Laminate waterproof flooring is an ideal universal flooring material for just about any room in a home. Its ease of installation, low maintenance, affordable price, and versatile design make waterproof laminate a go-to solution for homeowners on a budget.
How Much Does Waterproof Laminate Flooring Cost?
The price for waterproof laminate flooring ranges from $1.79 to $10 per square foot. The price range depends on various factors:
- Size of the laminate piece
- Manufacturer
- Level of waterproof features
- Thickness
- Width
- Finish
- AC Rating
For DIY solutions, labor costs are avoided. For professional installations, consider adding from $3.60 to $7.80 for labor cost and setup per square foot. The labor cost typically also includes the underlayment work for the flooring, should this step be necessary.
So, for a 300-square-foot room, it will cost from $1,750 to $4,000 to install waterproof laminate flooring.
For a 500-square-foot area, the price ranges from $2,800 to $6,800, while a 600-square-foot room would cost $3,500-$8,200 to install waterproof laminate flooring.
| Service Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Waterproof Laminate Flooring | $1.79-$10 per Square Foot |
| Labor Cost | $3.60-$7.80 per Square Foot |
| Waterproof Laminate (300-Square-Foot) | $1,750-$4,000 |
| Waterproof Lamiante (500-Square-Foot) | $3,500-$8,200 |
Check out our in-depth guide on the Cost Of Laminate Flooring.
Best And Worst Flooring Choices For Wet Areas
Damp areas of a home impose the biggest challenge for flooring. Here’s an overview of the best and worst choices, so you don’t fall for the trap of installing the wrong flooring in these areas.
Best Flooring Choices for Wet Areas
- Porcelain tiles
- Ceramic tiles
- Sheet vinyl
- Luxury vinyl planks
- Vinyl tiles
- Concrete
- Engineered wood
- Laminate
- Linoleum sheets
- Bamboo
Worst Flooring Choices for Wet Areas
- Solid site-finished hardwood
- Solid pre-finished hardwood
- Carpeting
As a rule of thumb, inorganic material floorings like synthetic plastics are better suited for damp areas compared to organic materials. By organic, we refer to materials that are carbon-based and once used to be alive. This includes plant-based materials like bamboo, hardwood, and engineered wood. These materials tend to quickly decompose when they get in touch with water, leading to the fast development of mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Inorganic materials usually contain refined chemicals that are immune to moisture effects.
However, not all materials are 100% organic or 100% inorganic. They contain different ratios of both elements, which can affect their moisture-repellent features.
Did you know? Laminate is considered a poor solution for damp areas in its pure form and without water-resistant features. What makes it suitable for these rooms is the advanced technology that makes its core layer resistant to some levels of moisture.
What Is Waterproof Laminate Flooring?
Waterproof laminate floors represent an upgraded version of a wood-like synthetic flooring solution with water-resisting features. This flooring type comes with a realistic appearance that makes it virtually distinguishable from actual hardwood. It’s also among the most affordable flooring solutions for an average homeowner.
Thanks to innovative technology, typical laminate flooring also comes with waterproof seals, joints, and core.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring Construction
Waterproof laminate flooring solutions have multiple layers. They include:
- Wear layer
- Image layer
- Core layer
- Backing
Wear Layer
The wear layer is the top layer of the construction. Its main goal is to protect the surface from wear, scratches, and stains. This layer also gives away a realistic look and a good feel. You can think of the wear layer as a protective shield for the surface. It’s also the part that prevents the pets from leaving claw marks on the floor and keeps the water from entering inside the floor.
Image Layer
The image layer is located below the wear layer. It’s the part that features the print or pattern of the waterproof laminate flooring. This is the main element that gives the structure a natural and realistic stone or wood appeal.
Core Layer
The core layer is located under the image layer, and it’s the crucial part that ensures the floor’s stability and durability. The core layer is usually made from high-density, compressed fiberboard (also known as HDF). This is also where the waterproof features of the construction are most active.
The fiberboard in waterproof laminate floors has more resins, which makes it less prone to swelling caused by water.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring With Backing
The backing is the bottom layer of the laminate flooring that offers stability and keeps the water from making it to the underneath flooring. This layer seals off the floor’s core from the moisture in the subfloor. Each plank in the construction is repellent to moisture from below and above. Learn more information about the importance of having an underlayment for laminate floors.
Why Choose Laminate For Any Space
Laminate is mostly suitable for any room in the house. It’s capable of resisting daily wear and tear, works great with low moisture levels, and offers a beautiful natural-looking appeal without the cost of natural wood.
Living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, stairs, or conservatories – there isn’t an area in the house that can’t benefit from waterproof laminate flooring.
