Waterproof Laminate Flooring

About Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Are you looking to install new flooring in your home that’s known for its strength and style? Then waterproof laminate flooring just might be the perfect choice for you! Having evolved in recent decades, waterproof laminate flooring for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas gives you an affordable way to enjoy continuous laminate flooring throughout your home.

What Is Waterproof Laminate Flooring?

Waterproof laminate flooring has the same basic structure as normal laminate. It starts with a backing layer, followed by a thicker core layer, a decorative image layer, and a top wear layer. 

With today's technology, waterproof laminate can include resins within the core to make it water-resistant. A water-repelling surface can seal and protect each board. Finally, watertight joints are crucial to keep water from seeping between planks, leaving you with a floor that’s impervious to your kids' spills and pet’s accidents. 

Appearance

There are several beautifully realistic wood look laminates to choose from. Your options will depend on your style and aesthetic needs. Whether you're updating the floors in your rustic cabin retreat or upgrading your home for a busier and more comfortable space now that a baby's on the way, you can find a water resistant laminate flooring that matches your desired aesthetic. 

Durability and Maintenance

Waterproof and water-resistant laminate hold up to the hustle and bustle of a busy home and are easy to maintain with routine sweeping or vacuuming. Though resistant to scratches, waterproof laminate flooring can be damaged from heavy or sharp objects but you can help avoid it by using pads and other protection when moving furniture.

Lifespan

You can expect years of life from your laminate flooring under the right conditions. These include:

• Proper installation with high-quality materials 
• Routine cleaning and maintenance based on the manufacturer guidance
• Protecting your water resistant laminate flooring from unnecessary wear or damage

Warranties for buying laminate floors can differ, but you'll want it to include protection from wear, finish, fade, stain, rip, tear, gouge, indent, scratch, performance. To better understand what you’re buying and what's guaranteed, check with an expert at your local Carpet One Floor & Home store. Our flooring experts have many years of experience and can help you find the best warranty for your flooring needs. 

Installation

Though installing laminated waterproof flooring may seem easy enough for a DIY job, it's also too easy to potentially void your warranty and reduce the life of your new floor. We recommend you use our professional installers, who will ensure your new water resistant laminate flooring is properly installed. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Waterproof Laminate Flooring

There are many pros to using waterproof laminate flooring for bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, or other areas of your home. These include:

• Resists scratches
• Repels moisture from your household’s constant barrage of kids and pets
• Seemingly endless variety of styles, colors and realistic wood looks

The downside of waterproof laminate flooring may be the minimal value it adds to a home in comparison with other flooring options.

Waterproof Laminate Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) provides waterproof and water-resistant options just like waterproof laminate. The top layer of laminate can provide a harder and more scratch-resistant surface than LVF. Plus, the enhanced embossing on laminate gives your floor a more realistic wood look. When it comes to cost, luxury vinyl flooring is comparable to waterproof laminate flooring and will vary depending on the quality of product you choose. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is waterproof laminate flooring worth the price?

If wet boots are trailing through the entryway regularly and you're considering a laminate floor, waterproof is the way to go. It can withstand splashes from nightly bath time and the occasional muddy shoes and paws. 

Is waterproof laminate flooring really waterproof?

Flooring experts commonly hear the question "is laminate flooring waterproof?" Many waterproof laminate floors are more water resistant than waterproof. The reason lies in the laminate's core, which is composed of wood fibers. Those fibers will expand if water seeps in, leading to blistering or expanding bathroom laminate flooring. Some waterproof laminate floors use resins in the core or an extra-strength protective coating to help resist as much water as possible. 

Is any laminate flooring waterproof?

Laminate flooring isn't naturally waterproof. In fact, most laminate plank flooring today isn't. When shopping, read product descriptions to clearly determine if a flooring product is truly waterproof or simply water resistant. Some may also have specific installation instructions to ensure water doesn't penetrate the surface. 

What is the best waterproof laminate flooring?

The best waterproof laminate flooring has durable, water-repelling technology to help withstand any accidents and spills that your home might endure on the daily. Look for the Carpet One H2O bubble logo on our waterproof laminate flooring samples.These guarantee a protective topcoat that repels water, and joints that lock tightly enough to keep water from seeping through. 

How long does waterproof laminate flooring last?

Waterproof laminate flooring generally lasts about as long as standard laminate. The exact amount of time depends on several factors, including the quality of the installation and materials, how well it's maintained, and how much wear and tear it receives.