If you need new flooring for your bathroom, toilet, wet room, utility room, kitchen or basement, you may need to consider how resistant it is to moisture. Waterproof and water-resistant flooring both offer different levels of protection against water damage. Understanding the key differences and characteristics of these flooring types will help you make a decision that’s right for your home and the way you use it.
Waterproof Flooring
Waterproof flooring is designed to be completely immersed in water without absorbing any of the liquid or being affected by the moisture. This means that it is ideal for bathrooms, wet rooms or showers where water can be spilt on the floor. Waterproof floors often have a sealed surface or protective coating that prevents water from penetrating the layers of flooring material. Popular waterproof choices that you can have in your home include:
- Vinyl – Vinyl flooring is an affordable and durable choice and it is available in many different styles like tiles, planks and sheets.
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – Luxury vinyl tiles have a realistic texture and a range of patterns that make them look just like natural materials such as stone or wood. LVT floors are also resistant to water and scratches.
- Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles – These traditional tiles are made from fired clay, which makes them tough and waterproof. They’re available in a wide range of colours, sizes and finishes, which should suit the design of any home.
- Engineered Stone – Engineered stone is a tough material that is made from natural stone and resin. This gives this flooring choice a non-porous surface that repels water efficiently.
Water-Resistant Flooring
Water-resistant flooring can withstand exposure to moisture for a certain amount of time, but it’s not designed to be completely submerged. This type of flooring is suitable for kitchens and utility rooms where spills or occasional splashes can happen. Water resistant flooring options include:
- Laminate Flooring – Laminate flooring is made up of multiple layers pressed together with a water-resistant layer on top. It’s a popular option because it is affordable and easy to install.
- Cork Flooring – Cork is a natural material which has water-resistant properties. It is also comfortable underfoot and offers good insulation.
- Bamboo Flooring – Bamboo is a renewable resource that can be engineered to be water-resistant, and it’s available in different styles and finishes.
Things to Consider
When you’re choosing between waterproof and water-resistant flooring, you will need to take into account the level of water exposure that your floor may need to deal with. If the room is a bathroom or wet room with a lot of water splashes or spills, waterproof flooring will be the best choice. If it’s a kitchen and there will only be occasional splashes or spills, then water resistant flooring may be the better choice.
Your budget may also affect your choice because waterproof flooring choices like vinyl or luxury vinyl tile may be more affordable than water resistant materials like laminate or cork. Maintenance may also need to be factored in, but waterproof and water resistant flooring tend not to need much maintenance, with specific cleaning instructions depending on the flooring type.
