Do you have pets or kids who are constantly making messes on your floors? Or perhaps you’re a clumsy adult who can’t seem to stop spilling your morning coffee. Whatever the reason, you’re interested in replacing your floors with something waterproof.

With so many flooring options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow down your choice. You’ve heard that laminate looks nice and can be a budget-friendly option, but are laminate floors waterproof?

We’re here to educate you on what makes laminate floors waterproof along with some pros and cons of laminate, frequently asked questions, and information about other waterproof flooring types you may want to consider.

Table of Contents

is laminate floor waterproof

Are Laminate Floors Waterproof?

First, let’s talk about what the term “waterproof” means when it comes to flooring. Purchasing waterproof floors doesn’t mean that if your house is flooded and the floors are submerged in water they’ll be totally fine. Any type of flooring would suffer from a water problem that severe.

Waterproof flooring is generally made from materials that prevent water or moisture from soaking into its core. There is also water-resistant flooring, which can hold its own against stains and spills as long as they are wiped up relatively quickly. However, if they’re left too long, liquids can eventually make their way through the barrier and cause damage.

When figuring out if a laminate floor is waterproof, you’ll need to look at several factors, including:

  • Type of laminate flooring
  • How it’s made
  • Whether it’s installed correctly

Some types of laminate flooring are waterproof, some are water-resistant, and others are neither. We’ll go into more detail about those later.

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is made up of several layers. First, there’s a plywood or fiberboard base covered by an image layer created to mimic the look of wood or stone. Then the whole thing is topped by a transparent wear layer for protection.

Laminate is a popular flooring choice due to its durability and lower price point. And it has come a long way since it was first introduced in the 1970s, offering many design options that look pretty close to the real thing.

It is often used in:

  • Kitchens
  • Dining areas
  • Living areas
  • Bedrooms; and
  • Hallways

is laminate flooring waterproof

3 Types of Laminate Flooring

There are different types of laminate flooring, including traditional, water-resistant, and waterproof. Which type you choose depends on:

  • What type of traffic the flooring will endure
  • What kind of furniture will sit on the floor
  • What type of room the flooring is in — for instance, kitchens and bathrooms need flooring that can stand up to higher levels of moisture

If you’re unsure about what type of flooring you need for your home, the experts at Interior Motives Flooring will be happy to provide you with assistance.

#1: Traditional Laminate

Traditional laminate flooring is usually not waterproof or water-resistant. But since it is quite durable and affordable, this is a great option for households who don’t have moisture issues or a lot of foot traffic.

If you opt for traditional laminate flooring, be sure to clean up any spills right away and opt for cleaning with a lightly-dampened mop.

#2: Water-Resistant Laminate

Water-resistant laminate flooring is coated with a top layer that is made to stand up to water. So if there’s a spill or leak that you don’t see right away, water-resistant laminate can buy you a little time.

However, since this type of flooring isn’t fully waterproof, the moisture will soak through to the core eventually if it isn’t taken care of.

Water-resistant laminate is a better flooring choice than traditional laminate for spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

#3: Waterproof Laminate

Waterproof laminate flooring is constructed to prevent normal amounts of household water from getting into its components. It is created from:

  • A water-resistant core made with resins that make it less susceptible to swelling.
  • Watertight joints that lock together and prevent water from seeping through.
  • A waterproof seal on the surface of the flooring.

This design allows a larger amount of water to sit on the floor for a longer period of time without causing damage — although you’ll obviously want to clean up any spills as soon as you can. Having waterproof flooring just gives you more peace of mind that your floors can stand up to whatever your household throws at them.

Waterproof laminate is a great option for homes with pets or kids, as these are generally known to result in liquids on the floors for a variety of reasons. They’re also great for homes with high-traffic areas as they can stand up to more vigorous cleaning.

Interior Motives Flooring offers a variety of laminate flooring designs, including waterproof options. Contact us today to set up a free consultation for your project.

is all laminate flooring waterproof

Pros and Cons of Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Pros

Some of the advantages of waterproof laminate flooring are:

  • They are easy to clean and maintain.
  • They are more scratch-resistant than vinyl flooring.
  • They are less expensive than traditional hardwood flooring.
  • They stand up to water better than traditional laminate, making them a great choice for high-moisture rooms or areas of the home that see heavy traffic.

