Waterproof flooring has a unique coating that makes it water-resistant but not totally waterproof. To a certain extent, this kind of laminate can withstand spills and moisture, but if water is kept on the top for a long time, it will still damage the core layer.
Most unfortunately, the answer is no, laminate floors are not waterproof (although certain brands falsely claim to be waterproof). However the vast majority of laminate floorboards are very water resistant, meaning they can last a significant time with water without absorbing moisture.
Moisture resistance
Waterproof laminate flooring is resistant to excessive moisture, unlike traditional laminates which get damaged easily. It can be installed in various parts of the home such as the basement, living rooms, laundry room, bathroom, and kitchen and can last for a very long time.
While the top layers of the laminate usually ism water can seep between the seams or if the source of the water is coming from within a wall, or enough water is in the room to reach the walls, the water can get underneath the water proof surface. The water will damage laminate flooring by soaking into the layers.
Unlike other products that claim to be waterproof — and are actually water-resistant — Aquatec Flooring® truly is 100% waterproof from our bottom EVA Rubber Padding to our topmost UV Wear Layer, and every layer in between.
What is more waterproof: Vinyl or laminate? While both vinyl and laminate can wick away moisture easily, vinyl is completely waterproof, which means you should go with vinyl for rooms that get a lot of moisture and high traffic.
Vinyl plank flooring makes for a great waterproof floor option. It is made up of different layers and is entirely synthetic, however, it looks feels and installs like conventional flooring. Rigid vinyl plank specifically, is one of the best waterproof flooring choices around.
The protection both waterproof and water-resistant laminate offer against moisture makes them ideal flooring choices for spaces that tend to get the most spills like bathrooms, kitchens and even laundry rooms. That, plus their durability also helps them last a long time especially with active families and pets.
The answer is yes, and here's why and how. An underlayment can do so much for your hard surface flooring, including waterproof laminate flooring. It adds comfort, a warmer touch, and noise reduction, which can benefit just about any area.
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.
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.
You should sweep and mop them regularly. Use a specialty mop to clean them without excess liquid. Though laminate floors are water resistant, if they are soaked in water, they can be damaged. The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products especially made for them.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers all of the benefits of laminate flooring and can legitimately be called waterproof. Luxury vinyl is now available in many, many options, and it has the same easy installation methods as laminate 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.
If installed according to manufacturer instructions, laminate flooring has, at least, a decent chance of standing up against the water. Delaminate is the main problem. Slowly the image layer and wear layer begin to de-laminate from the top of the board. Because laminate is a dense fiberboard, it can take days to dry.
Laminate ranges from 6-mm to 12-mm and, as a rule, it shouldn't be less than 8-mm. If, however, budget is an issue and if your subfloor is level and debris-free, you might be able to get away with 7-mm; keep in mind that subfloor imperfections can telegraph to the surface floor, so make sure it's okay.
No matter which underlayment you choose, if you are installing on a moisture prone subfloor or concrete subfloor, you really need a moisture barrier underlayment. Protect your laminate flooring from moisture for years to come by installing moisture barrier underlayment.
The most popular choice for bathrooms is tile. Specifically, ceramic and porcelain tiles are great options for bathrooms. Tile flooring is resilient, waterproof, available in a variety of colors and designs, and generally less expensive than other hard surface options.
Underlayment, or “padding” as it's often called, is the spongy, closed-cell plastic foam sheet that comes in rolls.
Tile does not tend to scratch or scuff easily, and it's one type of flooring that has continuously proven it's a great option if you're looking for durable waterproof floors. Luxury vinyl is another one of the most durable waterproof flooring options, thanks to the materials it is made of, as well as its features.
The best vinyl plank flooring for most people is the Shaw Primavera Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. It's 100% waterproof and is scratch-, skid-, and mark-resistant, making it ideal for long-term use in high-traffic areas.
Tile made from ceramic or porcelain is the most scratch-resistant flooring. Ceramic tile is made of fired clay, and it's a hard and durable substance. Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic, but they make it from a more cultivated clay and bake it at higher temperatures.
Waterproof vinyl flooring, either in sheets or in planks, is a clear winner here. Laminate flooring has at its core wood. If you know anything about wood, when it gets wet it tends to expand and swell. If that happens, you can try to dry it out, but it never goes back to the original shape.
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.