Waterproof Laminate: What You Need to Know

Waterproof flooring has gained popularity recently and is an excellent alternative for high-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements due to its resilience to moisture and spills.

As flooring experts, we often hear questions and misconceptions about waterproof laminate flooring. While manufacturers promote these products as fully waterproof, the truth is a bit more complex. Before investing in waterproof laminate for your bathroom, kitchen, or basement, it’s important to understand the reality behind the claims. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of laminate, clarify their capabilities, and help you decide if they’re the right fit for your home.

Types of Laminate Flooring

Let's clear up any confusion off the bat: Laminate flooring is a synthetic flooring product that replicates the look of natural wood by combining together many layers of materials using a laminate technology. To be more specific, most laminate products are created of softwood fibers, broken down and combined with a wax and resin binder, formed into panels by applying heat and pressure. Given its durability, accessibility, and customization, laminate flooring has become increasingly popular as a hardwood flooring alternative.

Even so, not all laminate flooring is produced equally, and so its performance can greatly impact the laminate’s waterproof claims.

Traditional Laminate

Traditional laminate flooring is definitely NOT waterproof nor water-resistant, however, it is durable, very common, and often quite affordable, since it is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF). This type of laminate will work great for households that don’t experience heavy foot traffic and are not experiencing any moisture issues.

Generally speaking, most manufacturers of this type of laminate flooring recommend cleaning water spills as soon as they happen and using only a slightly damp mop when cleaning. There are still great traditional laminate products out there that perform great without breaking the bank.

Waterproof Laminate

Waterproof flooring has a unique coating that makes it water-resistant but not totally waterproof. To a certain extent, this kind of laminate can withstand spills and moisture, but if water is kept on the top for a long time, it will still damage the core layer. Water-resistant laminates often come with warranties that include anywhere from 10 to 48 hours of water contact without creating any damage to the planks.

Also, this waterproof flooring is usually a floating floor which means that it does not need to be nailed or glued to the subfloor. This category of laminates can withstand spills for a prolonged period of time without damaging the product.

However, even this waterproof laminate type is not invincible. Most manufacturers specify that water that comes from underneath the laminate floor (think a dishwasher leak) is not a covered factor as part of their warranty. Another important cause that is often excluded from the warranties that could damage your laminate floors is pet urine.

Each type of laminate flooring offers a specific level of water resistance, but none are entirely impervious to moisture. Even waterproof laminate can fail if exposed to standing water or flooding for extended periods. Choosing the right option depends on the room’s moisture levels and your daily lifestyle needs. Consider where the flooring will be installed and how much water exposure it’s likely to face before making a decision.

Is Laminate Really Waterproof Then?

If submerging laminate in water and leaving it like that for a week is what you are thinking when hearing “waterproof” then the answer is certainly No. While water-resistant and waterproof flooring can manage moisture to differing degrees, they are definitely not invincible.

However, if you are in a flood or water damage situation, most types of flooring will have to be replaced entirely, since at that stage it’s not just the floor covering that would be affected. Your trim, subfloor and possibly even drywall would get damaged. In the day-to-day activities with kids and pets, spills often happen and most modern laminates do a great job at withstanding those factors.

To guarantee that your laminate flooring lasts for many years, it’s critical to select the best type for your needs and to properly maintain it. Waterproof laminate flooring is the best choice if you’re looking for a flooring solution that can handle a home full of life.

Waterproof Laminate Flooring Alternatives

Laminate flooring may be a popular flooring option but there are definitely other solutions that are 100% waterproof. There are numerous alternatives to waterproof flooring that can better fit your needs, whether you’re looking for something more enduring, trendy, or traditional. You can opt to use a floating floor which can be more expensive but also more resistant, Republic Flooring is one of the most innovative.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury Vinyl flooring is one of the most widely used substitutes for laminate flooring due to its toughness, waterproof flooring, and ease of maintenance. It can be entirely submerged in water and won’t get damaged, thanks to its core made of plastic and stone. These can be used in almost any part of the house and are reasonably priced. It is available in an array of shades and designs and can imitate the appearance of tile, hardwood, and real stone.

Stone/Ceramic/Porcelain Tile Flooring

Tile is a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and other spaces with a lot of moisture. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are available in a vast array of designs, colors, and shapes, and they require little attention. However, installation can be a little difficult, and to stop water from seeping, the grout between the tiles needs to be sealed frequently.

Rubber Flooring

Rubber is another long-lasting and stain-resistant material that can sustain heavy foot activity. It’s an interesting option for playrooms, laundry rooms, or home gyms. Rubber flooring is available in a wide range of colors and patterns and can give your home a contemporary-industrial feel. Some of these can be waterproof flooring but some rubber floorings are porous too.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, laminate flooring is a great option for an affordable and good quality flooring solution that can last for many years. However, there are several other options when it comes to waterproof flooring. The greatest selection for you will ultimately depend on your needs and preferences, but by looking at your alternatives, you can choose the flooring that will be ideal for withstanding wetness and spills for years to come.

For over 50 years, Simple Flooring has helped Chicago homeowners make confident flooring decisions. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through every step, from selecting the best waterproof laminate for your space to ensuring a flawless installation. Ready to explore your options? Get in touch! Call us at (847) 777-4999 to schedule your free consultation or visit our showroom in Elk Grove Village to see our extensive collection in person.