Waterproof laminate flooring is a newer option for the homeowner. This type of floor uses special coatings and installation techniques to help prevent water from seeping between planks. With this technology, you’ll get the durability of hardwood with the flexibility of laminate. Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to install this type of floor in almost any room of your home. Its resistance to routine water spills makes it a great option for homes with children or pets.
Although waterproof laminate floors are very durable, they can still be damaged by moisture. This is especially true for laminates that are installed in humid or wet areas. You’ll want to look at the warranty clauses before you buy to make sure your floors are waterproof. Some brands recommend that you seal the seams of the baseboard and perimeter of the room to improve the flooring’s resistance to moisture.
Most of the top laminate flooring brands now offer waterproof alternatives. You can find them in a variety of designs and colours. These include patterned, herringbone, and straight lines. In addition to being eco-friendly, this flooring is also resistant to scratches.
Many of these floors are made with PVC plastic, which makes them suitable for basements and other wet areas. There are also floating floors, which don’t require glue or tape. They can be easy to install.
Waterproof laminate is available in a wide range of designs, patterns, and species. However, because of the high-resistance coatings and special coatings, it can be more expensive than standard laminate. Therefore, it’s important to compare the different brands’ test reports before buying.
The core layer of a laminate floor is usually composed of compressed high-density fiberboard. A resin composition is then added to this layer to increase its resistance to moisture. An image layer is also attached to the surface of the flooring to give it a realistic look. Finally, a wear layer protects the color from fading.
Laminate flooring has made waves since it first hit the market. It is a cost-effective, durable, and low-maintenance alternative to real hardwood. But, it can be difficult to sand it down to match the real thing. Today, you can find more advanced printing methods to make your laminate floors look like solid timber. If you’re looking for a greener option, you may consider vinyl flooring instead. Vinyl is also much more durable than traditional laminate, making it a better choice in wet areas.
While it may not be as sturdy as real wood, waterproof laminate is an effective choice for high traffic areas. Since it is more resilient to water than other types of flooring, it’s ideal for places where there is a lot of mess and messiness. Plus, it’s easy to clean, so you can worry less about dirt and grime.
For the DIY-savvy, waterproof laminate floors are simple to install. Most of these floors are laid down in a snap-together format, so you don’t have to wait for glue to dry before you can move on to the next step.