Waterproof laminate is an upgraded version of the popular wood-look synthetic floor that can resist water damage. It offers realistic looks that could easily pass for real hardwood. Traditionally, laminate has been known to absorb water and swell easily, but innovative technology has changed everything.
First, the surface features a water-repellent seal that keeps spills and moisture from the core. Each plank locks together tightly to prevent water from seeping through. Some waterproof laminate flooring features bevels that wrap over the plank’s edges for even better moisture protection at the joints. The waterproof laminate’s core layer is made of compressed high-density fiberboard (HDF) with resins. This makes it less susceptible to swelling and ensures better water resistance.
Water Resistant Laminate vs. Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Some brands use the term “waterproof” to describe their products, while others say “water-resistant,” so what’s the difference? Waterproof and water-resistant are not the same thing when it comes to flooring.
Water resistance means a specific flooring element is designed to withstand water better than normal. This typically means that you can have some water on the surface for a while before it soaks through. Water-resistant laminate floors will buy you some time if you can’t get to a spill immediately. Waterproof means that the water will never penetrate the flooring, no matter how much time has passed.
These definitions may also vary among manufacturers. To learn a product’s water resistance level, thoroughly read the descriptions of the laminate floors you’re considering. Waterproof laminate sometimes depends on proper installation to ensure that water does not penetrate into the core and cause swelling.
Pros and Cons of Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Pros
- More water-resistant: Waterproof floors feature a moisture-resistant core, so they hold up better to water than traditional laminate or hardwood floors. This means you can install them in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and any room throughout the home.
- Realistic wood appearance: Laminate planks often have some surface detail to further mimic a natural hardwood look and can have the look and feel of hardwood, embossed wood, distressed hardwood, or come in textured or smooth.
- Easy to install, clean, and maintain: You can install laminate flooring as a floating floor, meaning that it is not secured to the ground underneath but rather “floats” by means of an interlocking design. This process is easy and typically done by our customers of all DIY levels.
- More scratch-resistant than vinyl: Waterproof laminate flooring has a strong wear layer that protects the floor from scratches, wear, and staining, all the things pets love to test out on our floors.
- Cost-effective: Laminate floors are an inexpensive alternative to hardwood floors.
Cons
- Not as water-resistant as waterproof vinyl flooring: While laminate flooring has come a long way in its water-resistant capabilities, it still cannot tolerate standing pools of water. Unlike vinyl, laminate’s water resistance works from top to bottom rather than bottom to top. You’ll still need a vapor barrier if you have moisture issues with your subfloor.
- Sound: Laminate floors can create a hollow, empty sound if installed on an uneven surface without an underlayment.
Indiana Floor, Inc.: Your One-Stop Shop for Quality Flooring Products
Since 1993, Indiana Floor has been the leading choice of contractor supply to the hardwood flooring trades. We offer a vast inventory of finished, unfinished, engineered flooring, sundries, and tools to meet customers’ needs. With 5 locations in the MD and VA areas, we are dedicated to providing quality flooring products to our clients. Contact us today at (703) 550-0020 or fill out the contact form on our website!