Jul 03, 2024 | Flooring Canada
Picture this, you're a homeowner and you've long dreamt of adding a touch of sophisticated mahogany to your living spaces or perhaps the elegance of slate tile in your bathroom. But, you're concerned about potential spills, scratches from your pets, or the general wear and tear of an active family life. Well, now you can let go of that worry! In the wonderful world of flooring, new technology has provided us with waterproof luxury vinyl. This gamechanger in the flooring industry combines the allure of stone, tile, or hardwood flooring with unmatched durability that's oh-so-friendly to your wallet.
Luxury vinyl flooring isn't simply a waterproof savior for your home. Also referred to as luxury vinyl tile or plank (LVT/LVP), this form of vinyl flooring comprises multiple layers that aid in this wonderful flooring choice's design, durability, and ease of maintenance. Three cheers to not holding your breath every time you hear "oops!", right?
You're probably now considering installing luxury vinyl floors—a wise choice! The key is to select the waterproof vinyl flooring that best suits your room type and design aspirations. Luxury vinyl comes in three versatile designs: plank, tile, and sheet.
Luxury vinyl planks are often used to mimic hardwood, as the planks offer the look of authentic, cut hardwood.
Luxury vinyl tile is often used to replicate stone or tiles or to create an intricate pattern.
Luxury vinyl sheet is commonly used in areas subject to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Sheets come in 6- and 12-foot lengths, making for very few (if any) seams when installed, and they can also mimic the look of hardwood, stone, and tile flooring with various patterns to choose from.
Now, you might be wondering what exactly is this resilient flooring made of? Four layers of synthetic materials combine to offer durability, comfort, and cleanliness. Together they create a sturdy protective layer resistant to scratches and spills, an array of design choices, a stable core, and the secret sauce—waterproof backing.
These layers include:
The Wear Layer - This durable top layer is a protective seal to keep your floors scratch-free. Any scuffs or spills are easily removed with a quick sweep or a damp towel.
The Photo or Design Layer - The fun part of finding new floors is choosing the design. With LVT or LVP, there are multiple, colours, textures, and finishes to brighten any room.
The Rigid Core - Typically composed of PVC and other synthetic materials, the rigid core stabilizes vinyl flooring.
The Back Layer - The bottom or back layer provides the base structure and waterproofing properties to the under-layer of the flooring
Our luxury vinyl flooring isn't just resistant to water but completely waterproof! Not only is its top wear layer of vinyl plank flooring waterproof, but the backing layer also protects the underside of your floors from moisture. Thanks to these layers, waterproof luxury vinyl can withstand moisture, heavy foot traffic, scratches, and spills like a champ. No more holding your breath when the kids fill the bathtub a bit too much!
In addition, you might benefit from luxury vinyl’s sound-absorbing qualities, which make it much quieter than wood or tile —the ideal choice for an active home filled with kids and furry friends. Bring peace to bedrooms and focus to your home office with vinyl’s sound-proofing makeup.
Ready to dive into the world of creative possibilities offered by waterproof luxury vinyl flooring? Uncover a variety of wood grains, hues, and stains, or stone and tile looks that will bring energy to every corner of your home. Waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring makes achieving natural hardwood and stone aesthetics possible even in tricky areas like bathrooms, playrooms, dens, and basements.
Whether you're seeking a specific colour and style like white oak or marble look, our exclusive products offer endless colours and designs indistinguishable from real wood or tile. With so many great options, waterproof vinyl flooring is an incredibly safe choice for your active family if you want the perfect balance of style and function.
Feeling inspired to start your next home improvement project and upgrade to waterproof flooring? Flip through our catalog of incredible luxury vinyl options or stop by your local Flooring America showroom today to see samples in person and learn more about our exceptional waterproof floors. Let us take care of the legwork so you can start enjoying the stunning floor you've always dreamt of!
Still have more questions about waterproof vinyl flooring? Check out our most frequently asked questions about this versatile and stylish flooring option.
Is luxury vinyl really waterproof?
Yes, our luxury vinyl flooring is truly waterproof, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Its advanced multi-layer construction includes a robust wear layer and a waterproof core, providing exceptional resistance to water damage and spills. Unlike traditional hardwood or laminate, luxury vinyl won’t warp, swell, or crack when exposed to water, ensuring your floors remain beautiful and durable over time. This combination of style, performance, and practicality makes luxury vinyl a popular option for modern homes.
What flooring is 100% waterproof?
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the only 100% waterproof flooring due to their unique composition and manufacturing process. While most luxury vinyl products are waterproof, they are not floodproof and cannot withstand prolonged water exposure. Ceramic tiles, made from natural clay and fired at high temperatures, create a dense, impenetrable surface. Porcelain tiles, made from refined clay and fired at even higher temperatures, are denser and less porous, with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. This makes porcelain tiles exceptionally water-resistant and ideal for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces
Which is the best waterproof vinyl flooring?
The best waterproof vinyl flooring is one marked as waterproof! From there, it depends on your specific needs, room type, and desired aesthetic. Whether you prefer the look of natural hardwood, stone, or tile, our waterproof luxury vinyl plank, tile, and sheet flooring options have you covered.
Can I use luxury vinyl flooring with radiant heated floors?
Most luxury vinyl flooring products are famously compatible with radiant heated floors. It also doubles as a natural insulator, keeping feet toasty on cold winter mornings and cool during hot summer afternoons. Its unique sound-absorbing qualities add to its charm, making your home quieter than ever, perfect for homes brimming with children and pets.
