Best Waterproof Flooring 2024: What is the Best Waterproof Floor for Different Rooms?

Choosing the right waterproof flooring involves understanding various types, their features, and how they suit different areas of your home. Here we illuminate the top waterproof flooring choices for various room applications and floor types, ensuring your selection meets both aesthetic and functional demands. 

What is Waterproof Flooring?

Waterproof flooring refers to a type of floor covering designed to resist water penetration, making it an ideal choice for areas in homes or buildings where moisture is a concern, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Unlike water-resistant flooring, which can handle only limited exposure to moisture, waterproof flooring can withstand more extensive contact with water without being damaged.

Key Features of Waterproof Flooring:

Material Composition: Waterproof flooring can be made from various materials, including vinyl and laminate. Modern technologies have allowed for the development of waterproof cores in these flooring types, enhancing their ability to prevent water damage.

• Core Technology:

  WPC (Wood Plastic Composite): This core includes a mixture of plastic and wood fibers, offering a balance of durability and comfort. It's more comfortable underfoot compared to harder materials but can feel cold in colder environments.

  SPC (Stone Plastic Composite): This type consists of a combination of stone and plastic, resulting in a very tough, impact-resistant surface. It is more rigid and can feel colder underfoot, especially in cold climates.

• Surface Layer: The top layer of waterproof flooring usually consists of a vinyl or laminate material that mimics the look of natural materials like wood. Advances in printing technology have allowed these surfaces to achieve a realistic appearance and texture.

• Underlayment: Some waterproof floors come with an attached cork underlayment, which provides additional waterproofing, sound insulation, and comfort.

Benefits of Waterproof Flooring:

• Durability: Highly resistant to water damage, which makes it suitable for high-moisture areas.

• Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and mopping.

• Aesthetic Flexibility: Available in various designs and textures that simulate more expensive materials like hardwood or stone.

• Installation: Often designed as floating floors with a click-lock system, making installation easier without the need for adhesives.

Difference Between Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Flooring

Before delving into the best waterproof flooring, it's essential to distinguish between waterproof and water-resistant flooring:

• Waterproof flooring can handle prolonged exposure to moisture without damage.

• Water-resistant flooring repels moisture but requires quick drying to prevent damage.

This distinction is vital as it affects both the longevity of the floor and its suitability for different areas in your home.

Best Waterproof Flooring in Different Floor Types

As we mentioned above, floors made of different materials all have certain waterproof properties. Here we list the best waterproof flooring in different floor materials:

What is the Best Waterproof Engineered Wood Flooring?

When choosing the best waterproof engineered wood flooring, consider the following brands and features:

• Shaw Floors: Known for their Repel line, which offers water-resistant technology.

• Mohawk: Their RevWood line combines the beauty of hardwood with waterproof capabilities.

• Pergo: Offers a variety of styles with excellent water resistance and durability.

• Cali Bamboo: Known for eco-friendly options and robust waterproof features.

• Mannington: Their Restoration Collection is popular for its durability and water resistance.

Features to Look For:

• Core Material: Opt for a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core for better water resistance.

• Surface Coating: Ensure it has a strong protective layer to prevent water damage.

• Joint Sealing: Tight locking systems can provide added protection against water infiltration.

What is the Best Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring?

When looking for the best waterproof vinyl plank flooring, consider the following brands and features:

• LifeProof (Home Depot): Known for its affordability and durability, with a strong waterproof core.

• COREtec: Offers a variety of styles with solid waterproof construction and a comfortable cork underlayment.

• Shaw Floorté Plus: Provides excellent water resistance and a wide range of design options.

• Mohawk SolidTech: Features rigid core technology for enhanced waterproof performance.

• Armstrong Rigid Core: Known for its durable construction and realistic wood look.

Features to Look For:

• Rigid Core Construction: Enhances stability and water resistance.

• Wear Layer: A thicker wear layer increases durability and scratch resistance.

• Installation Method: Click-lock systems are easy to install and provide tight seams to prevent water infiltration.

What is the Best Waterproof Laminate Flooring?

When looking for the best waterproof laminate flooring, consider the following brands:

• Pergo Outlast+: Offers excellent water resistance and a durable surface.

• AquaGuard: Known for its water resistance and wide range of styles.

• Mohawk RevWood Plus: Provides the look of hardwood with enhanced waterproof features.

Key Features To Consider:

• Water-Resistant Core: Ensures protection against moisture.

• Tight Locking Systems: Prevents water from seeping through seams.

• Durability: A robust wear layer for scratch and stain resistance.

What is the Best Waterproof Scratch-Resistant Flooring?

When choosing the best waterproof scratch-resistant flooring, consider the following options:

• COREtec LVP: Offers a thick wear layer for scratch protection and excellent waterproofing.

• Shaw Floorté Plus LVP: Known for durability and a wide range of styles.

• Porcelain Tile: Extremely durable and completely waterproof, ideal for high-traffic areas.

• Pergo Outlast+ Laminate with Water-Resistant Technology: Features a scratch-resistant surface and water-resistant core.

• Mohawk RevWood Engineered Hardwood with Water-Resistant Coating: Combines the look of hardwood with enhanced durability and water resistance.

Key Features to Consider:

• Wear Layer Thickness: A thicker wear layer provides better scratch protection.

• Core Material: High-density cores improve waterproofing and stability.

• Surface Coating: Look for floors with advanced coatings to resist scratches and stains.

Best Waterproof Flooring for Different Room Applications

Waterproof flooring is an essential feature for areas prone to moisture and spills, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Here we list the best waterroof flooring for different areas:

What is the best waterproof flooring for kitchen?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Highly water-resistant, durable, and available in a variety of designs that mimic wood and stone. It is also soft underfoot and relatively easy to install.

What is the best waterproof flooring for bathroom?

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile: Excellent water resistance, durable, and available in numerous styles, colors, and shapes. It's the classic choice for bathrooms due to its moisture handling and ease of cleaning.

What is the best waterproof flooring for basement?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Tile (LVT): Highly water-resistant and durable. Vinyl flooring is also soft underfoot, which can be a comfort advantage in a basement setting. It comes in a wide range of styles and can mimic the look of wood or stone.

What is the best waterproof flooring for mobile homes?

Waterproof Laminate Flooring: Modern waterproof laminates offer improved resistance to moisture and are more affordable than some other options. They are also lightweight and easy to install.

When choosing waterproof flooring, it's important to consider not only the level of water exposure but also other factors such as foot traffic, expected wear and tear, and aesthetic preferences. Understanding the specifications, warranties, and differences between product types (e.g., WPC vs. SPC) will help in making an informed decision that suits both needs and budget.