One of the most common questions we hear from customers, who come into our flooring showroom in Cumming, is what kind of options we offer for waterproof floors.
The question usually comes from families with children or pets, or from those considering a basement redo.
Most people want the look of real wood, but know that this flooring choice is not always the best for spills, moisture and humidity.
Others may like the appearance of stone, but don’t want the added expense and maintenance that comes with it.
A Buyer’s Guide to Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luckily for homeowners everywhere, there’s an innovative waterproof flooring solution that looks fantastic and performs reliably around moisture and frequent use.
That solution is waterproof luxury vinyl flooring, and it is a very popular flooring option that is changing how people think about their floors.
What is Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Gone are the days when your only option for bathroom flooring was tile, and basements were resigned to some not-terribly-luxurious finishes like sealed concrete.
Now, you can get the look of beautiful hardwoods or stone in a product that is made to stand up to high levels of moisture.
Luxury vinyl plank is a durable, low-maintenance, waterproof type of flooring designed to look like natural hardwood.
Luxury vinyl tile is a similar flooring product, but it mimics the look of real stone and usually comes in tiles instead of planks.
The flooring, whether in plank or tile form, locks together for easy installation.
It is easy to cut, and can be installed as either a glued-down or floating floor. it comes in various thicknesses to meet different needs.
Each vinyl plank or tile consists of a waterproof or water-resistant vinyl core attached to a sturdy tile backing. This is topped with a printed film layer, a protective wear layer and a polyurethane coating.
Some waterproof vinyl plank and tile flooring will include a cushioning layer or underlay, as well.
Luxury vinyl products for floors can be used in any room of the home, and they are especially good for homes with kids or pets and for wet areas like kitchens, mudrooms, bathrooms and basements.
Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring Really Waterproof?
Most quality Luxury Vinyl Plank and Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring (also known as LVP and LVT, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably) is made from waterproof materials.
This means that liquid spilled upon the surface will not permeate into the planks and warp or ruin them, even if it sits for a while.
Luxury vinyl floors are not, however, fully flood-proof. Unsealed seams between the planks can allow water to permeate underneath, so your floor would not be able to withstand large volumes of standing water.
Moreover, there are some LVP and LVT products that are merely water-resistant, so be sure to check before you buy.
Where Can I Use This Type of Waterproof Flooring?
The wide variety of colors and styles of luxury vinyl floors, combined with their waterproof versatility, means that you can use them in just about any room of the house.
Choose a stone or hardwood-look waterproof vinyl flooring product for an upscale bathroom update, or use it in the kitchen for a luxe look that can stand up to spills and hectic family use.
Waterproof flooring isn’t just for wet areas and basements, either.
Many luxury vinyl plank flooring products look just as good as – or even better! – than traditional hardwood floors.
That means you can use them in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, entryways and hallways as well as in mudrooms and laundry rooms where their water-resistance will come in extra handy.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Styles
Hardwood-style luxury vinyl plank products come in a vast range of finishes, including light hardwoods, dark hardwoods, grey hardwoods, lime-washed, natural wood tones and more.
Luxury vinyl plank also comes in a variety of wood widths and grains.
Choose a wide-plank look, elegant narrow planks or something in between.
Popular vinyl plank hardwood styles include oak, walnut, hickory, pine, teak as well as rustic and reclaimed woods to match any home’s décor.
Luxury vinyl tile comes in a variety of styles, including natural stone looks in various hues and colorful patterned tiles in a rainbow of colors.
How Do I Choose The Right Type of Waterproof Flooring?
Once you have a basic idea of the color and style of flooring you want, find out which products have the right wear resistance and waterproof qualities for your needs.
For high-traffic areas, you will want vinyl flooring with a thicker wear layer for greater durability.
High-moisture areas like bathrooms and some basements will require a fully waterproof vinyl flooring product, while regular living areas may do just fine with simply water-resistant flooring.
You should also ask whether a cushioned underlayment is a good idea, as it can make luxury vinyl floors – which are often more pliant than tile and hardwoods – even softer and quieter.
Inquire about the warranty on products you may be considering, and remember to ask whether quoted prices include installation.
Thinking About Getting New Waterproof Floors for Your Home?
Let us help you! We have a wide selection of waterproof flooring in every style, and we’d love to assist you in finding the perfect product for your needs.
We can show you a variety of flooring samples, answer any questions you may have, and then set up a time to come by and measure your home for a quote.
Stop by our flooring showroom located in Cumming, off of Highway 400, or make an appointment to come in and talk to one of our flooring experts today. Or call us at 770-889-9753 to get started!