Certain home areas are prone to high moisture and flooding, like the kitchen and bathroom. Instead of using flooring that holds onto bacteria and is prone to mold growth, it’s better to invest in waterproof flooring. Here are some of the most popular options on the market today.
Waterproof Flooring: Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
You can find the two most common types of tile in bathrooms in many homes. They are affordable, attractive, and versatile types of waterproof flooring. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are glazed, making them resistant to moisture and water. As long as you maintain the grout surrounding each tile, you’ll have no trouble preventing mold and keeping water from affecting the subflooring.
Luxury Vinyl (LVF) Planks
When it comes to combining beauty with function, LVF is at the top of the list. Luxury vinyl is waterproof flooring available in planks similar to hardwood. The locking installation process will keep water out. Every layer of the flooring is impervious to moisture, so it’s more effective than laminate. Luxury vinyl is available in a full range of colors, patterns, and textures, and it is virtually indistinguishable from natural wood flooring.
LVF is also popular because it is naturally stain, scratch, and spill-resistant. Luxury vinyl is an excellent choice if you look for attractive flooring that lasts for years without showing signs of wear and tear.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is another option for water-resistant flooring. It can mimic stone, tile, and wood grain. This flooring is easy to install and stain-resistant, which makes it an excellent option for the kitchen. With laminate, there is something for everyone, whether you want the aesthetic of natural wood grain or prefer the flooring to look like gray stone.
Concrete Can be Water-Resistant
Concrete that is properly sealed and maintained will resist water damage. There are many ways to texturize and color concrete. For areas prone to flooding and high moisture levels, concrete is a good choice for waterproof flooring, provided that it’s sealed properly.
Understand Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof Flooring
When looking for kitchen and bathroom flooring it’s important to understand the differences between waterproof and water-resistant flooring. Water-resistant flooring is designed not immediately to absorb moisture. If you spill water on the floor or drop a beverage in the kitchen, it will be easy to clean. However, waterproof flooring can experience total immersion without absorbing any liquid. Depending on where you install it, one type of flooring may be better than the other for your home.
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