Whether it's a kitchen or bathroom, installing waterproof flooring in these areas is crucial to protect your space. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, the hardwood flooring industry contributes $4 billion to the country's GDP.
While hardwood looks beautiful, not every type is water-resistant. So, what if you're looking for waterproof wood flooring that won't warp, buckle, or come loose?
Read on to learn more about the different materials and types of hardwood or laminate options you can install to make your home stylish and waterproof at the same time.
Waterproof Flooring Basics
True waterproof flooring is completely resistant to moisture. This means you can spill liquid on it, or liquid can sit on the floors for a long time, and it won't cause damage.
This type of flooring is exceptionally moisture-resistant and impenetrable. There's no special extra coating needed since the material is inherently already waterproof.
As for the material options available, waterproof vinyl, laminate, and some hardwood styles are all great choices. While most people choose to install this flooring in a kitchen or bathroom, it makes an excellent floor covering throughout the entire home, too.
If you opt for waterproof flooring, it won't rot or decay. It's also easy to clean and resists stains and cracks.
Waterproof Wood Flooring
In its natural state, real hardwood flooring is not waterproof. If you get these floors wet, the water will penetrate the material and cause it to warp, bubble, or buckle.
Fortunately, some alternatives still use real hardwood to give you the look you want without the maintenance. Waterproof engineered hardwood floors are one such example.
These floors feature layers of real plywood for the core, and a special top coating is added to make it truly waterproof. Each layer of wood is heat-treated, pressure-treated, and fused which makes it durable, too. You'll achieve the aesthetic of real wood, but this waterproof wood flooring will last in any room, even when it gets wet.
Waterproof hardwood flooring will have a special layer on the top designed to repel moisture. A real wood core and a natural finish make these floors look like solid wood, but the additional treatment on top protects them from damage.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Aside from its waterproof properties, luxury vinyl plank flooring looks just like wood, but at a lower cost. This affordable, beautiful flooring comes in a wide array of finishes and textures to suit your space.
Since it's made of vinyl, this stylish flooring is naturally waterproof without the need for extra treatments. Once it's installed, you can enjoy it in any room of your home for years to come.
You'll find luxury vinyl planks that look just like real hardwood flooring, which makes this a smart option for any home. Whether it's warm honey brown or stylish gray, this flooring is versatile, affordable, and completely waterproof.
Not only is the vinyl extremely water-resistant, but it's also very easy to clean and won't scratch or dent. The texture is added to the material to mimic the look of real wood using a unique 3D printing process. This makes luxury vinyl plank flooring a smart option for your kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
Laminate Flooring
Another great option for waterproof flooring is laminate. This affordable, versatile material can look like wood, tile, or stone and offers you lots of flexibility in terms of price and style.
Laminate floors are waterproof and highly durable, making them excellent for busy households. This material can handle lots of foot traffic from everyone including adults, kids, and pets without showing so much as a scratch.
The laminate material is made of a synthetic composite with a plywood or fiberboard core layer that creates the base. A backing or underlayment is added for insulation, and the core layer is glued on top of an image layer. This image layer is a printed, high-resolution design that can look like virtually any material in any color or finish.
The final process to make laminate flooring involves adding a thin, clear layer to protect it from moisture. Many homeowners choose to install laminate because of its affordable price and durability. If you need something reliable for a basement, kitchen, or bathroom, it's an excellent choice.
Benefits of Waterproof Hardwood Flooring
Although solid hardwood flooring isn't waterproof, engineered hardwood flooring is. There are lots of great benefits that come with choosing this stylish flooring material.
First, engineered hardwood is not as costly as real hardwood, making it more budget-friendly for your home remodel. It retains the natural beauty and look of real wood without worrying about excess damage from moisture and spills.
You will never need to sand or refinish this water-resistant wood flooring, since the top layer is a protective coating. That means you can enjoy this beautiful flooring for years without having to maintain it and update it due to wear and tear.
Engineered hardwood is also much quieter than some other flooring types. The solid wood core helps it absorb shock and noise from foot traffic, resulting in a quiet and relaxing home.
While most real hardwood floors come in limited widths, engineered hardwood can be purchased in wider styles. Not only does this make the floors more durable, but it also adds a more modern look to the home.
If you choose engineered hardwood, it's fully warranted for installation in any room, including the basement and over radiant floor heating systems. Installation methods include nailing the floors down to a subfloor, gluing it to concrete, or "floating" it above the subfloor.
Upgrade Your Home Today
From engineered waterproof wood flooring to laminate and luxury vinyl plank, the possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing quality, durable flooring. You can easily enjoy the beauty and authentic aesthetic of real wood without the worry of damage with these alternatives.
If you're looking for new flooring to install in your home, check out the extensive selection at National Floors Direct. When you're ready to make a change, be sure to schedule your free in-home flooring estimate with us today.
