The Best Water Resistant Flooring Options

Flooring materials in wet areas like the kitchen and bathroom need to be selected properly as water and moisture can easily ruin your floor. This is especially the case if you have carpet or hardwood flooring in, or near, a wet area. A specially designed waterproof or water-resistant flooring is essential to protect your floor from accidental water spills, splashes, and leaks.

It is also best to have a water-resistant floor if you have pets or kids to ensure it stands up to the extra traffic and the occasional spills. Ongoing exposure to water can damage some flooring products, causing them to warp, crack, and bubble. Constant moisture can also attract termites and encourage mould growth, which can, in some cases, cause respiratory problems or worsen the symptoms of asthma and allergies.

Why choose a waterproof or resistant flooring option?

Repairing water-damaged flooring is undoubtedly expensive. Water can rot your beautiful hardwood flooring or that expensive carpet you just couldn't resist. This is where waterproof or water-resistant flooring comes to the rescue... whether you want to guard against damage from a dropped glass of wine or you have active kids and pets, water-resistant flooring is a MUST-HAVE.

Non-water-resistant flooring options to avoid

Flooring made from natural products like bamboo or hardwood timber can be susceptible to moisture damage. Frequent contact with water can also lead to mould and bacterial growth.

Carpets also hold moisture and any kind of carpet are not a good option for wet areas. The same goes for solid hardwood, which can be vulnerable to water damage and even the tiniest bit of water can cause the flooring to warp and rot over time.

The 3 best waterproof & water resistant flooring options

These flooring options are waterproof, or water resistant, and best suited to wet areas in your home like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.

• Vinyl flooring - Vinyl is a water-resistant, durable, and cost-effective flooring option for homeowners. WPC Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for homes and businesses thanks to its water-resistant properties. Standard vinyl is sold in sheets or tiles, the other variant is luxury vinyl flooring which is available as tiles or vinyl planks. Both vinyl options are good choices for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and basements.
• Hybrid vinyl flooring - This style of flooring is waterproof making it ideal for busy living areas as well as wet areas like bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen. Hybrid vinyl is also long lasting and low maintenance offering a practical solution for busy families.
• Porcelain tiles - Porcelain has a high water resistance rate making it an attractive option for tiling indoor and outdoor wet areas. Being resistant to water and stains, porcelain tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Grout is the Achilles heel for these tiles though as water can seep down the grout seams between the tiles and damage the sub-floor, so it is crucial to make sure the tiles are installed by a professional and the grout is sealed correctly.
• Ceramic tiles - Ceramic tiles also have a high water resistance rate making them great at withstanding the effects of water and humidity. Grout is the weak link for these tiles as well, so ensure grout seams are sealed well.

Where to install waterproof flooring?

Waterproof flooring is essential for wet and semi-wet areas like the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, ensuite, and basement, however, you can install it just about anywhere in your home for a durable floor.

Waterproof flooring options

At Impact Floors, we have a range of waterproof and water-resistant flooring options you can choose from. Speak to our experts on 1300 253 321 or complete our online flooring enquiry form, we will be happy to help you find the perfect solution for your needs. We recommend you come in and visit our experienced team at our Sunshine Coast flooring showroom and see the range of our flooring options for yourself.