When you’re planning a remodel, you start dreaming early on. You thumb through home magazines, eyeing different products and materials. You walk through big box stores, taking notes along the way. You scroll through websites, noting the things you like best.

But sometimes it isn’t a specific product – you start with a concept that intrigues you. That’s how most people first learn of water-resistant flooring. That’s how many homeowners transition to engineered hardwood.

And, quite frankly, what’s not to love?

How did engineered hardwood come to be?

If we go back in time a hundred years, we would find the world in heavy advancement. Technology was advancing every industry. Inventions were transforming the way we live.

But through that process, we were also depleting resources at record speed. Trees were targeted as resources in so many things that advanced our society. Thankfully, we found the error in our ways, and started looking for ways to preserve trees, turn them into crops rather than depleting our majestic forests.

In the hardwood flooring industry, manufacturers came up with the idea of engineered hardwood as an alternative to solid hardwood flooring. The goal was to create a product that used less of the valuable hardwood species while offering enhanced stability and versatility.

Mission accomplished.

Yet that first product was far from perfect. So manufacturers kept at it, advancing every aspect of engineered hardwood planks. Technology made them stronger, with more durable bonds between the veneer and the plywood layers. Improved finishing techniques enhanced durability and appearance – they created a product homeowners could truly fall in love with.

So it was only a matter of time before a manufacturer played with the multi-layer construction, and added water resistance to the pattern. Not every engineered hardwood plank will be water resistant – consider your resources carefully when finalizing your decision. But if water resistance is important to you, you can now find it in beautiful engineered hardwood options.

Defining water resistance

Water resistance can mean different things to different people. So it’s important to identify what it means in terms of flooring. Water resistance refers to the ability to withstand exposure to water without being significantly affected or damaged. It indicates the material can repel water or prevent water penetration for a period of time. This doesn’t mean it’s completely impervious to water. Water resistance can vary depending on the material, construction, and intended use.

It’s important to distinguish water resistance from waterproof.

Waterproof materials are designed to completely prevent water penetration, even under prolonged or high-pressure exposure. They provide a higher level of protection than water-resistant materials.

Another term that causes confusion is water repellent. It’s often used interchangeably with water-resistant, but it specifically refers to materials treated with a coating that causes water to bead up and roll off the surface.

To truly know what you’re purchasing, do your research. And talk with one of our flooring experts.

Water-resistant flooring – What it means

We all want flooring that lasts a long time and is easy to maintain. Of course, every homeowner defines that in their own unique way.

Water-resistant flooring refers to flooring materials designed to withstand exposure to moisture and water to a certain extent without being damaged. This type of flooring is engineered to repel water and prevent it from seeping into the material, which helps in maintaining the integrity and appearance of the floor.

Water-resistant flooring often has a special surface treatment or coating that repels water and prevents it from penetrating the material. The core materials used in water-resistant flooring are typically designed to resist swelling and warping when exposed to moisture. These cores can be made from various materials, such as high-density fiberboard (HDF) with water-resistant properties, or other synthetic materials like vinyl or PVC. The edges of water-resistant flooring planks are often sealed to prevent water from seeping through the seams.

This, of course, can be used to describe several different materials, including luxury vinyl, laminate, and ceramic and porcelain tile. But if hardwood flooring is important to you, you can never go wrong with water resistant engineered hardwood.

A look at water resistant engineered hardwood flooring

For some, only hardwood will do. Engineered hardwood gives you the advantage of being traditional hardwood, only better. With a hardwood veneer, your floors will have the appearance of solid hardwood. But underneath is a multi-layer design that makes your hardwood planks even better.

The top layer is a veneer of real hardwood, which gives the floor its authentic wood appearance. Below this veneer are multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard, which are bonded together. These layers are often arranged with the grain running in different directions to enhance stability and resistance to moisture.

The core layers are treated to resist water absorption. This treatment helps prevent the flooring from swelling, warping, or delaminating when exposed to moisture.

The top hardwood veneer is often coated with water-resistant finishes and sealants that protect the wood surface from water damage. These finishes also add a layer of protection against scratches and wear.

While not completely waterproof, water-resistant engineered hardwood flooring can handle higher levels of humidity and occasional spills better than traditional hardwood. This makes it suitable for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where moisture levels can fluctuate.

The multi-layer construction provides greater dimensional stability compared to solid hardwood, reducing the risk of expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity and temperature.

Because the top layer is real hardwood, water-resistant engineered hardwood flooring offers the same natural beauty and variety of wood species, grains, and finishes as traditional hardwood. This is where homeowners fall in love. It’s a way to get what they want – hardwood – without compromising on what they need. It suits many homeowners’ lifestyles perfectly.

It’s your turn – Consider water-resistant engineered hardwood

When we see our customers select water-resistant engineered hardwood flooring, we know they’re going to fall in love with the results.

Water-resistant engineered hardwood flooring combines the beauty of natural hardwood with enhanced durability against moisture. Its construction and protective features make it a versatile choice for various settings, providing a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and resilience.

It offers significant protection against water. And yes, it is essential to recognize its limitations and take appropriate care to maintain its appearance and performance. But we know if this is the choice for you, you’ll be in love with it for many years to come.

How can we help you select the flooring that’s right for you?