Kitchen Waterproof Laminate Floor
Laminate is a great flooring material for kitchens. It’s durable enough to withstand daily splashes, and it also repels scratches perfectly. Kitchen owners can choose between various wood and tile effects to get customized waterproof laminate flooring and make the most out of their investment.
Some advocates of fully waterproof flooring don’t advise laminate flooring in kitchens because this area tends to be damper and more humid compared to other rooms in the house. It’s also where accidental spills and drops happen more commonly.
However, homeowners who invest in reliable waterproof laminate flooring and have it installed by professional flooring service providers can enjoy this floor covering and control moisture completely.
Which Is Better: Waterproof Or Water Resistant Laminate?
If you do online research, you’ll notice that some brands use the term “waterproof” while others stick to “water resistant” when talking about laminate. The truth is that these terms aren’t interchangeable, so knowing their difference is crucial in ensuring you get the feature you need from your laminate flooring investment.
Water resistance refers to the feature where a particular element of the laminate flooring can handle water better than average elements. So basically, homeowners can afford to spill water on the floor, and the liquid won’t soak it in for a while. Water-resistant laminate simply buys some time for the floor owner to clean up the spill.
Waterproof laminate flooring, on the other hand, is made to not absorb water at any point. Spills can remain on the floor for an indefinite time, and they still won’t penetrate inside.
Note that the definitions of these two terms can be different in different manufacturers. It’s always best to read the product’s description or ask the seller for an explanation. Sometimes, a waterproof laminate requires proper setup to make sure the water never penetrates to the inside and causes swelling of the structure.
In most applications, homeowners can also boost the water resistance of their laminate flooring during the setup. Some flooring specialists finish the installation with silicone sealants across the perimeter and the baseboard to allow more efficient water resistance.
Overall, waterproof laminate offers greater versatility, durability, and long-lasting service. If you consider installing laminate flooring in moist areas, then it’s worth investing in the waterproof solution.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring vs Vinyl Plank
Both laminate and vinyl plank floor designs mimic natural hardwood. This often leaves the homeowners confused about which option is better for their needs. As far as installation is concerned, both are pretty similar and require a click-lock setup floating over the underlayment.
However, in terms of waterproof features, vinyl slightly wins as it’s 100% waterproof. This is because laminate has many of the characteristics of wood – it can’t be totally submerged in water, whereas vinyl can. Even if you submerge vinyl completely in water, it will not absorb any of it.
Pros and Cons of Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Waterproof Laminate Flooring Pros
Extremely Durable
Durability is an important element to consider in flooring solutions, and laminate is certainly on the top of the list in this regard. That’s why this material is perfect for high-traffic areas.
Versatile Designs
The image layer of laminate makes it possible to create just about any look imaginable. You can mimic the look of natural wood, ebony, or other hardwood species without cashing out a fortune.
Affordable Price
Laminate flooring is also more affordable than other flooring solutions of the same quality and durability. It’s a much more budget-friendly option than hardwood, while it offers the same looks.
Allergy-Friendly
If you’re prone to allergies, you’ll be glad to know that laminate doesn’t contain chemicals that provoke reactions. Also, it doesn’t trap pet dander and similar allergens like carpet fibers.
Low Maintenance
Waterproof laminate flooring requires minimum maintenance. You don’t have to seal it yearly as is the case with cork flooring. It’s also easy to clean and doesn’t need frequent maintenance to look fresh.
DIY-Friendly
Laminate is also great because it can be installed by DIYers. However, you should note that it’s always better to contact professional installers if you lack the tools, skills, and equipment to cut and install the laminate pieces by yourself.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring Cons
It Can’t Be Refinished
In contrast to hardwood flooring, laminate can’t be refinished to prolong its lifespan. So, if you’re trying to get flooring that can be restained or sanded down, it’s better to go for hardwood options.
Isn’t Always Environmentally Friendly
Some laminate flooring contains a degree of volatile chemicals that can be released over the years. Also known as off-gassing, this process often causes issues for flooring manufacturers.
It’s Not Real Wood
This one may sound like a no-brainer, but despite its remarkable resemblance to wood, laminate flooring is still fake wood. However, if you’re considering laminate solutions, you’re most likely aware of this fact and it shouldn’t be a deal breaker for you. Unless you decide to invest in real wood flooring.
Not the Most Comfortable Flooring
As far as comfort is concerned, laminate is in the middle. Carpet is the softer material underfoot and super pleasant to walk on. On the other hand, fake wood solutions like wood-look ceramic or concrete flooring are even more rigid than laminate. Laminate installations with high-quality underlayment are more convenient and don’t cause issues.
Do I Need To Buy An Underlayment For Waterproof Laminate Flooring?
