One of the main areas of your home, the kitchen is where we cook, gather, and make memories. This is also one of the places where we need to think about flooring the most. Kitchen floors need to be durable to survive frequent drops and spills, water-resistant so those spills don’t easily damage them, and easy to clean because there are always messes in the kitchen. Plus, we want this area or the house to look as good as possible. There’s a lot to consider, but we’ll focus on waterproof flooring options for this article, including vinyl, laminate, hardwood, tile, cork, and natural stone.
Why is kitchen floor waterproofing important?
Waterproof and water-resistant flooring are NOT the same thing
The kitchen is one of the highest-traffic areas in a home and prone to spills, moisture, and messes. But it’s important to note that waterproof and water-resistant flooring are NOT the same thing. While water-resistant flooring products can handle some moisture, they cannot handle prolonged periods of exposure because water will cause curling or warping. Truly waterproof floorings are not only more durable, but they can handle spills as well as flooding caused by dishwasher leaks or defrosted refrigerators. Plus, kitchens are where appliances, plumbing, and electricity all have to come together, so waterproofing will make things safer for everyone in your home.
6 Flooring Materials to Waterproof Your Kitchen
Below we look at six kinds of waterproof kitchen flooring and the pros and cons of each.
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
Vinly flooring is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
Waterproof vinyl is made from a durable plastic material, with a cushioned bottom layer that makes it comfortable to stand when cooking. Waterproof vinyl comes in planks, tiles, luxury vinyl planks (known as LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT).
With vinyl flooring, you can choose from lots of styles and colors, and visuals that mimic wood, stone, concrete, etc. It’s also scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Vinyl flooring is pretty forgiving if you drop a dish or glass on the floor, but it can be susceptible to dents from heavy appliances.
The top vinyl layer will keep water from seeping into the subfloor, and the core is waterproof too.
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
Laminates are durable as well as easy to clean and maintain
The standard laminate flooring we’re all used to seeing is more susceptible to water damage and can warp when exposed to water. In response, many manufacturers now offer waterproof options made entirely of plastic. But you’ll need to research and look for it specifically when purchasing.
Waterproof laminates still have the advantages of other traditional laminates – including the flexibility of installation. When you install laminate floors, you can either click them together and glue them down or float them, which allows them to be installed over uneven subfloors. They’re a great option for DIYers, which could be good for your budget as well.
Laminates are durable as well as easy to clean and maintain. They also offer a variety of colors and patterns that feature a realistic hardwood look.
Waterproof Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwoods can be more resistant to spills than laminate
Solid hardwoods remain popular for homes and can be more resistant to spills than laminate, though long-term exposure to moisture will always cause damage to hardwood floors.
New options can withstand more moisture and spills than laminates if they have the proper finish. These finished hardwood floors also need less maintenance. You can also try engineered wood flooring. It gives you an authentic wood look with a veneer on top that provides more durability.
A great option for homes with open floor plans, hardwood flooring, is a beautiful option that blends from the kitchen into a home’s living space. You can also refinish hardwood floors to revamp their look, so they will easily last a lifetime and may be worth the higher cost of up-front installation.
Waterproof Tile Flooring
Tile can withstand a lot of water and humidity
Tile is another popular choice for kitchen floors because it can withstand a lot of water and humidity. It also offers lots of options – porcelain, stone, or ceramic – and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
Porcelain tile is the most highly resistant to water because of the clay and high firing temperatures used to create it. Unglazed tile, which is usually thicker than glazed, is also more slip-resistant, a great option for keeping your kitchen safe.
Tile is durable, and easy to clean and maintain. You will have to reseal your grout to prevent staining and ensure no moisture is getting under your floor. But as long as you install, grout, and seal it properly, tile will last a lifetime.
Waterproof Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is great for the DIY market
Cork flooring is becoming a more popular choice for kitchen flooring because it is more comfortable than other materials when standing for long periods of time. It also has a unique look that can add design interest to this busy room in your house.
While cork floors are water resistant, they are not waterproof, so apply the same caution you would to laminates and hardwoods. Cork floors also are susceptible to denting and scratching and may not be as durable as other options.
This newer type of flooring is great for the DIY market and is a cost-effective option. It will likely need more maintenance and replacement every 3-4 years..
Waterproof Natural Stone Flooring
Features of natural stone flooring for kitchen
Natural stone is for more than just countertops. It also makes a beautiful floor for any kitchen. Offered in a variety of colors and patterns, natural stone options include marble, granite, and travertine.
Natural stone is long-lasting, stain-resistant, and waterproof as long as it is sealed and installed correctly. You may get a crack if you drop something heavy on it, like a frying pan, and its maintenance will also require resealing as it ages.
Contact Us
LX Hausys offers vinyl flooring that is easy to clean and waterproof. If you’re looking for kitchen flooring, let’s talk. Contact us today, and one of our helpful professionals will be in touch soon.
