Waterproof laminate flooring: is it worth the hype?
You may have heard everyone raving about waterproof laminate flooring and how it’s a game-changer for the modern household. But do these floors really live up to their reputation?
And can a floor be truly waterproof? While nothing is completely waterproof, our waterproof laminate floors at Mersey Flooring can withstand 100 hours of submersion, meaning they can last basically a lifetime in a normal home setting.
Today, we’ll walk through what waterproof flooring actually is and answer all of your questions about waterproof laminate to help you decide whether it’s a worthwhile investment for your home.
What is waterproof laminate flooring?
Waterproof laminate flooring is designed to withstand large spills and everyday moisture.
Instead of absorbing water, as normal laminate flooring would, waterproof laminate flooring has a protective barrier that prevents water from seeping into its layers. This prevents that spongy effect from swelling or the boards warping.
Traditional laminate is made up of several layers: a tough, clear wear layer on top, a printed design layer (often a wood or tile look), a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core, and a stabilising backing layer underneath.
Waterproof laminate keeps the same basic structure, but it has a few advanced features that give it water resistance:
- Moisture-resistant core: It has a more robust HDF core that’s been treated, so it is far less likely to swell if it’s exposed to water. The core is manufactured with a higher resin content and is specially treated for water resistance.
- Water-repellent surface and joints: The top layer has a hydrophobic coating (such as hydroseal) to stop water from seeping into the layers and joints. This keeps the water in the top layer, so you can just soak it up.
- Special click-lock systems: The click-lock system is tighter and more secure, preventing water from getting through, since the joints are the weakest part. The joints often have a wax or special coating applied to them to act as a seal against water.
Waterproof vs. water-resistant laminate floors
Many people confuse water-resistant floors with waterproof, but there’s actually a big difference between them.
Water-resistant floors are designed to cope with the odd spill or moisture from mopping, which is why they’re often the main choice for bedrooms and living rooms. However, they will swell, lift, and grow mouldy if standing water is left for too long.
That’s where waterproof floors come in. These are designed to tolerate contact with standing water for much longer, which is why they’re a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens (or any moisture-prone areas).
Our 100-hour waterproof laminate range is rated to withstand full contact with water for up to 100 hours.
Key benefits of waterproof laminate flooring
So, do the benefits really last? And is waterproof flooring worth the cost? We’ll lay out all of the ways waterproof flooring can improve your home life and let you decide that for yourself.
1. Better protection from everyday spills
Spills and splashes are something that we can’t prevent, and they are most often a daily occurrence. So, you want a floor that can handle it, not one that will crumble if someone kicks the dog’s water bowl over or spills a drink.
Waterproof laminate is designed to handle these everyday accidents. This is less likely to swell, lift, or become mouldy when water sits on the surface for too long. Waterproof floors can even handle bigger spills, such as a washing machine leak or a bathtub overflowing.
2. Authentic wood and tile options
With waterproof flooring, you can choose from realistic-looking wood and tile options while benefiting from added protection and durability.
Plus, it’s less expensive than real wood or tile floors, meaning you get two benefits in one: lower costs and better longevity.
Our Kronospan Binyl Pro 100 Hours Waterproof boards, for example, come in oak finishes and tile-effect designs that give you the character of timber or stone, with the added water resistance.
3. A durable wear layer
Beyond its excellent waterproof top layer, our waterproof flooring has an AC5 wear rating, making it suitable for heavy domestic use, commercial properties, and even public buildings.
It provides great resistance to scratches, scuffs, and stains, making it the number one choice for households with small children and pets. Plus, these floors are less likely to crumble under the weight of furniture.
4. Simple to clean and maintain
While it’s a specialist type of flooring, it doesn’t come with any special care instructions.
You can use a regular brush or vacuum it on a hard-floor setting to get rid of any dirt and grime, just like you would a normal floor. It also handles mopping well, since it doesn’t absorb the water and dries quicker.
Just use a suitable laminate cleaner to freshen it up. Always avoid using a steam mop, as these can damage the core layer, ruining your floors.
5. Easy to install
With a quick, simple click-lock system, the floorboards fit together like a jigsaw puzzle; no extensive preparation is needed.
Most people can install it themselves at home without needing to hire a professional, saving you time and money!
How does waterproof laminate compare with standard laminate?
While waterproof laminate and standard laminate look the same, waterproof laminate has a moisture-resistant core board, and standard laminate is made from a wood-fibre core (HDF).
Here’s a quick comparison between them:
|
Features |
Standard laminate flooring |
Waterproof laminate flooring |
|
Surface and joints |
A standard click system, but the edges aren’t treated to resist water. |
Tighter click system plus water-repellent coatings around joints. |
|
Everyday spills |
It has some resistance, as it can handle the odd spill. However, the core will swell if moisture reaches it. |
It’s designed to handle regular spills, splashes, and damp mopping without swelling. |
|
Standing water/leaks |
Standing water (e.g., a leak left overnight) can cause lifting, warping, and damage that often can’t be fixed. |
100-hour waterproof flooring can withstand standing moisture well for a long time. |
|
Room suitability |
It looks and performs great in bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and dining areas. |
Well-suited to kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and utility rooms where spills and wet shoes are more of an issue. |
|
Cost |
This is typically cheaper, which is perfect for those on a budget. |
It typically costs more than standard laminate but less than high-quality LVT or real wood or tile. |
Where does waterproof flooring work best?
It’s best to invest in the rooms where you know having a specialist floor will really make a difference.
Since waterproof floors are a little bit pricier than the average floor, you want to know you’re getting the most for your money. That’s why homeowners typically tend to install waterproof floors in rooms that deal with high-moisture levels, such as:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Washrooms
- Basements
- Play areas
As you know, bathrooms and kitchens are two of the main areas in the house where spills, accidents, and high temperatures are more likely to be an issue. The same can be said for washrooms and basements, where moisture levels can fluctuate.
If you have a space dedicated to a children's play area, installing waterproof floors can act as a failsafe, since kids are prone to knocking over drinks and causing a mess.
Some things to consider before buying
One thing to consider before buying is whether you’d rather have the benefits of having a floor that’s entirely waterproof over the appeal of a real wood, tile, or stone floor.
While laminate is designed to mimic the look of these natural materials well, it ultimately won’t offer the same look and feel. If you care more about how your home looks than how well it performs, you may want to weigh the pros and cons before buying.
Unlike real wood floors, laminate can’t be sanded and refinished if it becomes damaged. Instead, you’ll need to replace the deteriorated board or rip up the whole floor and install a new one.
Therefore, if you live in a busy household and need something flexible and easy to fix, you may want to reconsider.
Invest in a better home with Mersey Flooring
If you’ve decided that waterproof floors sound like the right choice for your home, then browse our waterproof laminate flooring in the UK for some great deals and beautiful finishes.
You can choose between waterproof laminate, herringbone LVT/SPC, tile effect, or LVT/SPC planks for your home; there’s a choice for every interior style.
If you’ve decided that waterproof flooring isn’t for you, then we have a range of amazing high-quality flooring brands to choose from! You’ll find renowned names like Kronospan and Amazonia.