What I Really Want Is Waterproof Flooring – Is Laminate The Right Choice?
It doesn’t take a homeowner long to build appreciation for the waterproof flooring concept. One dropped glass of water, one overflowing sink, or one pet mess is all it takes.
In a flash, a mess can change everything. White carpet – red wine – need we say more?
But waterproof flooring, that’s something uber appealing. Imagine not having to worry about the spilled water glass, the overflowing sink, or even the occasional pet mess.
Waterproof flooring would bring durability to your life, meaning you wouldn’t have to jump at every mess your family throws at it.
Or spending time caring for your floors. No more hassle of constant maintenance. Just wipe spills away without leaving behind any unsightly marks or damage. Even if your kids “forget” to mention spills until much later in the day.
Don’t worry about looks. We think laminate makes the best waterproof flooring. It can be installed and look as good in your kitchen as it does in your bathrooms. It’s because you can get laminate in so many styles, you’ll find one to suit your needs.
And the peace of mind that comes from having waterproof flooring – you’ll never cringe over the little things, like your kids traipsing snow in from outside.
Trust us when we say, waterproof laminate flooring fits everything you desire. It’s the perfect choice for homeowners wanting aesthetics, durability, and ease of maintenance too. Is that you?
What Makes Flooring Waterproof?
What makes flooring waterproof? It’s all in the composition. Waterproof flooring materials are synthetic and non-porous, meaning they don’t absorb water, and prevent moisture from penetrating the surface and causing damage.
They use a sealing technique that prevents water infiltration. This may include special coatings or treatments applied to the surface or edges of the flooring planks to create a barrier against moisture.
They have interlocking or click-lock mechanisms that create tight seams between individual planks or tiles. This seamless installation minimizes gaps where water could seep through, enhancing the flooring’s waterproof properties.
At its core is pure moisture resistance. Each laminate plank or tile is built with waterproofing in mind. From the top to the bottom, materials and layers are added to build up the waterproof features. This is what provides protection against moisture infiltration from the subfloor, with added benefits of sound insulation and overall comfort underfoot.
A Deeper Understanding of What Laminate Is
Homeowners often find the concept of laminate a bit confusing. The last thing they want to do is install something they’ll be sorry about a short time later.
At its core, laminate flooring is a synthetic product composed of multiple layers. It’s fused together through a laminating process. Typically, laminate has these layers:
- Wear layer – a top layer usually made from aluminum oxide or melamine resin that offers protection against scratches, stains, and fading. This is what ensures longevity and gives the flooring its natural appearance.
- Design layer – a high-resolution photograph or image of wood, stone, or tile. This gives laminate its realistic appearance, mimicking the look of natural materials with remarkable detail and clarity.
- Core layer – here is where laminate flooring differs – not all laminate is the same. If you want waterproof laminate, you have to ensure you purchase laminate from a manufacturer that crafts waterproof laminate flooring. This is the backbone of laminate flooring, providing stability, strength, and moisture resistance.
- Backing layer – the bottom layer provides additional stability and moisture resistance. This layer is often crafted from paper or plastic and helps to prevent warping or damage from moisture absorption.
Of course, it’s not just the product itself that matters. If a waterproof floor is installed incorrectly, it will still allow the moisture to seep in.
Laminate planks or tiles typically feature a click-lock or tongue-and-groove system, allowing them to be installed as a floating floor without needing adhesives. This makes it a popular DIY choice for homeowners with a little home maintenance skills, or allows professional installers to get it in quickly and get you back to daily living. It’s more forgiving than other choices, meaning you can install it over concrete, plywood, and even certain types of existing flooring.
Why Waterproof Laminate Flooring?
What attracts homeowners to laminate flooring? They often start reading about the benefits, and become completely sold on the product when they visit our store. Worried about some of the things you read about laminate from yesteryear? Today’s laminate is nothing like it was even a few years ago.
Let’s start with waterproof. Homeowners light up when they find out they can have flooring that removes the vulnerability of water. What’s not to love about the idea of having peace of mind when your family goes about daily living? You’ll be less concerned about tracking in messes, having fun as a family, and experimenting in the kitchen.
Of course, that’s not the only benefit. How about versatility? Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve the look of hardwood, tile, or stone without the associated cost of maintenance requirements.
The other big attraction is getting this much out of your flooring choice with the benefits of being less expensive. Compared to hardwood, tile, or stone flooring, laminate is often more budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious consumers. This gives you additional funding for other remodeling projects – what could be better than that?
And last but not least, we’ll re-emphasize its easy to maintain and durable. With a waterproof surface and sturdy core construction, laminate is suitable for the high-traffic areas inside your home. It easily resists scratches, stains, and fading, and requires only regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep it looking its best.
So now it’s up to you. Are you ready for waterproof laminate flooring?
There’s a lot that makes it worth considering for your home renovation. If you’re leaning in this direction, why not take the time now to give it a closer look?
Stop by today or give us a call. We can show you our entire collection, and help you make the right choice to suit your needs.