What is Waterproof Flooring?

There are several waterproof flooring options. Click here to learn about what waterproof flooring is along with the various types and what is best for you.

A Guide to Waterproof Flooring Options

There are eight ways to increase the value of your home without doing too much damage to your budget. One of them is installing new flooring. 

Even if you're not looking to sell your home just yet, if your current flooring is ripped, scratched or cracked, it's time to look into new flooring options. If you have kids or pets looking into waterproof flooring options is a good idea. 

Best of all, there are different types of waterproof flooring from laminate to tiles. With selections perfect for nearly every home and decor. 

To help you find the best waterproof flooring decor for your needs, keep reading. We've developed this guide to educate you on all your waterproof flooring options. 

Why Waterproof Flooring Options are Better than Water Resistant Options

While there are plenty of water-resistant options, if a spill is left unattended, eventually the flooring material will soak up the liquid.

However, with waterproof flooring, your spills always remain on the surface until you have time to wipe them up. That means your floors never get damaged or warped due to liquids. 

WPC Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

WPC can stand for Wood-Plastic Composite. It can also mean Waterproof Core. There are other similar tpes of products using different variations of this core, the most common being SPC or Stone-Plastic Composite.

Either way, waterproof vinyl flooring is a great alternative to traditional hardwood flooring and laminates. It gives you that same rich, sought-after expensive look. 

Durable and Stain-Resistant

At the same time, WPC vinyl flooring is extremely durable and available in a wide range of stunning colors and textures. Some even come with pre-attached underlayment to help smooth over small imperfections and absorb noise. 

Luxury vinyl tile is a fast-growing floor covering category. There are new products available with enhanced durability, stability, and indent and stain resistance. 

Luxury vinyl is so durable, that it is one of the most used flooring types in commercial business locations.

Easy to Install and Maintain

It's easy to install and it uses a lock-and-fold style of joinery which forms a tight seal against water. In fact, it's guaranteed 100% waterproof. 

Waterproof vinyl flooring means low maintenance cleaning. All you need is a vacuum and a damp mop to keep your vinyl looking amazing. 

Better for Your Health

Vinyl is also far easier on your body than ceramic, which is perfect if you want to install this type of flooring in the kitchen where people tend to stand for long periods of time. 

For those looking for healthier flooring options, most WPC waterproof vinyl flooring is phthalate-free. 

Cons of WPC Vinyl Flooring

Right now WPC vinyl flooring is a bit pricy. However, it's still less expensive than solid hardwood and easier to maintain.

Also, as more manufacturers make their own brand of WPC products, flooring prices are beginning to drop. 

Waterproof Ceramic & Porcelain Tile Flooring

The top surface of tile is made of a durable glaze which prevents liquids from seeping through. That makes it easy to clean.

Tile comes in a variety of styles making it easy to match floor and decor together. They also mimic wood and stone making it an ideal and budget-friendly option. 

Benefits of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Flooring

Tile is one of the most durable flooring options available. The only maintenance required is mopping and vacuuming when necessary. 

Both ceramic and tile look stunning in any room of the home. They're also 100% waterproof. 

Cons of Ceramic & Porcelain and Tile Flooring

For those who live in colder environments, both ceramic and tile can feel too cold to your feet. If you do invest in tile, you'd need radiant heat to keep your feet warm. 

Both are also harder on your feet. If you install these types of flooring in your kitchen, you may want to invest in anti-fatigue mats. 

Ceramic and porcelain are also tougher to install and if you break or damage one, you'll have to call back in a professional to replace it.  

Rubber Flooring

While rubber flooring may sound like you're installing a bouncy house indoors, it is growing in popularity. Rubber flooring actually comes in a variety of styles, colors, shapes, and sizes. It's a great choice to install in playrooms and basements. 

Most rubber floors come from recycled car tires. And like tires, they're resistant to water and provides great traction even when wet. 

Benefits of Rubber Flooring

You can pull up, move and reinstall these tiles whenever you need or want to. They have some give and bounce back so they're great on your feet and joints. 

They're easy to maintain. All that's required is vacuuming and cleaning with a gentle cleaning solution with a mop. 

They're also mold, mildew, and slip resistant. 

Cons of Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring may come in a variety of styles and colors but it's not the most elegant looking option for flooring. And if you're sensitive to smells, you won't enjoy the rubber smell.

Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Traditional laminate flooring is susceptible to swelling and staining. If a liquid is not cleaned up immediately, it could make it unusable.

Luckily, in order to compete with WPC vinyl flooring, there are now waterproof and water-resistant laminate flooring options. Though in all honesty, most waterproof laminates do come with stipulations, extra steps must be taken for the waterproof warranty to be honored. Most waterproof laminates only the surface is waterproof, so if any water ends up under your flooring, the warranty will be voided.

Benefits of Waterproof Laminate Flooring

If you're looking for a product that gives you a wood look but is waterproof, waterproof laminate flooring is one of your best options. Most people can't tell the difference between real wood and a quality laminate floor. 

And waterproof laminate flooring provides homeowners with high-quality looks in both construction and aesthetics. Since it's both waterproof and looks like real wood, waterproof laminate flooring has decent resale value. 

Easy to Install and Maintain

Thanks to interlocking planks, installation is a breeze. Even a DIY-er can manage to install their own waterproof laminate flooring after work and on weekends. 

They're easy to maintain. All you need is a damp mop and a vacuum to keep up the stunning look these floors provide. 

Cons of Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Since waterproof laminate flooring is still new to the industry, the cost is still relatively high. 

There are also fewer options in terms of colors, textures, and styles available right now. 

Get Your Flooring With Us

With so many waterproof flooring options, it may still be difficult to decide which type, color, and style is best for you. We can help. 

We offer a wide variety of options for you. And we also have a dedicated staff ready to help guide you through the entire process. Click here to contact us to find the perfect waterproof flooring option for you today.