Which Waterproof flooring should I Choose?
In an age where products vary in quality, performance and price we want to help you know the differences between the two best selling waterproof floors, we will show you difference in quality, price and performance and finish with an overall review of which one Flooring Village find best value.
The two products we will be look at today is the Aqua-Step 100% waterproof flooring and the Quick-Step Impressive Waterproof laminate flooring.
Lets start with talking about what each of these products are.
Aqua-Step Waterproof Flooring.
Aqua-step have designed a laminate flooring which is 100% waterproof, it is made from 100% PVC with a laminate photograph and wear layers applied on top. Aqua-step being made from 100% PVC makes the product 100% waterproof.
Quick-Step Impressive Waterproof Flooring.
Quick-Step Impressive is quick-steps only waterproof flooring, it is made from high quality HDF boards with a laminate photograph and wear layers on top. To make quick-step waterproof Quick-Step have designed and applied a unique water-repellent ‘HydroSeal’ coating designed just for them.
Lets talk about quality.
Both Quick-Step & Aqua Step are well known for making premium products, its no surprise to find that both products come with a waterproof guarantee, Aqua-Step offer a 20 Year guarantee whereas in wet areas Quick-Step provide a 10 year guarantee (When Hydro Seal kit is used to seal all open and exposed edges), Quick-Step also supply a 25 year guarantee in all not wet areas.
The quality of the laminate coating on top is AC4 rated, this means it is suitable for all heavy domestic applications and light commercial use. Quick-Step claim that there flooring is x10 more scratch resistant than other laminates, it is well known that Quick-Steps wear layers are of the best quality in the market.
The structure of the board is also something to talk about, as Aqua-Steps honeycomb structure is unique to them and offers better sound reduction and more heat insulation than other laminates, Aqua-step structure is so strong that even if the floor is uplifted and re laid Aqua-Step still offer the guarantee (Only uplift and fitted once). Quick-Steps code is a high quality HDF board which still boasts brilliant sound and heat properties.
The finish on top of these boards is also very different, Aqua-Step has a clean, smooth and almost lacquered finish where as the Quick-Step impressive has different textures and finishes on all boards, this really makes it feel like an authentic real wood floor.
What about price?
Price is always a decision maker and on this occasion its no different. Aqua-Step retails for around £46m2 where as Quick-Step impressive retails at £19.99m2. The price is all determined by the application, If you need a flooring for a swimming pool or very high water content then Aqua-Step would be better, If its a kitchen or bathroom then the Quick-Step Impressive would be more than suitable.
Overall Performance
Aqua-Step and Quick Step are well known for being high performance floors and both of these brilliant for water applications. The overall performance of both of these floors is very similar with the main differences being Aqua-Step full wet room 20 year guarantee whereas Quick-Step impressive is only a 10 year, both floors are brilliant for scratches and marks with Quick-Steps wear layers being slightly better.
Overall Verdict
Its too hard for us to say, both floors are brilliant and are perfect in there own rights.
Quick-Step is more cost effective but Aqua-Step is suitable for more applications. Personal preference will play a big part in your decision making, different colours, textures and application will all be deciding factors.
For more advice, samples and pricing. Visit the products below or call us on 01283 547528.