The 4 Best Waterproof Flooring Options for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Oct 28, 2020 | Community, Homeowners

waterproof flooring
Are you remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a new home? If so, you have a lot of decisions to make about the materials you’ll use. In kitchens and bathrooms, the type of flooring you choose is important. These rooms are exposed to moisture, so the flooring material you install should be waterproof to withstand everyday use. Here are 4 different types of waterproof flooring materials that work well in kitchens and bathrooms.

Vinyl Waterproof Flooring

Vinyl flooring is waterproof and ranges from basic to luxury, making it appropriate for kitchens and bathrooms. Vinyl is also one of the easier flooring materials to install. Some flooring comes in planks that snap together, which makes it a simple DIY job.

Higher-end selections have a built-in insulative underlayment, so there’s no need for an additional layer underneath. This vinyl comes in tile, planks, and sheets. Some vinyl flooring is self-adhesive and some require grout. While vinyl is one of the most affordable types of flooring, it will look nicer and be more durable if you choose a mid to high-end option.

Tiles for Waterproof Flooring

Engineered Tile

Engineered tile is an alternative to ceramic, natural stone, or porcelain. Some benefits are that the surface won’t get as cold and it’s usually more comfortable to walk on. Engineered tile is also less likely to crack than other types of tile.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is a high-end type of ceramic tile. Porcelain is technically in the ceramic category because of its clay composition, but it is more durable, harder, and less porous. Porcelain tiles come glazed and unglazed. Unglazed tiles last longer because glazed tiles are more likely to chip.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is more affordable than porcelain tile. The clay they are made from is less refined than porcelain, and they are fired at lower temperatures. This makes them less rigid and easier to install. Some cons of ceramic tile are that they are more porous so they stain more easily, and they are not as durable as porcelain.

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