Underlayment isn’t always necessary for laminate flooring, but it’s certainly recommended. If you don’t install an underlayment on uneven surfaces, it can result in an empty, hollow sound.
Some flooring solutions already have the underlay attached, so there’s no need to purchase them separately. If this isn’t the case with your particular manufacturer, it’s best to get the underlayment to assure sound quality but also durability and insulation.
Where Can I Install Laminate Flooring That Is Waterproof?
You can install waterproof laminate in just about any room in the home. This includes all levels from the basement, ground floor, second floor, bathroom, kitchen, or attic.
The only consideration to be aware of about laminate flooring is not to leave water spills unattended for too long. If you’re conscious enough about this, you can install laminate in literally every area of the house.
How Do I Clean Waterproof Laminate Floors?
Cleaning laminate flooring is simple. Doing so doesn’t require excessive maintenance. Laminate floors can be easily vacuumed or swept occasionally to look clean and fresh.
It’s best to use a damp cloth to tackle spills on this flooring type. If you install waterproof laminate, you can also use wet mops or natural balance liquid cleansers for the surface.
Pro Tip: Always clean up water spills from the laminate regardless of the level of waterproofing features of your flooring. This is the best way to prolong the floor’s lifespan and keep it spotless.
Is Water Proof Laminate Flooring Easy To Install?
Waterproof laminate is relatively simple to install and can usually be set up by the homeowner. The installation rarely requires the use of tools such as tape or glue because of its “floating floor” feature. The pieces are simply laid down on top of the existing floor, interlocked, and ready for use.
Are Laminate Floors Really Waterproof?
Not all laminate floors are waterproof. It’s important to get informed on the level of water resistance supported by each laminate flooring. Note that not even the solutions that are marketed as waterproof can’t handle being submerged in water for a long time. Therefore, keeping the laminate flooring dry is necessary to avoid structural damage.
What Type Of Laminate Is Waterproof?
The waterproof laminate flooring is made from a different core layer. This is where the highly compressed fiberboards come into play. Their main feature is to repel water and prevent it from getting further inside the construction.
How Long Does Waterproof Laminate Last?
On average, quality laminate waterproof flooring lasts for 25 years. Plenty of factors like the quality of installation, brand, upkeep, and wear and tear intensity can affect the lifespan of this flooring, much like with any other flooring type.
How Good Is Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring?
Water-resistant laminate flooring is a good idea for rooms that don’t see a lot of active traffic and water or liquid spills. Laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements (due to naturally higher moisture) aren’t suitable for water-resistant solutions. These areas are best protected with waterproof solutions that come with a special core layer.
What Is The Difference Between Waterproof And Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring?
There are some critical differences between waterproof and water-resistant flooring.
Waterproof solutions are usually more durable and can handle any liquid spills, no matter how big or small. On the other hand, water-resistant flooring solutions are only able to handle small spills and for a short amount of time.
Pro Tip: Don’t think of laminate as a fully waterproof flooring material that can be submerged because this is not one of its core qualities. When you understand the strengths and fragilities of this material, only then can you get the most out of its characteristics.
Can You Mop Laminate Flooring?
Yes, mopping laminate flooring solutions is permissible. It’s okay to use a microfiber mop or a damp mop and gently go over the laminate every two months. You can also use regular mops, but make sure to wring them out until they are dry.
Best Waterproof Laminate Flooring
As far as the best waterproof laminate flooring brands are concerned, the market is huge yet extremely confusing. Many manufacturers market their laminate as fully waterproof when it only has partial water resistance.
The brands below are known for their reliable waterproof laminate flooring, so they’re some of the best solutions out there.
Newton
Newton laminate flooring is the most affordable brand that offers 24-hour water resistance. They don’t have a large catalog but still feature all the best hardwood looks with beautiful finishes, little pattern repetition, and incredible quality.
Repel by Shaw
Repel by Shaw is yet another brand behind laminate flooring that offers durable solutions with a robust warranty. The lifetime residential warranty also makes for a more expensive price and promises the construction won’t warp, stain, or wear after daily household spills. It’s worth noting that this brand is also the world’s second-largest flooring manufacturer.
Restoration by Mannington
This high-quality laminate manufacturer offers beautiful and sustainable flooring options. They are also among the most affordable brands out there. The only downside is that the laminate made by Restoration by Mannington isn’t waterproof but only water resistant.
Water Proof Laminate Flooring Explained
Waterproof laminate flooring is the finest of laminate floors you can find on the market. Built to withstand more spills, this upgraded floor type comes with excellent value for money. Thanks to its DIY features, it’s far cheaper to install than most other flooring types.
Hopefully, you now have a clear picture of whether waterproof laminate floors will suit your needs and budget so you can make the most out of your floor renovation project.
