Laminate flooring looks great, it’s more affordable than wood and it’s easier to clean. So it’s no wonder it’s become such a popular option, but anyone who’s dabbled in the world of laminate before will know that when it comes to spills and moisture-prone areas, laminate flooring just doesn’t perform well.
Moisture has always been laminate’s one downfall. Until recently. Now, there’s the option of waterproof laminate flooring for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and any other ‘at risk’ areas. You get all the perks of standard laminate, but you’re not going to get ‘bubbly’ flooring if any spills occur.
What is waterproof laminate flooring?
Even though most laminate flooring is ‘water resistant’, only recently have waterproof laminate flooring options been introduced in the UK. Normal laminate often bubbles up in an uneven texture with lots of air pockets if liquid is spilled on it. This is because the water resistant coating only applies to the surface of the laminate, so when water seeps in through the gaps, it reacts badly with the fibreboard core. This causes troublesome bubbles to pop up, sometimes just minutes after a spill.
Waterproof laminate flooring can handle spills and moisture. It’s made to be more durable and fully protected from moisture so it can be used in areas that are more at risk of spills. To make waterproof laminate, the HDF boards are soaked in water repellent oils and the surface is coated with water repellent chemicals. This way, not only is the surface fully protected and extra durable, but the entire board is protected from water. There’s no risk of liquid or moisture seeping through the board and causing problems.
Why choose these floors?
If you’re still not sure if waterproof laminate flooring is for you, here are some of the reasons why it would make your life easier and your home even more beautiful!
Stress-free spills
With standard laminate, every spill is a panic that could ruin the look of your floor for the rest of its lifetime. You rush to clear it up before it leaves a stain or a bubbly texture, with the stress of not knowing if you’ve got there in time!
However with waterproof laminate, there’s no need to stress or panic. You don’t want to leave a spill sitting for a long time, but you can clean it up without worry, knowing there’s no risk of permanent damage to your floor. In fact, waterproof laminate flooring is designed to withstand constant moisture, in case it’s used in a bathroom.
Long-lasting perfection
Laminate can perfect your home’s appearance, achieving whatever interior design effect you want. With non-waterproof flooring, however, there’s always the worry that a single spill could leave you with a risen and misshapen patch of laminate, affecting the overall appearance of your room. Waterproof laminate flooring, on the other hand, isn’t going to change in shape, appearance or texture, no matter how many spills you put them through. Your floor will look as good-as-new for years to come.
Suitable for any room
Whether you want to have the same flooring throughout different rooms in your home or just want a wood-style bathroom, waterproof laminate flooring can go just about anywhere! From your lounge to your bedroom to the kitchen, and even the bathroom, waterproof laminate can withstand a lot more than you might think.
Despite the fact that bathrooms are often steamy and therefore moist, this flooring is designed to be protected against moisture for long periods of time. It’s one of the very few types of wood flooring that can be used in bathrooms where other forms might warp or shrink over time.
Who is waterproof laminate flooring for?
Waterproof laminate flooring is great for families and those with pets, simply because these homes need to cope with a little more spillage. However, if we’re being honest, we’re all guilty of accidentally spilling things, be it milk, juice or wine. Waterproof laminate flooring just gives you the extra peace of mind that one clumsy moment isn’t going to ruin your floor and therefore it’s appropriate for all households.
It’s also a great option for anyone who wants to style their bathroom, kitchen or basement with wood flooring. These areas are prone to not only spills but also a lot of moisture in the air that solid wood, or even standard laminate, could not tolerate. Waterproof laminate flooring is a great way to make the floors of these rooms waterproof and durable without sacrificing style.
Waterproof laminate flooring brands
If you’re thinking about waterproof laminate for your home’s floor, you’ll be pleased to hear there are hundreds of designs and several different brands to choose from. Different brands offer different designs and advantages, so you just need to find the one that suits you best!
Quick-Step Waterproof Laminate
Quick step is one of the best brands of waterproof laminate flooring for those that want a choice of designs. They offer a whole range of different colored and textured waterproof laminate. You can choose a modern or traditional looking laminate, and really match the tone to your home. Quick step waterproof laminate is designed to look a lot like real wood, so it’s great if you’re hoping for a natural look and authentic feel to your flooring. They also offer a scratch resistant coating and a 25 year guarantee, giving you extra peace of mind.
Balterio Flooring
Balterio’s Grande range is a beautiful textured, wood-effect laminate that’s extra strong and durable. It’s easy to install, thanks to a simple click in system that keeps the planks tightly together, helping defend the floor against moisture and spills. This waterproof laminate flooring can be used in any room, including the bathroom, and it can even be used in conjunction with underfloor heating! View more Balterio laminate flooring.
Egger Laminate Flooring
Egger offer waterproof laminate in a range of styles, some resembling wooden floors, and others resembling stone such as granite and Santino stone. Egger laminate options often pair well with modern homes and minimalist designs, but they do also have a few traditional options. They have wood look-alike laminate, including a couple of rustic designs that are the most authentic looking on the market. Many of their designs are extra strong, with a thickness of 8mm, and with a guarantee of 25 years, you won’t need to worry about your floor for a very long while.
Faus Flooring
From industrial style to retro tile effects, Faus laminate flooring offers a range of different styles for different home themes. If you’re looking for a floor with a unique design, Faus could be the waterproof laminate flooring brand for you. In particular, it is a great option for anyone going for a vintage effect. The laminate can be used in any room, as it can cope with prolonged moisture, and you can still keep toasty warm with underfloor heating; there’s no restriction against placing Faus over underfloor heating.
Woodpecker Waterproof Flooring
The Woodpecker Brecon range of laminate flooring is waterproof and natural looking, making it a great choice of laminate for any room in the house, even bathrooms. Woodpecker is another good choice for a floor that looks and feels authentic. Woodpecker began as a family business, starting out in the timber industry, and you can see the thought that’s gone into creating wood-like laminate, with some laminate options even having saw marks.
View our entire collection of waterproof laminate flooring.