When it comes to moisture, Virginia Beach families have a lot to worry about. While a splash here and there might be fine for some flooring materials, it might not be the best choice for other flooring materials. Because of this, waterproof flooring is probably what you’re after, but the truth is no floor is 100% waterproof.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all “waterproof” flooring performs the same and installation is just as important as the product itself. The team at Artistic Flooring knows this all too well. Over the past three decades, we’ve come to understand the ins and outs of flooring for coastal living. Let us break down what you need to know.
Understanding “Waterproof” vs. “Water-Resistant”
Waterproof and water-resistant flooring are not the same. They both have their own ways of standing up to moisture. Here’s a comparison at a glance:
Waterproof flooring (like luxury vinyl plank or tile) can handle standing water, spills and moisture without the risk of damaging the surface. These materials are equipped with a dense, waterproof core so they won’t warp, swell or buckle. Just know that no floor is 100% waterproof. You should still wipe up water to prevent it from getting between the seams and damaging the subfloor over time.
Water-resistant flooring (like laminate) can deal with small splashes and spills as long as you clean them up right away, but doesn’t do well with standing water. If ignored, moisture can seep into the seams and damage your flooring.
Best Waterproof Flooring Options for Families
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP looks like hardwood, but offers one thing that its counterpart doesn’t: waterproof performance. The waterproof core prevents moisture from damaging your flooring in the long run, which is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways where sandy feet wreak havoc.
Besides being waterproof, LVP features a scratch-resistant wear layer that’s built to take on everyday life. That means your floors will have no trouble with kids, pets and heavy foot traffic. Softer and warmer underfoot than tile, quieter than laminate and easier to maintain than hardwood, Virginia Beach families love it.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Do you still want waterproof performance, but prefer a stone or ceramic tile look? Opt for LVT. It’s waterproof like its counterparts and perfect for bathrooms and entryways because you get that signature tile look without the cold, hard surface or grout maintenance.
What About Laminate?
Modern laminate flooring has recently experienced a surge in popularity. Why? Some products have water-resistant cores. This means it can handle small spills and splashes as long as you clean them up when you notice them. While not waterproof, the planks are water-resistant, thick and able to resist basic wear, which is okay in most rooms, but vinyl is better for standing water.
Deciding which flooring material will work better for your family? Schedule a consultation to compare samples in the space where it matters most: your home.
The Truth About Waterproof Performance
We already discussed how waterproof flooring isn’t 100% waterproof. However, in order to resist standing water, it needs proper flooring installation in Virginia Beach.
Vinyl flooring is waterproof on the surface, but if moisture manages to get underneath, that’s when you’re going to start seeing problems. Improper subfloor prep, gaps in seams or skipped moisture testing can spell disaster. In Virginia Beach, moisture testing matters because many homes have slab foundations.
Once you choose Artistic Flooring for your installation job, after we lift up your old flooring, we moisture test and prep your subfloor. It’s a step that many flooring installers overlook, but is the difference between flooring that lasts until the kids go off to college and floors that fail within a few years.
Choose Waterproof Flooring for Your Family
Buying waterproof flooring is a big commitment. Before you decide if it’s the right choice for you, consider the following:
- Room Location: Bathrooms, kitchens and entryways are great spaces for waterproof flooring as they’re the most moisture-prone areas of the home.
- Family Activity: If you have little feet (or little paws) running about or love to entertain, you can take advantage of waterproof floors with dense wear layers.
- Subfloor Condition: Many Virginia Beach homes are built on slab foundations. Subfloors may need repairs or leveling.
- Long-Term Goals: Quality waterproof flooring is often equipped with a dense wear layer that’s made to protect your investment for years to come.
Ready to Find the Perfect Waterproof Floor for Your Family?
When you have a family running about in your Virginia Beach home, you need flooring that can stand up to real life, not just showroom conditions. At Artistic Flooring, we’re honest with you about what waterproof means so you can consider if it or water-resistant flooring makes more sense for you. Our goal is for you to be happy with your floors for years to come, not trick you with fancy marketing talk.
Considering waterproof flooring? Visit our showroom or contact us to book a shop-at-home consultation today!
