Waterproof hardwood flooring is natural hardwood, pine, or bamboo that has been enhanced by technology to make it impervious to liquid. The tech varies according to the manufacturer. For example, Shaw makes a product comprising a layer of real wood on top of a core of stone polymer composite (SPC).
The truth is, waterproof hardwood flooring does exist—but it's rare. And most of the products that claim to be waterproof hardwood are actually waterproof wood hybrids, or waterproof laminate floors.
Waterproof hardwood can be exposed to liquids with virtually no time limit, so pooling water will remain on the surface without ever causing damage to your floor. Ultimately, the core design of each individual plank determines whether it's waterproof or not.
Engineered hardwood flooring manufactured with a HDPC core makes the product waterproof, durable and comfortable — three things most homeowners are looking for in a flooring product. This technological breakthrough allows you to add the look of real hardwood in the bath and kitchen area.
Iroko, Oak, Western Red Cedar, Cherry, Maple and heat-treated woods are just a few examples of timber that boast excellent dimensional stability and high resistance to shrinking and warping in the face of moisture. To maximise their performance, these woods can be further treated with a sealant.
Polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer are tried-and-true sealants with excellent waterproofing properties. For best results, apply the wood finish at room temperature, ideally between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unlike solid hardwood, waterproof hardwood floors are moisture-resistant so they don't swell or gap. They are resistant to water, moisture, and humidity. That means you can install these floors in high-traffic areas, including kitchens, powder rooms, mudrooms, basements, and entryways.
Because the core of engineered wood flooring is not resistant to water, the floor will become damaged if water is allowed to soak into it. You'll know there's water under your engineered wood floor when your floorboards start to buckle and warp.
Tip: Oil- or water-based urethane waterproofing sealer is best for waterproofing existing hardwood flooring, since it preserves the wood's finish. Use a wool mop to spread urethane waterproofing sealer instead of a paint roller.
Oak is another hardwood species well-known for its water and rot-resistant properties. It is a popular choice for outdoor projects such as decking, fencing, and furniture due to its durability and resistance to decay. Oak wood has a high tannin content, making it naturally resistant to moisture damage.
Taking Care Of Waterproof Wood
Wood needs to be resealed once every three to five years. You can usually tell when the floors start to scratch or become dull. But even in between these seals, it's important to pay attention. Keep them clean and polish them as often as you like.
When well-maintained, paint seals wood and protects it from water, effectively waterproofing it. However, when cracks appear in the paint, water can reach the wood, and the wood is no longer waterproof.
bamboo—has its own waterproof story. “Bamboo flooring, being a grass, will resist moisture better than other hardwoods like oak and maple, making it a great choice for many areas of the home except highly wet areas like a bathroom,” Brooks explained.
Painting plywood is a quick and easy way to waterproof it. If your plywood will be going outdoors, exterior latex paint is the better option, while indoor projects are well-suited to interior latex paint. What is this? Both paints will properly waterproof the plywood, so that shouldn't be a consideration.
UltraWood is an unconventional hardwood flooring. The wood veneer used in UltraWood is really thin: 0.6 millimeters which is equivalent to 3/128th of an inch! This veneer is mounted onto an HDF core - similar to the HDF core used for laminate flooring (HDF is the acronym for High Density Fiberboard).
Gorgeous hardwood flooring can add a special touch to any home; yet, beneath them lies a potential hazard: mold. Mold is an insidious fungus that grows in dark and moist spots, so the area below your flooring could easily become its breeding ground if moisture exists there.
The exception to hardwood and engineered wood's interchangeability comes down to water damage. Engineered wood flooring is a better choice in high-moisture environments than solid hardwood, making it a better option for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Engineered hardwood flooring's base core of high-quality plywood is considered to be dimensionally stable. This means that the plywood's layers, laid perpendicular to each other, are better than laminate or even solid hardwood at resisting swelling and expansion if subjected to water.
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.
No, hardwood flooring is not waterproof. Both engineered wood flooring and solid wood flooring can be water resistant to small amounts of water or liquid spillages, but they are in no way waterproof so any liquids should be wiped away from the surface of your flooring straight away.
Sealers. Sealers are usually transparent paints applied over the wood furnishings to make them waterproof. It helps provide a protective layer over the wood and showcases its natural beauty. The sealer protects the wood and prevents moisture from seeping in.
The Extent of Damage
How long has the wooden piece been left to set in the water? If it's been for a few days or more, the piece is likely to be permanently damaged and it would be best to throw it out.