisture from seeping through. With that said, you can apply a coating to traditional laminate to make it waterproof, but this isn’t ideal.
Concrete Flooring
Concrete flooring has come a long way since the days of typical, gray, boring floors. The newer versions can be dyed various colors before they’re poured, as well as stamped with patterns as they dry. The results are a beautiful floor that doesn’t quite look like concrete yet has all of the characteristics of the material.
Concrete was originally designed to be used outside, where it makes up patios, sidewalks, driveways, and even roads. So, once the concrete is completely dried and hardened, the material is indeed waterproof. Concrete will last for a very long time, and as long as you have the installation team add some raised texture to the finish, it won’t be very slippery when wet.
Vinyl Flooring
Oh, how far vinyl has come! Available in many different forms, vinyl flooring has also changed quite a bit from the days when it was viewed as a meh option for people who had a small budget and simply couldn’t afford nicer flooring.
Now, vinyl flooring is available at numerous price points and in a wide variety of styles, all of which are waterproof, making it a great option for your home, especially if you have kids and animals. Not to mention, vinyl flooring looks so much like hardwood, it’s very hard to tell the difference!
Vinyl flooring is sold as:
- Tiles: Vinyl tiles are easy to install, and the tiles themselves are very waterproof. However, there’s one issue with vinyl tiles: there are plenty of cracks for water to seep through, and the adhesive isn’t waterproof.
This means that while the tiles will be okay and usable after a flood, they will need to be reattached to the subfloor, as the water will loosen the adhesive. - Sheets: Sheets of vinyl are a slightly better option than tiles. Since they are made of the same material, the vinyl surface is waterproof. And, as there are few places for the water to seep through any cracks between the sheets, they will stay attached to the subfloor even when there’s a flood.
- Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) planks: Finally, there are LVF (also known as luxury vinyl flooring) planks. Made to look like wood, these planks are also shaped like them. As long as they are properly installed, they’ll stay in place during a floor, although there are a few more places for water to seep through to the subfloor than there are with vinyl sheets.
Cork Flooring
It sounds counterintuitive, but cork flooring is actually waterproof, as long as it’s sealed properly. Cork flooring is great for kitchens and bathrooms because the material is soft to stand on and has some give. It even has some stunning grain patterns that make it look nice in your home. Although the material is porous, it can hold up to plenty of water once it’s sealed.
Engineered Wood Flooring
It’s no secret that, for the most part, hardwood floors and water don’t get along well. The wood is porous and will soak up any moisture, expanding the boards and making them buckle. For this reason, you don’t want to put a hardwood floor in your bathroom, kitchen, basement, or any place that may be prone to flooding. However, engineered wood will work nicely.
Since engineered wood flooring has base layers that are made of plywood and are topped with a clear layer of waterproof veneer, this type of flooring is essentially waterproof. With that said, engineered wood isn’t perfect, and can’t be refinished like hardwoods, so keep that in mind when choosing your waterproof options.
Stone Flooring
On top of being beautiful, floors made of natural stone tiles are also waterproof. This makes plenty of sense, as stone stands up to the weather and can handle everything that Mother Nature throws at it for years on end. While some types, such as limestone and travertine, will need to be resealed every two to three years, they’ll hold up well to the water.
If you really want a kitchen or bathroom with a floor that stands out, go with natural stone flooring. Filled with beautiful graining and natural colors, not to mention a waterproof surface as long as it’s installed correctly, stone flooring is a great option.
Tile Flooring
While we already mentioned tile in the “vinyl” section, there are two other forms of tile flooring that are known to be waterproof: ceramic and porcelain. Each has its own pros and cons, but as long as they are installed properly, and the grout remains intact, these tiles will stay attached to the subfloor, even in a flood.
- Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles are made from a very fine and delicate type of clay that’s then fired at high temperatures. This makes the tiles extremely waterproof, as they aren’t quite as porous as other types. According to the American Society for Testing and Materials, porcelain tile has a very low absorption rate, making it great for showers, bathroom floors, and more.
- Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles are just as pretty as porcelain ones, and they cost a bit less, thanks to the less fine clay and lower firing temperature. While ceramic tiles are indeed waterproof, they are slightly more porous than porcelain, meaning that some water may seep into them. With that said, as long as the grout is in good shape, they can stand up to plenty of water.
Choosing Your Waterproof Flooring
Whether you live in a flood-prone area of the country or simply want a floor that can stand up to practically everything you could throw (or spill) at it, one of these waterproof options will work nicely.
Choosing which one you prefer, whether it’s engineered wood planks from Hardwood Bargains or ceramic, porcelain, or vinyl tiles, is entirely up to the vision that you have for your home.
Sources:
Best and Worst Flooring Choices for Wet Areas | The Spruce
The Best Flooring Options for Bathrooms | This Old House
Waterproof Flooring Options for Your Home | Trussville Tribune