Cons

Disadvantages of waterproof laminate flooring include:

  • They aren’t as water-resistant as some types of vinyl flooring.
  • If they aren’t properly installed, they can be a lot noisier than other types of flooring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Can I Mop Laminate Flooring?

You can mop laminate flooring, but if it isn’t waterproof or water-resistant, you should be using the smallest amount of water possible to clean. For traditional laminate flooring, sweeping or vacuuming and using a damp cloth to blot any spills is recommended.

With water-resistant or waterproof laminate flooring, it’s okay to use a wet mop — although you’ll still want to squeeze out any excess water. It’s also not recommended that you use high-temperature steam mops, as these could damage the waterproofing layer and the flooring beneath.

What Happens When Laminate Flooring Gets Wet?

What happens when laminate flooring gets wet can depend on the type of flooring, how much water is on the floor, and how long it stays there.

Traditional laminate flooring can be damaged with prolonged exposure to moisture. This may lead to issues such as swelling, cupping, and even rotting. It’s important to clean up leaks or spills quickly to avoid damage that may require replacing all or part of your floor.

Waterproof laminate flooring gives you more time to clean up messes and prevent problems caused by moisture.

Where Can Waterproof Laminate Be Installed?

Waterproof laminate flooring can be installed anywhere in your home since it stands up so well to moisture. You may choose to put this type of flooring throughout your whole home or only in areas such as:

  • Basements
  • Attics
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Etc.

Waterproof laminate flooring is also a great choice for rental properties since it can stand up to tenants who may not be as careful with your home and its floors as you’d like.

Interior Motives Flooring offers design consultation and virtual tools that will allow you to see how new flooring will look in your home before you buy it. Contact us soon to book a free estimate.

is laminate flooring waterproof

Is Waterproof Laminate Flooring Expensive?

Waterproof laminate flooring is generally not expensive, especially when compared to traditional hardwood. Laminate usually runs from $1-4 per square foot for the materials, plus more for installation.

You may pay more for waterproof or water-resistant flooring than you would for traditional laminate. Contact Interior Motives Flooring to explore your options.

Is Waterproof Laminate Easy To Install?

Laminate flooring is generally easier to install than other flooring types. Many types of laminate can be installed as floating floors where the planks are simply locked together on top of existing flooring.

However, to ensure that your flooring lasts and retains its waterproof properties, it must be installed properly. That’s why it’s better to have the pros do it for you rather than attempting a DIY job.

are laminate floors waterproof

Other Waterproof Flooring Options

If you need waterproof flooring but don’t necessarily want to go the laminate route, here are some other options you may want to explore:

  • Tile flooring – Tile is a classic and has always been a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms, but the greater variety of designs and styles available for tile these days means it can be used throughout the home. Tile stands up well to moisture but must be properly installed, and the grout needs to be resealed frequently to stop water from seeping through.
  • Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring – LVP flooring has a core made of plastic and stone, so it can be submerged in water without suffering any damage. It has surged in popularity in recent years due to the variety of shades and designs it can come in, mimicking nearly any flooring type. It’s also very easy to maintain.
  • Sheet vinyl flooring – Unlike luxury vinyl flooring, which usually comes in planks, sheet vinyl comes in large rolls. It is easy to install and can be a more budget-friendly waterproof flooring option than LVP.

Interior Motives Flooring: Offering Design and Installation Services To Help You Find the Best Waterproof Flooring Option for Your Home and Lifestyle

If you’re interested in having waterproof laminate floors installed in your home, contact Interior Motives Flooring. We have been serving the residents of Auburn, WA, and surrounding areas since 1989, and we’d love to help you as well.

Our goal is to make the flooring remodel process easy and worry-free for our customers. We offer design services and technology to help you see what your top choices will look like in your home.

Click the button below to book a free estimate and let us waterproof your floors while improving the look of your home.

is laminate flooring waterproof