Your Ultimate Guide To Waterproof Flooring
As the original creator of 100% waterproof, kidproof, petproof luxury vinyl plank and tile floors, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to waterproof flooring to help you find the perfect COREtec floor for your space.
Let's shed some light on the following topics (click to jump ahead):
- The difference between waterproof and water-resistant floors
- The benefits of COREtec waterproof flooring
- How to properly install and care for your waterproof floors
- Where waterproof floors perform best (with images of COREtec in real homes!)
- Finding the perfect COREtec floor for your home and unique style
We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your flooring investment and which options best meet your needs, now and as they grow and change. We want your space to help you feel limitless.
Let’s get started!
What Are The Differences Between Waterproof And Water-Resistant Flooring?
If you’ve done some research on hard surface flooring, you’ve likely come across "water-resistant" and "waterproof" performance claims. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there's a significant difference between the two when it comes to the level of protection each provides.
Let's clear up any confusion:
- Water-resistant flooring can withstand limited exposure to water, spills or moisture without causing immediate damage. However, prolonged exposure may still cause these floors to damage over time, as they are not designed with a waterproof core. Hardwood and laminate are great examples of floors that can have water-resistant features but may not be suitable for areas prone to frequent spills and accidents or higher levels of moisture and humidity.
- Waterproof flooring, on the other hand, provides a superior level of protection against moisture, humidity, spills and accidents. Hydrophobic finishes, waterproof cores and innovative locking technologies create a tight, protective barrier that prevents water or other liquids from seeping through to the subfloor and causing damage or odors. Waterproof luxury vinyl floors are perfect for areas prone to spills, accidents, moisture or humidity, like kitchens, entryways, playrooms, pet spaces, bathrooms and basements (or anywhere you want extra protection from water-related mishaps).
Why Should The Benefits Of Waterproof Flooring Matter To You?
When you choose waterproof flooring from COREtec, you're investing in a premium vinyl flooring experience. Here are the advantages that make COREtec waterproof floors a game-changer for your home or business:
- Moisture Resistance: Spills and accidents happen, but with waterproof vinyl flooring, you won't have to worry about liquids seeping into your floor or subfloors and causing damage or odors. You can easily clean liquids and messes without leaving any traces behind.
- Scratch Protection: Thanks to our industry-leading finishes all COREtec floors offer scuff resistance, and our COREtec Scratchless styles even offer enhanced scratch resistance backed by a 30-year residential scratch warranty.
- Comfort: COREtec offers premium luxury vinyl flooring made from quality materials that enhance comfort and quiet in your space. Our Originals collection features our thickest floors, which create increased warmth underfoot and reduced noise. And styles featuring our attachedSoft Step underlayment provide even more comfort, warmth and quiet.
- Durability: Our luxury vinyl floors are designed to protect against everyday wear and tear. All COREtec floors can handle the hustle and bustle of a busy household with ease. Our Pro collection is specially designed for high-traffic areas and can withstand the demands of most commercial spaces.
- Realistic Wood & Tile Designs: COREtec offers a wide range of stunning designs that mimic the beauty of natural hardwood and tile and stone. You can enjoy the desired aesthetics of wood or tile and stone without complicated, expensive installation or care and maintenance concerns.
- Easy Cleaning & Maintenance: Taking care of waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring is a breeze. Regular sweeping and mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner like our Encore floor cleaner are all it takes to keep your floors looking great. is all it takes to keep your floors looking great. Please refer to our care and maintenance guidelines for proper use and additional information.
- Versatility: Whether you're looking to install waterproof flooring in your kitchen, bathroom, basement or any other residential or light commercial space, COREtec has you covered at every step. Shop by collection or shop by performance needs.
How To Install And Care For Waterproof Flooring
Whether you DIY or hire a professional, installing COREtec’s waterproof vinyl flooring is significantly easier than other hard surface options such as hardwood or tile that require nails, grout or messy adhesives. COREtec floors require no acclimation period and minimal subfloor prep (unlike hardwood and laminate), so you can install and live on your new floors in the same day. We provide detailed installation guidelines and video tutorials to ensure a hassle-free experience. If you prefer professional installation find a local flooring retailer near you.
Cleaning these floors is just as easy. All you have to do is sweep away dust, mop with an approved cleaner like COREtec Encore, and then damp mop with water (yay for waterproof protection!). With regular maintenance like this and limited lifetime warranties, you can be sure your COREtec floors are in it for the long haul.
Where Can Waterproof Flooring Be Installed?
The versatility of waterproof vinyl flooring is limitless. COREtec floors are suitable for a variety of spaces, including:
- Kitchens: With waterproof floors in your kitchen, you can cook up a storm without worrying about spills and splashes. Our Pro collection is great for high-traffic spaces like your kitchen, and guards against dents & impacts.
