How waterproof flooring will change your life
For a while, tile was the only waterproof flooring. Now there are three more choices: waterproof laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring, as well as waterproof flooring. The ultimate decision on your choice will depend upon your own needs.
How are waterproof laminate and luxury vinyl flooring different?
First, you need to understand typical laminate; while it is highly water-resistant, it is not completely impervious to liquid. The core, critical to any waterproof flooring, is made of pressed or plywood. Installation, while always important, is especially so here. Planks must be placed together very tightly with caulking and joint expansions used when needed.
Waterproof laminate has a special water-resistant core with a backing that keeps water from soaking through for many hours. The biggest difference is how they are waterproof; laminate is waterproof from the top-down, meaning that it can't be submerged in puddles. Luxury vinyl, an advanced version of standard sheet vinyl, is waterproof from the bottom up, so it can sit in liquid for hours.
Waterproof laminate has a special water-resistant core with a backing that keeps water from soaking through for many hours. The biggest difference is how they are waterproof; laminate is waterproof from the top-down, meaning that it can't be submerged in puddles. Luxury vinyl, an advanced version of standard sheet vinyl, is waterproof from the bottom up, so it can sit in liquid for hours.
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What is waterproof flooring?
This is the luxury version of vinyl, but with a technologically advanced core. Cores are critical when any flooring is waterproof. This one comes with either a WPC (wood plastic composite) or SPC (stone plastic composite) core. Neither will peel or ripple no matter how much water it’s exposed to, or for how long. SPC has a more rigid feel, like that of genuine hardwood.
What do they all have in common?
Style! All of the vinyl and laminate flooring materials are realistic mimics of wood, stone, and tile. They all come in an almost unlimited number of colors, patterns, designs, and species. Embossing gives the depth and dimension of the floors; it's possible to get textured appearances like wire-brushed, hand scraped, weathered, or distressed. They come in matte, gloss, or high-gloss finishes.
They can all be cut into planks to mimic hardwood boards or square, groutable tile-sized pieces. Many feel the extra seams add to the realism. On another separate, but related, note, tile can also be cut into planks to mimic popular and trending wood floors.
For more information about any of our waterproof flooring options, please visit or call Special Effects Flooring in Clayton, NC. We service Clayton, NC, Raleigh, NC, Apex, NC, Cary, NC, Smithfield, NC, and Clayton, NC. We also provide complimentary consultations, as well as free quotes.
They can all be cut into planks to mimic hardwood boards or square, groutable tile-sized pieces. Many feel the extra seams add to the realism. On another separate, but related, note, tile can also be cut into planks to mimic popular and trending wood floors.
For more information about any of our waterproof flooring options, please visit or call Special Effects Flooring in Clayton, NC. We service Clayton, NC, Raleigh, NC, Apex, NC, Cary, NC, Smithfield, NC, and Clayton, NC. We also provide complimentary consultations, as well as free quotes.
