Finding an ideal type of flooring for your new house can be a pretty tricky process as you have so many options with significant advantages to choose from. However, you still have to pick the best that will fit your particular needs.
Waterproof laminate flooring is a type of flooring that has become a popular option in recent times. The primary reason for its popularity is its affordability. However, it also has different pros and cons. Let us look at the pros and cons of waterproof laminate flooring.
Read: How to waterproof hardwood floors
Pros And Cons Of Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Table of Contents
Every product ever designed has its advantages and disadvantages. As such, we will explain the pros and cons of getting waterproof laminate flooring for your home.
Pros
Superior to traditional laminate in terms of moisture resistance
Most homeowners favored laminate flooring because it was a cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring. As we said earlier, it was a popular option with homeowners. However, it wasn’t useable in kitchens and bathrooms, or it would get damaged easily, which was a drawback.
With the introduction of waterproof laminate, however, homeowners could have laminate flooring in every area of their home. It is guarded against moisture and water damage and would not easily be stained or destroyed by water.
Hardwood and stone imitation
Waterproof laminate flooring now comes in designs that look very similar to traditional hardwood floors. However, the surface seems realistically like embossed wood or stone, which improves the standard laminate flooring. Therefore, if your budget is tight but you want to have that hardwood look in your home, waterproof laminate is your go-to option.
Effortless installation
Apart from being affordable and water-resistant, installation is. Some homeowners even prefer to install the flooring themselves. However, if you also want to do that, you should know laminate flooring planks are easy to cut.
The flooring is made to be a floating floor, so it can be easily laid out, unlike the hardwood floor that has to be secured and requires a professional’s services for installation.
Easy cleaning and maintenance
To clean your laminate flooring, you have to sweep it and vacuum it as regularly as possible. You can also mop it as well.
In contrast to hardwood floors, which require heavy maintenance like regular polishing, this is relatively easy to do.
Resistant to scratches
Let me also mention that waterproof laminate flooring is resistant to scratches and staining. This is due to the strong layer of laminate that protects the floor from such mishaps. This is one proof that it is suitable for your home.
Cost-effective
The affordability of the laminate flooring is also one of the significant reasons for its popularity.
Like I said earlier, if you are on a budget yet wanting to have the hardwood feel in your home, then waterproof laminate is the way to go.
Read: How to achieve a shiny laminate floor
Cons
Although waterproof laminate flooring ranks higher than traditional laminate, it still has its disadvantages.
Less water-resistant than waterproof vinyl
Waterproof laminate flooring, despite its new water-resistant design, can’t still compare to waterproof vinyl. Despite the latest improvements, if water is left too long on the surface, it will get damaged.
There is no fear of this with waterproof vinyl. It has a water resistance system that works from bottom to top.
Not suitable for basements and bathrooms
Despite the improvements on the laminate flooring, it is not advisable to have them in bathrooms or other water-prone areas with the floating installation method.
To successfully use waterproof laminate flooring in these areas, an underlayer and vapor barrier should be available. Also, the glue-down rather than the floating installation method should be used, meaning you might need the services of a professional.
More expensive
Waterproof laminate flooring is slightly more expensive than traditional laminate because of the improved designs. You should check your budget against the market prices if you do intend on installing waterproof laminate flooring.
Read: Is laminate flooring toxic?
Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof
Laminate flooring is usually not precisely waterproof, some sellers prefer to use the word water-resistant.
This is because the flooring can only prevent water from seeping in for some time, and water and liquid spills shouldn’t be left sitting for long. This could still cause damage.
However, most brands selling it do not usually tell the customers this information while they make a purchase. Laminate flooring is not suitable in areas such as basements. The moisture might seep into the floor from underneath because the flooring has a top-down water resistance system.
This doesn’t mean you can’t make use of it, but knowing the pros and cons of laminate flooring, will give an insight on the appropriate steps to take.
Which Is Better Waterproof Laminate Or Vinyl
Though there have been significant improvements in laminate flooring over the past 20 years, it still doesn’t stand close to vinyl.
Most vinyl floorings are genuinely water-resistant. However, waterproof laminate, though made water-resistant, still can’t stand standing water left on too long.
Vinyl usually has four layers of protection with a waterproof core that protects the floor from any form of moisture or liquid spills. They are made with synthetic materials and are usually resistant to large amounts of water and humidity.
Vinyl floors can be submerged in water and won’t absorb moisture or swell because of the layers of synthetic protection around them. This is also another reason for its popularity in offices and busy commercial places.
However, laminate flooring cannot stand it. There would be a need to install a vapor barrier to ensure the flooring doesn’t get damaged for those who have moisture in their subfloor.
Waterproof laminate is a good choice. However, vinyl is better as they are more cost-effective and easier to maintain.
Is It Worth It To Get Waterproof Laminate Flooring?
As we have explained earlier, waterproof laminate flooring is a significant improvement on traditional flooring. Not only does it offer protection against moisture, but it is also durable and lasts long.
It has protection against scratches and tearing, making it an excellent choice for families with lots of kids or pets. It is also not as expensive as the traditional hardwood flooring while also giving them an authentic deal look.
The maintenance is easy to carry and doesn’t involve anything more rigorous than sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.
To top it all, if you want your laminate flooring to last for an extended period. You can add sealant to the core while installing it, and you are good to go.
Conclusion
We’ve given a detailed explanation of the pros and cons of waterproof laminate flooring. Laminate flooring has been available for a long time, and there are continuous improvements in the designs. We hope you can make your choice of flooring quickly now.
In all, laminate flooring is not a bad option for you to use. We hope you can make the best choice for your home and family.
