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.
Ceramic Tile
Best for: Water-resistance, heat-resistance, and impact-resistance. Ceramic tile isn't the hardest flooring material used in kitchens, but it is the most durable option. This material is made from natural clay that's then shaped, glazed, and fired under extreme heat.
WPC and SPC Vinyl is a great waterproof option for bathrooms and other wet, high traffic areas. Vinyl can look like wood planks, stone, and even ceramic tile. WPC and SPC Vinyl flooring are rigidcore products, combining the durability, scratch resistance and waterproof features of vinyl.
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.
Vinyl flooring clearly is a better choice in high-moisture environments than laminate flooring, making it an excellent choice in bathrooms. But for whole-house installations, laminate flooring often makes sense because it offers a wide range of choices.
The best waterproof floor options are made in vinyl or laminate. These formats can have various types of construction and installation methods.
Vinyl floors are a perfect alternative to wood floors: They're waterproof flooring, so they'll stand up to all of your regular kitchen spills, and they're also stain resistant, unlike some other flooring options.
This includes being fully waterproof which is ideal for kitchens. Not only is your laminate flooring protected against moisture damage, but this range of flooring also includes stain guard technology. So, if you have a busy household or pets, cleaning and maintenance becomes really easy.
Waterproof and water-resistant laminate offers great protection against moisture, making them ideal flooring choices for spaces that tend to get the most spills like the basement, kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Hardwood. As one of the most popular, high-value flooring materials for many homes, hardwood is a worthwhile consideration. This classic option offers the space a warm, natural feel, making it an excellent pick for varying kitchen aesthetics.
Tumbled Effect Porcelain Trend
A big trend for 2023 kitchen floor tiles is tumbled effect porcelain - together with the character and variation from tile to tile, this soft tumbling effect lends itself beautifully to rustic, and modern country-style kitchens.
One of the most durable floors to use in a kitchen is ceramic or porcelain tile. Although cold underfoot, these tiles are incredibly durable and easy to clean having been handmade and baked. They are also available in a range of shapes, styles, and colours, making them perfect for any kitchen aesthetic.
CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN TILE
This makes it a tough scratch-resistant flooring choice. Unglazed porcelain is the best when it comes to scratch resistance. Tile is easy to maintain and water-resistant.
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.
“For heavy foot traffic areas such as living rooms and kitchens, I recommend getting vinyl plank flooring with an enhanced urethane finish,” Lewis says. “They have a high-gloss look and are damage-resistant.” However, for lower traffic areas, no-wax finishes are best, she says.
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.
While wet laminate flooring will eventually dry out, it can take several weeks or longer to do so on its own. Not only does this increase the risk of mold, but it's also likely the floor will start to degrade and fall apart too.
Vinyl flooring outperforms laminate flooring in the area of water resistance, making it a go-to flooring material for areas that are prone to water and moisture exposure.
In this case, the thicker the plank/tile, or sheet, the sturdier it is. The rule of thumb is to use 4mm to 6mm thickness in heavily used areas of the house and 4mm and below for areas like the bedroom.
Most vinyl floors don't need an underlay. If the surface you're laying on is level and smooth, a well-cushioned vinyl floor should be fine on its own.
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.
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.
Yes, all vinyl flooring products are waterproof because they're composed primarily of PVC. However, the quality of installation can affect their level of water-resistance.