Do you really need waterproof flooring?

Author: Nick Goldner Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, November 27, 2023

Rooms that see standing water, or water that isn't immediately cleaned up, are the areas that would benefit the most from having waterproof floors. If you've experienced flooding before, you know how expensive and painful it can be to replace a ruined floor due to water damage.

Do I really need waterproof laminate flooring?

Traditional laminate flooring is not advisable for kitchens, as even water resistant laminate flooring will not withstand leaks from below the floor. Whilst it is safer to go for waterproof flooring, water resistant laminate should withstand surface spills without a problem.

Do you need waterproof flooring in living room?

Yes, floors should be waterproof no matter what the room, and that includes the living area. Don't think because it has the word “waterproof” that it should only be used only for flooring in kitchens, baths or laundry areas.

What are the pros and cons of waterproof vinyl flooring?

So, here's a look at the pros and cons of luxury vinyl plank flooring.
  • Pro: Very Affordable. ...
  • Pro: Easy Installation. ...
  • Pro: Beautiful Design. ...
  • Pro: Very Durable. ...
  • Pro: Easy Maintenance and Repair. ...
  • Con: Inconsistent Quality. ...
  • Con: Hard to Remove. ...
  • Con: Might Not Do Well in the Sunlight.

Do I need waterproof flooring in my kitchen?

Your kitchen is a rallying point for activities. So it should come as no surprise that when choosing flooring for the kitchen, you'll want something durable. Waterproof options are also a good idea to prevent floor failures from splashes and spills.

Before You Buy Waterproof Flooring - Buyer's Guide

Why don't you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

As we mentioned before, kitchen floors need to be able to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, so if they were glued or nailed down, it would impede this necessary movement and cause damage to the cabinets.

Do you need waterproof laminate flooring in kitchen?

The surface is going to have to cope with a lot of water & moisture, so you are going to have to choose a flooring option that is waterproof & liquid-resistant, to ensure that it lasts for a significant period.

What is the downside of vinyl flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring has a few potential downsides. Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile.

Which is better waterproof laminate or vinyl?

If you are considering installing new floors in a kitchen or bathroom, which are susceptible to daily water spills, vinyl flooring is better as it is 100% waterproof.

Is waterproof vinyl flooring better than laminate?

The main difference between laminate and vinyl flooring is the materials they're made of. Vinyl is 100% synthetic, while laminate uses a fiberboard core constructed of wood byproducts. Thus, laminate flooring is not waterproof, while vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof.

Is it OK to use vinyl flooring in living room?

In terms of finding a durable, stylish and affordable flooring option for your living room, vinyl is a good choice. Its durability ensures that your floors areresistant to stains and spills, and easy to clean and maintain, making them well suited to families with children or pets.

What rooms need to be waterproofed?

Of all the rooms in your house, you will need the bathroom to be the most waterproof. Waterproofing is one of the first steps to take place when a bathroom is being built. It involves installing a waterproof barrier around the walls and floor in your bathroom to protect the structure of the house from the moisture.

What are the benefits of waterproof flooring?

Waterproof floors can stay for long without wear and tear because they're easy to maintain and many are rated for commercial use. You don't need to replace these floors every few years like you would a carpet. They're also not prone to aging like hardwood and can last for more than 20 years with proper maintenance.

What happens if you don t put moisture barrier under laminate flooring?

Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.

Which is better waterproof or water-resistant flooring?

Waterproof flooring stands up to water, resisting any damage from it, but it still may be susceptible to damage from pH extremes introduced to the water. On the other hand, flooring labeled as water-resistant handles common liquid spills but offers little protection from water and the duration of exposure is critical.

Is it OK to put laminate flooring in a bathroom?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Laminate flooring can work really well in bathrooms, you just need to ensure you're installing the right type of laminate. Ideally, you should use water-resistant laminate flooring in your bathroom to help prevent problems with water damage.

What is better luxury vinyl plank or laminate?

While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.

Why choose laminate over vinyl?

Vinyl stands up the best against excess moisture and spills, and it can be less expensive than laminate. However, laminate gives a more realistic wood look to enhance the design aesthetic in your home.

What are the disadvantages of luxury vinyl plank?

While LVP is extremely durable, it isn't totally indestructible. Luxury vinyl flooring can dent and even scratch or scuff, especially from heavy appliances, furniture, or other weighty objects. Just because it's resistant to something doesn't mean it's impervious to it.

Why do people not like vinyl flooring?

Manufacturing vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, vinyl floors have been known to emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations.

Does luxury vinyl look cheap?

LVT will never look “cheap” — it will make your life easier and enhance the look and comfort of your home.

How many years does vinyl flooring last?

Generally speaking, vinyl sheet flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while vinyl plank and tile flooring will last 15 to 20 years. The thickness of its wear layer vastly impacts vinyl flooring's lifespan, so pay attention to this detail when purchasing your flooring.

Where should you not use laminate flooring?

Floating laminate flooring can be installed in nearly any room, with a few exceptions. Because the inner core of the material is made with wood or fiberboard that is susceptible to moisture damage, installations in any room with a floor drain or sump pump should be avoided.

Is it OK to put laminate flooring in a kitchen?

Durability: Most current laminate flooring is scratch resistant, making it a great solution for households with pets or children, or even those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Heat resistance: Compared to other flooring types such as wood, laminate has far better heat resistance.

How long will waterproof laminate flooring last?

How Long Do Waterproof Laminate Floors Last? Quality waterproof laminate floors should last around 25 years, but a lot of factors can go into this (upkeep, brand, product, etc.). However, many high-end brands offer lifetime residential warranties. So: it's possible that these products could last much longer.

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