What Is Waterproof Wood Flooring?
You've always dreamed of beautiful hardwood floors, but it's an upgrade you'll have to wait to make until your messy toddlers turn into more mature, well-kept young adults. Or is it? Thanks to the latest technology and the creation of waterproof wood flooring, you don't have to worry about occasionally spilled juice causing warped or bowing planks. With this new peace of mind, you can keep your concern on more important things, like playtime with the little ones.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Waterproof Wood Flooring
Are you the type of decision maker who likes to make a pro/con list to help you see all sides? So are we! That’s why we’ve created a list for you outlining the benefits and considerations that can come with waterproof wood flooring:
Advantages include:
- It's waterproof. (We couldn't leave this obvious but very big benefit off the list just because it's in the name!)
- You can enjoy the character and elegance of wood at different price points.
- High-moisture areas won't take a toll on this kind of wood flooring.
There are a couple of considerations worth noting, such as:
- You can still cause scratches or scrapes depending on the hardness of the hardwood species you go with.
- Your real-wood top layer will wear and age similarly to solid hardwood.
Appearance
If you're still a little suspicious about the look of waterproof hardwood flooring, it's understandable. How can waterproof wood flooring realistically resemble hickory, oak, and other types if it's not solid wood? That's a good question, and the answer is pretty simple. The top layer of waterproof wood flooring is a slice of real, honest-to-goodness hardwood—the same hardwood that's used to make solid hardwood floors. So whether your mid-century modern style calls for a warm walnut or you opt for a cool white oak to suit your transitional decor, the fresh new floors you show off to your neighbors are sure to take their breath away.
Maintaining Waterproof Hardwood
Regular cleaning is an important part of maintaining not just your flooring, but your entire home. Make a habit of sweeping or vacuuming your waterproof hardwood floors each week. Removing any accumulated debris, dirt, and pet hair will help ensure the veneer on your hardwood doesn't receive unnecessary surface scratches.
Every so often, pull out the mop for a deeper clean or to give messy areas more attention. Always be sure to reference the care instructions specific to your product.
How Durable Is Waterproof Hardwood Flooring?
Manufacturers have worked hard to design waterproof wood flooring that can easily resist liquid. When water sloshes out of the bathtub, your little one takes a tumble with their juice cup, or your fur baby doesn't quite make it outside, you can rest easy knowing that moisture isn't penetrating the planks' many layers. Simply follow the manufacturer's guidance to clean up the mess, then go about your day!
Lifespan and Installation
Before you go spending your hard-earned money on an entirely new floor, you likely want to know how long you can reasonably expect your waterproof wood flooring to last. Though it's safe to say you'll more than likely get many satisfying years out of it, the honest answer is that it really depends.
The first step you can take to ensure a long, happy life for waterproof hardwood flooring is to have it installed by skilled professionals. A poorly executed installation not only sets the groundwork for issues down the road but can also void the product warranty. Your local Flooring America experts will have the necessary tools, experience, and know-how to finish the job properly, leaving you with a beautiful new floor.
Other factors that can impact the longevity of even the best waterproof floors include:
- The quality of the flooring and installation materials used
- Amount of foot traffic the floors get
- How often and how well you clean and maintain the waterproof hardwood floors
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Flooring
- What is waterproof wood flooring called? You might hear engineered hardwood flooring also called waterproof wood flooring, plus there are also trademarked names by a variety of manufacturer products.
- What type of hardwood is waterproof? There are no hardwood species that are inherently waterproof, so you won't find a waterproof solid hardwood floor. That's because wood naturally reacts to moisture, though the degree to which it reacts depends on the species and exposure time. Engineered hardwood flooring is the closest you'll get to waterproof wood, with its multi-layered synthetic core and real-wood top layer.
- Is there any waterproof wood flooring? Unfortunately, no. The simple fact is that wood can't be waterproof no matter how much technology advances. That said, there are several waterproof flooring options available that incorporate hardwood, like engineered wood floors.
- What flooring is 100% waterproof? You have a few flooring types that offer 100% waterproof protection, including porcelain tile and luxury vinyl tile, though both rely on tight seams to prevent water from penetrating to the subfloor. Engineered wood flooring can give you a waterproof hardwood look thanks to moisture-resistant synthetic layers and a surface layer made of genuine wood. Engineered hardwood is your opportunity to live in functional style with the hardwood floor of your dreams.
