If you go back a decade or two, waterproof laminate flooring – together with other hard surface flooring products such as hardwood, tiles as well as stone – was rapidly losing share to rigid core flooring. The good news is that right now, laminate is very quickly taking back its rightful market share.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring: An Overview
Waterproof laminate flooring is created in exactly the same manner as wood-like synthetic materials are. The flooring’s look can be as good as real wood. Waterproof laminate flooring is mainly made of planks that interconnect to cover the entire surface of the floor.
Many people think that waterproof and water-resistant laminate flooring is the same. Indeed they are very similar however these do display certain key differences.
Waterproof and water-resistant laminate are manufactured in the same way as traditional laminate flooring is, however, there is a very slight distinction in the core layer.
This layer, which is usually made of compressed high-density fiberboard, is where the most waterproof and water-resistant qualities can be found. In addition, there remains a significant difference between the two types of flooring:
- Waterproof laminate means that water will never be able to penetrate the flooring, no matter how much time has passed.
- The water-resistant laminate usually means that there is a top surface that is very resistant to moisture (therefore the name). So, if you aren’t able to get to a spill right away, the water-resistant properties will assist with buying you some time before it soaks right through. However, it will soak in eventually.
The Latest Advances in Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Over the last couple of years, there have been a number of advances in the development of waterproof laminate. In this section, we briefly discuss some.
Enhanced Durability
Waterproof laminate has a thicker wear layer. This means that it can last approximately 25 to 30 years before it is damaged.
Improved Water Resistance
As we said previously in this article, this type of flooring offers superior water resistance qualities as opposed to other similar types of materials. This makes waterproof laminate flooring for your kitchen a very viable option.
Easy Installation
The underside of the floorboards are fitted with mechanisms that easily lock into other boards to provide for a seamless surface.
Improved Aesthetics
Depending on the color scheme of your home, waterproof laminate offers a shade that will suit your tastes. From light pine to dark mahogany, the range on offer is extremely broad.
Enhanced Comfort
Walking over a surface that has – for instance – been fitted with tiles, your feet will feel almost heavy. However, when you walk on a floor that has been fitted with this type of laminate flooring when you take a step you’ll feel your foot bounce back at you.
Also, laminate flooring is warmer in the colder seasons as opposed to tiles. So, if you install laminates you’ll be less likely to crank up your thermostat all the way up so you’ll save on your gas bill as well.
Improved Sound Insulation
If you happen to drop something on a waterproof laminate floor, the sound will be muffled. This is the same if you move a chair or a desk over the floor.
How Does Waterproof Laminate Flooring Work?
The core layer of this type of flooring is made up of highly condensed fiberboard which is where most of the water-resistance properties of the floor lie. If water is spilled onto the waterproof it will definitely not penetrate the flooring.
What Are the Best Waterproof Laminate Flooring Brands?
Here are the best waterproof laminate flooring brands that we, at Carpet To Go, sell:
Newton
The flooring products that are supplied by Newton are built to last. These come in dozens of classic designs that are 100% guaranteed never to go out of style.
Repel by Shaw
Repel hardwood offers a superior splash-proof technology that repels moisture the instant that it strikes the floor.
Restoration by Mannington
Offering stunning looks that follow the warmth of hardwood. However, with easy maintenance and incredible durability, the Restoration Collection Laminate has the most complete line of wood designs that you’ll see anywhere.
AquaGuard by Floor & Décor
AquaGuard is a water-resistant laminate flooring option that looks and feels just like authentic hardwood. It is the next generation of laminate flooring and can be utilized in heavy-wear residential and commercial applications.
In addition, it can be installed in an area four times the size of traditional laminates without the requirement for transitions.
Carpet To Go: Helping You Achieve All Your Flooring Dreams
Carpet to Go has been in business and trusted since 1994. We are a locally owned business specializing in residential and commercial flooring installation. Need some help with your waterproof laminate flooring? Contact us today!
