Waterproof laminate flooring, to the degree that it is genuinely waterproof, offers advantages over standard laminate flooring, since spills and stains are less likely to ruin the floor. Other than this, this flooring has the same profile as any laminate flooring. It can be rather hard underfoot, as well as noisy.
Waterproof laminate flooring is very cost-effective. Laminates are cheaper than hardwood. The labor and material are considerably less expensive, so this can assist those who are on a tight budget. While laminate flooring is more expensive than carpet, it will ultimately save you a lot of money.
While many floor options boast to have water resistance, luxury vinyl is actually waterproof, making it ideal in all rooms, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Thanks to its multiple layers including a durable wear layer and rigid core, luxury vinyl can withstand moisture, heavy foot traffic, scratches and spills.
How Long Does Waterproof Laminate Last? Quality waterproof laminate flooring 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.
To keep your laminate floors fresh, mop them every two months. Damp mops (a.k.a. microfiber mops) are gentle enough to use on laminate floors. If you're going to use a regular mop, just wring it out until it's almost completely dry.
Aqua Defense™ is not just water resistant flooring – it's 100% waterproof flooring for any room in your home. Furnish your space with extremely durable laminate or vinyl plank flooring, even in rooms that are prone to moisture (such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements).
Unlike silicone caulking which simply protects target areas of your floor from damage, coating your laminate floor involves covering the entire surface with polyurethane. Polyurethane protects the surface as well as the cracks of your laminate floor which will increase longevity and water resistance.
Vinyl has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Don't forget to factor in your budget, however. Vinyl flooring may be more expensive than laminate flooring, especially if you choose luxury vinyl flooring.
Water and Heat Resistance
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.
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.
Cost to Install Laminate Floors: Labor Cost
The average labor cost to install laminate flooring is $1,500. Installing laminate flooring for a 1,000 sq. ft. floor costs $800 to $2,800 per square foot on average.
Some waterproof laminate floors have an underlay already attached, so you don't need to buy an underlayment for those. However, if it doesn't come pre-attached, you should purchase an underlayment to improve the durability, sound quality, and insulation.
Use polyurethane as a top coat.
Other than installing actual waterproof flooring, this is the most effective way of protecting the laminate from water damage. Even if this won't take care of the gaps between the planks, a polyurethane top coats will protect the floorboards.
You can use waterproof flooring in any room of the house, but it's not really necessary for every room. True waterproof floors are more expensive than water-resistant floors, so you want to opt for waterproof flooring in areas that are more likely to see water, such as a bathroom, basement, or kitchen.
The short answer is they are the same. Pergo is a brand of laminate (they also make hardwood but are best known for laminate).
Both flooring types are compatible with underfloor heating, although vinyl is slightly more efficient. Vinyl floors have the lowest thermal resistance of all Pergo flooring solutions and act as excellent thermal conductors.
Vinyl and laminate flooring are similar in cost. They're both less expensive than other flooring materials like hardwood or porcelain tile. However, vinyl can get more expensive as you explore the luxury flooring options. Most laminate flooring can be purchased for about $1-5 per square foot.
Laminate can withstand drippy towels and stand up to heavy traffic and dropped curling irons. It also resists even the toughest stains, from makeup to nail polish. Some manufacturers do not recommend putting laminate in the bathroom due to the worry of water damage.
Laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are both extremely durable, but they have their weaknesses. Laminate is prone to scratches and chipped corners over time, so vinyl is probably a better choice for your home if you have pets. LVT/LVP is scratch-resistant, but it's more vulnerable to denting and tearing.
Waterproof and water-resistant flooring have key differences. Waterproof floors are more durable and can withstand not only liquid spills, but bigger accidents, like floods. Water-resistant flooring is designed to only hold up to small spills that are dealt with quickly.
How Does Water Damage Laminate Flooring? Water damages laminate flooring by soaking into the layers. Once inside the boards, it causes them to swell and warp. It also weakens the glue that holds them together and they can eventually fall apart.
Waterproof laminate floor generally costs $3 to $5 per square foot, with an industry average of about $4.50 per square foot. Standard laminate flooring, by comparison, averages about $2.50 per square foot.
Depending on the quality of the flooring, laminate flooring can last between 15 to 25 years on average, or longer. Choosing the right flooring for your home is about more than just aesthetics, it's also about durability and strength.
In high-traffic areas it can show wear and tear, and laminate can't be sanded or refinished for an updated appearance. Because of its lower price point, laminate also won't do much for your home's resale value.