Best Flooring Options for Wet Spaces

Areas in the home that are prone to moisture, wetness and dampness can become problems for your flooring - but not if you know which options work best. You want to be sure you know what will work best as certain materials can be susceptible to rot, mold or material breakdown. We have broken down the basics to help you make the best decision possible for your space.

The most common water-prone areas in your home are:

• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry
• Basement

Let's Talk About Materials

It's important to know the difference between organic and inorganic materials when it comes to your flooring. Let’s first discuss what we mean when we say the word “organic.” Organic flooring materials means anything that was once living - referring to plant-based materials such as solid hardwood and bamboo. It’s important to note that not all flooring materials are fully organic or inorganic and the ratio between the two is what will affect the ability for your floor to handle moisture overall. A great example of this is bamboo flooring; made from an organic material, but also has synthetic resins and glues making it better at handling moisture. A general rule of thumb is: inorganic materials such as synthetic plastics, make for the best flooring option for wet spaces.

So What Are the Best Options?

We want to make sure you are confident in your flooring choices, so we have broken down the best flooring options for the dampest places of your home like the bathroom, laundry room, mudroom and basement.

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)

SPC Flooring is what is called a hybrid floor. It is 100% waterproof and is suitable for all locations in the house, including the laundry room and bathroom. These hybrid floors bring the best characteristics of both vinyl and laminate floors to create the ideal floating floor. The top layer of SPC flooring is a UV coated wear & tear layer, the second is the decorative layer and the centre is made up of a composite core board that is waterproof.

Tile

When installed properly, tile is 100% waterproof. Porcelain tile is an excellent option for areas that are chronically damp, like the bathroom. They are a great solution for wet areas because they are low maintenance and harder than natural stone or ceramic, making them less likely to chip. Porcelain is also a lot denser than ceramic tiles and therefore they are less porous, harder and more durable for the long term.

Ceramic tile, as with porcelain tile, is a great choice for areas that tend to be more on the damp side. Ceramic tiles can withstand a lot of water damage which is why you’ll see them in places like the laundry room, kitchen and even the bathroom.

LVF (Luxury Vinyl Flooring)

Luxury vinyl planks are completely waterproof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture. Vinyl planks are made entirely of a combination of synthetic materials/plastics that are made to be 100% waterproof. These planks can be fully submerged in water and will not warp, deform or become damaged in any way making them a great option for high wet areas.

Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl is a great option as it is practically seamless, making it 100% waterproof. It is the ideal flooring for intensely wet rooms such as laundry and bathrooms. With little to no seams, sheet vinyl doesn’t allow for water to penetrate through to the substrate.