If you have never heard of waterproof flooring, now is the time to learn more about it. There are different waterproof flooring options available if you are thinking about replacing the flooring of your bathroom or of your kitchen.
Quality waterproof flooring looks great, but is also designed in a way that allows it to withstand moisture as well as water spills. Here are six of the best waterproof flooring options you should consider:
Option #1: WPC vinyl flooring
WPC, which stands for Wood Plastic Composite, is one of the best waterproof flooring options that can look as amazing as hardwood flooring. The colours and textures of WPC vinyl planks and tiles, as well as their durability, make them a perfect choice if you want to add some warmth and elegance to a room.
WPC vinyl flooring usually features a top wear layer, a layer of luxury vinyl, and a stable layer of wood composite that will not expand or contract. It can also have an attached underlayment. This flooring option is 100% waterproof, it’s durable, it’s easy to clean and to maintain, and it looks great. It’s also easy to install even on imperfect subfloors. The only downside of WPC vinyl flooring could be its price.
Option #2: Waterproof laminate flooring
While regular laminate flooring doesn’t react too well to moisture and water spills, waterproof laminate flooring is still one of the strongest waterproof flooring options. It has a rubber core instead of a core made from wood fibers, which makes it more durable than regular laminate flooring when it gets installed in a bathroom or in a kitchen.
Waterproof laminate flooring can look as good as hardwood flooring, while being a lot more affordable. It’s easy to install, easy to maintain, and just like WPC vinyl flooring, it can be used to hide an imperfect subfloor. Waterproof laminate flooring, however, might not be as durable as other waterproof flooring options, but it can still withstand a lot of wear.
Option #3: Ceramic and porcelain tile flooring
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are protected by a durable glaze that makes them a great waterproof flooring option for your bathroom or your kitchen. The grout used to install the tiles should be able to withstand water and humidity as well.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in an incredible variety of colours, textures and styles. They can imitate the look of natural stone or wood, or simply feature decorative designs. Tiles are waterproof and extremely durable, and they are very easy to clean: all you need to do is vacuum them regularly, and use a damp mop once in awhile.
However, you might not be able to install your tiles on your own, unless you have experience with this type of project. Another downside of ceramic and porcelain tiles is that they are cold, and that they can be hard on your feet. Overall, these are good waterproof flooring options, but not without their drawbacks.
Option #4: Rubber flooring
Rubber might not be the best waterproof flooring option for your bathroom or your kitchen, but it’s a convenient one for people who want to waterproof their basement. Rubber flooring tiles are usually made from recycled car tires, but it doesn’t mean they have to be black, as they come in a variety of colours and styles.
Rubber flooring is not slippery when wet, and it resists mold and mildew. It’s easy to maintain, and unlike ceramic or porcelain tiles, it’s not hard on your feet, which means you can comfortably stand on it for long periods of time.
One of the reasons why you might not want to choose rubber flooring for your bathroom or your kitchen is that it has an unpleasant odour.
Option #5: Epoxy flooring
Epoxy paint can be used to paint your current floor, which will change its look while effectively waterproofing it. It’s also possible to replace your current floor with an epoxy floor for a hard and durable surface.
Epoxy flooring is a popular waterproof flooring option in garages and basements, but since it can come in any colour, it can be installed in other rooms of the house as well. Unlike rubber, epoxy is slippery when it’s wet, so you need to be careful if you choose this type of flooring for your bathroom. Even though epoxy is durable, it will eventually need to be replaced.
Option #6: Waterproof carpet
While regular carpet is not a waterproof flooring option, some manufacturers are offering waterproof carpet that can withstand liquid spills, and will not get stained. The fibers of waterproof carpet are covered with a stain and soil repellent that protects them, and makes it easy for you to blot up any spill that occurs.
Waterproof carpet is a lot more expensive than regular carpet. If you love carpet, and would like to invest in one that will last for many years and stay beautiful, this could be a great waterproof flooring option for your bedroom or your living room.