When deciding on the flooring type that would stand up to the effects of moisture in a particular room or throughout the house, you should evaluate your needs, lifestyle and budget realistically. You may want to discuss this with a professional for perfect décor matching, material combinations or making the best choice for areas that will see excessive spills. But if you wish there was a convenient one-size-fits-all option, here’s the good news: a few advanced water-resistant flooring materials will likely tick all the boxes.
Until recently, materials that endure water and humidity were limited to the trio of ceramic tiles, vinyl and rubber. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each.
Porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tile
A classic solution for moisture-heavy spaces, tiles can be a superb water-resistant flooring option for any room. The remarkable versatility of their styles, patterns and shading make ceramic and natural stone tile arrangements an art that can elevate the aesthetics of your space and give it a unique ambience.
Porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles outperform most flooring materials when it comes to water and fire resistance. But their impressive combination of practicality and looks does not mean ultimate convenience: tiles feel slippery and cold. Unless you have floor heating, you’ll have to add mats or rugs for underfoot comfort or even resort to cushioned footwear so that tiles feel easier on your leg muscles and joints. You might also regret using them throughout your place if you have kids or numerous mobile devices: should they fall, tiled flooring makes for a tough landing.
If cost and installation aren’t a concern, tilework is investment-worthy water-resistant flooring. Since it requires an even subfloor and professional services, tiling is an expensive and time-consuming project – not a DIY option.
Vinyl water-resistant flooring
Vinyl flooring is a common choice for the budget-conscious. It comes in the sheet, tile or plank format and a range of surface designs that mimic wood, stone or traditional tile products. This water-resistant flooring can feature a single cohesive PVC layer or multiple composite layers, which is reflected in the price. Cheaper and thinner varieties are prone to cuts and may require glueing down, while thicker plank vinyl flooring prices are on the higher end.
Vinyl floors of all types imitate the look of hardwood, marble or ceramics with only limited success and may feel cold or hard underfoot. Still, the ease of installation makes vinyl a popular option for water-resistant flooring, especially in commercial settings where durability and low maintenance are more important than appearance.
Non-slip rubber tiles
Rubber flooring is a lesser-known but convenient and practical option for bathrooms and utility rooms. It works well in places where anti-skid properties are a priority and can resist high impact and foot traffic while feeling soft and cushiony. Additionally, rubber tiles are an affordable solution that’s naturally immune to:
Moisture
Fungus
Mould
Bacteria
However, if you are looking for a material that transitions seamlessly throughout the home, consider conventional flooring styles such as laminate.
Why is laminate a great all-rounder for water-resistant flooring?
What used to be a nuisance with laminate floors – having to urgently deal with spills – isn’t an issue today. Yes, laminate can serve as water-resistant flooring and is a top choice for homes with kids or pets. AquaREPEL™ takes the stress out of daily activities and water spills while being more affordable and comfortable to walk on than ceramic materials. Compared to tile and vinyl planks, it is more scratch-resistant and dent-resistant and can save you the installation and subfloor levelling costs.
Are you worried about areas that may see more moisture than just daily spills? Consider the next level of technological sophistication – Power Dekor SPC flooring that’s 100% waterproof, including the core. It features a fire-resistant and anti-slip surface to address all your needs and concerns about a cohesive home style.