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.
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.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Tile flooring is resilient, waterproof, available in a variety of colors and designs, and generally less expensive than other hard surface options. Porcelain tiles specifically absorb less water than any other ceramic product.
Vinyl tiles do not absorb spills or pet mishaps because they are non-porous. However, in the event of a severe flooding incident, water will seep through the joints or the points where the planks connect as a result of the continuous pressure.
Most vinyl floors, including luxury vinyl and luxury vinyl plank floors, are waterproof. Laminate flooring, however, contains softwood fibers.
Con: LVP May Dent
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. However, do know that LVP resists scratches better than real hardwood.
Less density with laminate flooring means less durability. In addition, if the wear layer on the laminate isn't treated for UV light protection, laminate flooring will fade in the sunlight. LVP is clearly superior when it comes to durability.
Unfortunately, water-resistant and waterproof surface does not mean the floors are completely waterproof. Here's the difference: Waterproof – Waterproof laminate flooring is 100% impervious to any form of water. No amount of spills or moisture will ever harm your floors.
One popular type of waterproof flooring is vinyl. It doesn't require much maintenance, and it's resistant to stains and cracks. Vinyl flooring comes in many patterns. If you're looking for the hardwood look, you can also get vinyl flooring in a hardwood design.
Is vinyl flooring waterproof? Yes, and for this reason, vinyl flooring is incredibly popular! Vinyl plank flooring is the perfect flooring solution for busy households, basements, bathrooms and even kitchens. But just because vinyl flooring is waterproof, doesn't mean it will survive flooding.
“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.
Also referred to as “stone polymer composite flooring” or “solid polymer core,” SPC vinyl planks are dense, dimensionally stable, quiet, and strong. Designed to be 100 percent waterproof, not even topical humidity or moisture can cause planks to swell or damage your SPC rigid core vinyl flooring.
The biggest advantage of vinyl plank flooring is the fact that it is 100% water resistant. This means surface water and spills won't affect the flooring. This makes it the ideal flooring solution for spaces such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms, restaurants and cafes.
The Provenza LVP is a little more expensive than Pergo (about $2/SF more), but if you have the budget for it, I'd definitely recommend it over Pergo. If your budget is not as limited, some other options are Belair, Republic Floor, or head to your local flooring showroom and ask them what they'd recommend!
Generally speaking, vinyl can cost as low as $1.00 or even $. 50 per square foot for glue-down vinyl flooring and $3.00 to $5.00 per square foot for LVT planks. Similarly, laminate ranges from $1.00 per square foot for thin planks and around $3.00 to $5.00 per square foot for lower-end 12 mm-thick planks.
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.
Some disadvantages of vinyl flooring include: Cannot be repaired. Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Shorter lifespan than wood floors.
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.
Ultimately, while vinyl flooring can be resistant to pet urine, it's still important to take steps to prevent accidents and clean up any spills promptly to protect your flooring investment.
“Welded joints to vinyl are waterproof, therefore the whole flooring is a waterproof thing.” “Commercial grade vinyl doesn't require waterproofing.”
You might also hear waterproof vinyl flooring called enhanced vinyl plank, rigid vinyl plank, or engineered luxury vinyl flooring.
Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.