- Bathrooms: Say goodbye to moisture-related woes in the bathroom. When properly installed over correct subfloor conditions, waterproof flooring ensures your floors remain in pristine condition. If you enjoy the look of tile in a bathroom (we don’t blame you), give our Tile collection a look – it saves time, money and hassle with easy, grout-free installation.
- Living Areas & Bedrooms: From the living room to your bedroom, our luxury vinyl flooring planks add a touch of elegance while providing ultimate protection. If you want cozy comfort in these spaces, our Originals styles are famous for their sound control and warmth underfoot. And if you want to crank the comfort dial even further, check out our premium Soft Step styles.
- Dining Rooms or Home Offices: Dining rooms have long been an area prone to scratches and scuffs where your floor may need extra protection. Home offices have been on the rise since the pandemic and can be susceptible to scratches from desk chairs or cabinets with wheels. Our Scratchless collection offers best-in-class scratch protection backed by a 30-year residential scratch warranty.
- Basements: Transform your basement into a functional living space with our waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring that’s ideal for areas with fluctuating humidity levels. Durability is the name of the game when it comes to basements, so try out our extra-tough Pro styles in this space.
- Entryways: Keep mud and water at bay by installing waterproof floors at your home's entry points. Spaces like these tend to go through the ringer, especially when it comes to scratches. Try our PVC-free Scratchless styles for extra scratch resistance in this space.
- Second Stories & Multi-Level Spaces: Keep the sounds made upstairs where they belong – upstairs! COREtec Originals styles are constructed with air pockets in their core, giving these floors more “bounce back” from footsteps and helping with sound absorption. Styles featuring our Soft Step underlayment are even quieter. In fact, when tested, they rated 70% better for sound absorption than other luxury vinyl flooring options.
- Light Commercial Spaces: Your small business probably gets more foot traffic than your home. COREtec Pro styles can handle it! With a dense, compact rigid core and overall durable construction, these floors are as rugged as any good pair of boots – and they’re made for walkin’.
Kitchens
With waterproof floors in your kitchen, you can cook up a storm without worrying about spills and splashes. And with comfortable styles like Calypso Oak, standing for an hour at the stove won’t hit quite as hard on your feet or knees.
Living Areas & Bedrooms
From the living room to your bedroom, our luxury vinyl flooring planks add a touch of elegance while providing ultimate protection. If you want cozy comfort in these spaces, our Originals styles are famous for their sound control and warmth underfoot. And if you want to crank the comfort dial even further, check out our premium Soft Step styles. We’d highly recommend our stunning Parchment Oak floor.
Bathrooms
Say goodbye to moisture-related woes in the bathroom. When properly installed over correct subfloor conditions, waterproof flooring ensures your floors remain in pristine condition. If you enjoy the look of tile in a bathroom (we don’t blame you), give our Tile collection a look – it saves time, money and hassle with easy, grout-free installations. Bianco Marble, in particular, has gotten rave reviews.
Dining Rooms or Home Offices
Dining rooms have long been an area prone to scratches and scuffs where your floor may need extra protection. And home offices are also susceptible to scratches from desk chairs or cabinets with wheels. Consider styles with enhanced scratch resistance, like Wythe Oak, for these spaces.
Second Stories & Multi-Level Spaces
Keep the sounds made upstairs where they belong – upstairs! COREtec Original styles are constructed with air pockets in their core, giving these floors more “bounce back” from footsteps and helping with sound absorption. Styles featuring our Soft Step underlayment are even quieter. In fact, when tested, they rated 70% better for sound absorption than other luxury vinyl flooring options.
Basements
Transform your basement into a functional living space with our waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring that’s ideal for areas with fluctuating humidity levels. Durability is the name of the game when it comes to basements, so try out extra-tough styles like Ravenswood Oak in this space.
Find The Perfect COREtec Waterproof Floor For Your Home
We hope this ultimate guide to waterproof flooring has clarified the difference between water-resistant and waterproof flooring and provided education on the numerous benefits of investing in COREtec luxury vinyl floors.
If you need help figuring out which COREtec floor would work best in your space, use these two tools:
- Room Visualizer: Take unlimited floors for unlimited test drives. Simply snap and upload a pic of your room here, and you can cycle through all our COREtec floor styles to get a feel for how each one looks in your space.
- Design Services: Schedule a free, no-obligation virtual appointment with a COREtec Design Expert. Get trending inspiration ideas, help with coordinating colors and textures in your space and answers to all your product questions. Schedule your free Design Services appointment today.