If you are considering waterproof flooring options, you probably know waterproof flooring is a must-have in bathrooms and kitchens. Liquids and moisture can ruin floors faster than you might imagine. Choosing a waterproof floor does not have to be difficult. Below we will discuss four of the best waterproof flooring options available.
What Is the Best Waterproof Flooring?
High-Risk Areas
Basements, kitchens, and even entryways can be common places where spills occur. Depending on where you live, the possibility of flooding can be a major concern as well. Not to mention waterproof floors can make cleaning up messes a lot easier when sharing a household with children and pets.
Tiles
Tile floors are a popular bathroom, kitchen, and basement flooring option because they can stand up to moisture and humidity. Porcelain tile, for example, is required to have an extremely low absorption rate, so it can be covered in water for lengthy periods. Ceramic tile does not quite have the absorption rate requirements of porcelain. However, it is still a solid choice for moisture-prone rooms.
Whichever type of tile flooring material you choose, it is recommended that you look for unglazed tile. Unglazed tile is more slip-resistant, which is important in bathrooms and other high-traffic areas.
With all the tile colors and designs to choose from, you are bound to find what you are looking for. The only concern with choosing tile flooring is that the grout in between the tiles isn’t waterproof. The solution to the grouting problem is to maintain your floors properly, making sure the grout is in good condition, so that water does not seep through cracked grout lines.
Vinyl Plank / Tile
Vinyl plank flooring makes for a great waterproof floor option. It is made up of different layers and is entirely synthetic, however, it looks feels and installs like conventional flooring. Rigid vinyl plank specifically, is one of the best waterproof flooring choices around. Products with a rigid core, as opposed to a flexible core, have dimensional stability, that won’t shift in humidity.
Another plus point with vinyl floors is, that it is installed with a click-and-lock system which provides a tight, waterproof seal. The vinyl top layer will also prevent water from seeping into the subfloor. We recommend professional installation for your new vinyl plank flooring.
Vinyl plank flooring is also available in a variety of styles, so you have plenty to choose from. The most popular styles normally mimic wood flooring types. However, there is plenty of beautiful stone and fabric-inspired designs available.
Sheet Vinyl
Sheet vinyl is another type of flooring that is waterproof. It comes in six or 12-foot rolls, so there are fewer seams. With fewer seams, there are fewer opportunities for water to seep into the subfloor.
Vinyl flooring is the type of flooring you used to find in just about every kitchen and bathroom. A whole lot of `plasticky’ nostalgia! While you can easily find sheet vinyl floors that resemble wood or stone, there has recently been an upsurge in retro-patterned sheet vinyl.
Sheet vinyl flooring tends to be reasonably priced, even the premium kinds. Sheet vinyl flooring is a very good waterproof option if you are on a budget.
Laminate
While laminate is usually not considered waterproof, waterproof and water-resistant flooring options do exist. Just keep in mind that it is not standard. You will want to make sure to check with a flooring professional so you know what you are buying.
Some of our best manufacturers carry a large collection of waterproof laminate flooring. While waterproof laminate flooring will possibly fare fine against a number of spills of water or a few pet accidents, it will not be fine when faced with dishwasher flooding. Make sure to check your warranty before choosing waterproof or water-resistant laminate floors.
Learn more about waterproof carpet and hardwood flooring options:
Shaw’s New R2X LifeGuard Waterproof Carpet
Waterproof Flooring for Basements (HGTV)
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