There are many options to consider when choosing new flooring. You will often hear the words waterproof and water resistant when talking about laminate, luxury vinyl, and even engineered hardwoods. Knowing the differences between waterproof flooring & water resistance is vital in choosing the right floor for you and your family.
Waterproof vs Water Resistant Differences
The biggest and most obvious difference between water resistant and waterproof flooring is that water-resistant is only resistant compared to actual waterproof flooring. Waterproof floors are also more expensive than water-resistant flooring because they provide more protection.
What is Waterproofing Flooring?
Waterproof flooring means it's impenetrable to water. This type of flooring is often used in bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and kitchens where there is more contact with water. If you live in an area prone to flooding, waterproof flooring would be your best option as the water will not damage your flooring.
It's important to keep in mind that waterproof flooring doesn't mean you still can't experience water damage if water gets to your subfloor or wicks up into the drywall, rather it means your actual floors are protected from damage. Another way we like to express that is that there is no such thing as a flood proof floor.
What Types of Waterproof Floors Can I Find at Quantum Floors?
We offer many different types of engineered hardwoods, premium laminates and luxury vinyl waterproof floors. Yes, we said engineered hardwood. Many flooring manufacturers have begun using the waterproofing technology from their laminate or vinyl floors in their engineered hardwood lines. We are now comfortable recommending hardwood floors in your kitchen.
What is Water Resistant Flooring?
Water resistant flooring can withstand water more than carpet, natural stone, or regular hardwood flooring; however, it cannot stand prolonged exposure to water. Water resistant flooring is a great option for living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens. They require more "maintenance" as spills need to be cleared up right away. If you spill something on a water-resistant floor, as long as you clean it up, your floors won't be damaged. If you spill something and leave it there without cleaning it up, water can get into the seams and cracks and eventually cause damage.
You?ll find water resistant laminate and engineered hardwood at Quantum Floors
Which One is Best for My Needs?
Having waterproof or water resistant flooring in your home is always a good choice, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms that are prone to more spills. If your budget allows, we always suggest waterproof flooring in areas you KNOW are going to be exposed to water at some time or another like bathrooms and basements. Those are the areas we always caution our customers on when it comes to water resistant flooring. Waterproof flooring can be installed in any room but water resistant flooring requires some more thought, for example, if your washer sometimes leaks on the floor, water-resistant flooring is probably not a good option for the laundry room.
We?ve Got Your Back
Quantum Floors is your family-owned connection in south Florida to the greatest values in hardwood, waterproof laminate and luxury vinyl floors. In addition, we do our own installations; that means we handle your project from beginning to end and never use third parties or subcontractors. We are licensed and insured in all south Florida counties. Our sales and installation teams have received over 700 verified, 5-star reviews and we maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
At Quantum Floors, we want to make sure you?re happy from your first step in our showroom to your first steps on your new flooring?and as your partner in home design, we?ll be there every step along the way. We don't just cover floors, we cover details. From concept to installation, you've got our ear and we've got your back.
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