All About Waterproof Laminate Flooring
You've been planning for the renovation of your open-concept home for a long time, and you have a stack of ripped magazine pages of inspiration to prove it! You're fairly certain you want a stunning wood-look laminate floor. Waterproof could be a worthwhile bonus, especially when you consider the elaborate arts and crafts projects you put together for your grandkids and the mess your dogs sometimes make.
Laminated waterproof flooring lets you enjoy the style you're drawn to plus the resilience of a moisture-proof floor that's perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. Its multi-layer structure matches standard laminate with a backing layer, thicker core, image layer, and protective wear layer. The water-repelling technology sits in that sturdy core. A watertight topcoat and joints serve as final barriers for moisture protection.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Do you know the differences between waterproof laminate flooring and luxury vinyl (LVF)? They can help ensure you make an informed final decision before you spend a good chunk of money on your new flooring.
- Waterproof laminate features a top layer that's more scratch resistant than LVF. Its wood look includes an enhanced embossing that makes it even more realistic.
- Luxury vinyl flooring has a similar price point to waterproof laminate flooring of comparable quality.
Appearance
Does the weekend getaway you're remodeling have a unique style that you've carefully curated over the years? Or would you prefer to branch out and find waterproof or water-resistant laminate flooring that gives your home an entirely new feel? In either case, we’ve got you covered. Showrooms are filled with wood-look laminate options that are surprisingly realistic and at a fraction of the cost of genuine wood. You'll even see the nuanced grain patterns and texture thanks to the digital technology involved in creating the laminate's image layer.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Using waterproof laminate flooring for bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, or other areas of your home comes with a few worthwhile advantages, such as:
- Resistance to scratches from your puppy's nails and other everyday interactions
- Serious protection from common high-moisture situations, like muddy paws and accidental spills
- Realistic hardwood and stone looks, as well as other decorative patterns
The main disadvantage that comes with waterproof laminate flooring for kitchens or other areas is the ROI it adds compared with other options like hardwood. This might not be a huge concern for you unless you’re thinking of selling your home soon.
Durability and Maintenance
A key requirement for your impending new floor is supreme durability. You won't commit until you're sure you've found a bathroom laminate flooring that can hold up to your grandkids' rowdy bathtimes. Luckily, they're out there, and your local Flooring America expert can help you find the option that perfectly matches your aesthetic.
Once installed, your brand-new floors will need a minimal amount of attention to stay sparkling. You're probably already in the habit of sweeping or vacuuming. Continue that routine each week to keep your new floors in pristine condition. Waterproof laminate flooring will resist scratches from everyday wear and unexpected spills that are cleaned up according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Installation and Lifespan
You've settled on the style of waterproof laminate flooring you want in your home and you're ready to make the commitment. You have one last concern: how long will this new investment last? Great question! We can easily say many years, but the ultimate length will depend on you, your family, and the choices you make.
Four of the most impactful factors that can help ensure you enjoy a long future with your new laminate include:
- Having a proper installation with high-quality laminate and other materials
- Keeping up with routine cleaning and maintenance according to the product-specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer
- Protecting water-resistant laminate flooring from atypical wear and unexpected damage
- Abiding by the warranty protection to ensure it's long-lasting
Though laminate waterproof flooring may seem easy enough to install yourself, you might be surprised to learn it's quite a tedious task. Leave the hard work to a professional installer who's already outfitted with the right tools and has experience with the process. Before you know it, you'll be showing off your bathroom laminate flooring to anyone interested!
FAQs About Waterproof Laminate Flooring
- Is waterproof laminate flooring worth the price? Only you can determine if the benefits of waterproof laminate flooring are worth the cost. But if muddy paws, damp towels, or wet gear are constants in your house, the odds are high that you'll think so.
- Is waterproof laminate flooring really waterproof? One of the most common questions Flooring America experts hear: is laminate flooring waterproof? And, it's a fair concern. Many waterproof laminate floors contain wood fibers at their core, putting them in the category of water resistant rather than waterproof. If water gets to those fibers, you may see blistering or expanding. This usually occurs in wet scenarios, like with bathroom laminate flooring. Waterproof laminate flooring uses resins at the core, plus a resistant protective coating to help keep moisture out.
- Is any laminate flooring waterproof? No, most laminate floors available today aren't waterproof, but they do exist. As you shop, pay close attention to the product descriptions and look for products that are certified waterproof rather than water resistant.
- What is the best waterproof laminate flooring? If you're shopping for the highest quality waterproof laminate you can find, you'll want to ask about a product's water-repelling technology. You'll usually find it includes a non-wood composition and an extra-strength protective topcoat to help wick away moisture.
- How long does waterproof laminate flooring last? The lifespan of waterproof laminate flooring is comparable to standard laminate, though it will vary from home to home. Factors that influence how well your laminate floors hold up include how it's installed, how well you maintain it, and if you follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
