More about Waterproof Flooring
The Types of Waterproof Flooring
Waterproof flooring is available in two different forms, mainly waterproof laminate flooring or waterproof vinyl flooring.
- Waterproof laminate usually features a layer of durable resin, which means any water cannot penetrate the surface. This is available in a tile effect or as waterproof wood flooring in many different shades.
- Waterproof vinyl also features a special coating to protect it against everyday dirt, stains and scuffs. Vinyl is usually softer underfoot than laminate. However, you still have a variety of options when it comes to design. For example, waterproof vinyl flooring is available in a tile or a wood effect.
What are the Benefits of Waterproof Flooring?
Whether you opt for waterproof laminate flooring or vinyl, both types of flooring act against any spillage, moisture and even condensation. This is far more effective than water resistant laminate flooring, which may still undergo damage if the floor gets particularly wet.
For this reason, this type of flooring is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms, which see more moisture than any other room in the house. On top of that, waterproof flooring is well suited to commercial spaces, offices, or even children’s nurseries, which may see more spillages than homes.
A waterproof floor is also the easiest type of floor to clean as you don’t need to worry about damaging your floor with excessive water, which is the case for every other type of flooring. For this reason, you can expect longevity with this type of flooring.
How to Install a Waterproof Floor
Installing a waterproof floor is surprisingly easy, however the methods differ depending on whether you’ve opted for a waterproof vinyl flooring or waterproof laminate flooring.
Vinyl flooring involves simply taping the sheet of vinyl onto the subfloor using a double sided adhesive. If the room is particularly large, glue and a trowel should do the trick.
Read more about installing laminate flooring here: How to Install Laminate Floors
Laminate flooring involves a simple click method, clicking each slot into place without the need for glue or nails. Remember when installing laminate, to place a sheet of underlay underneath. This will help with insulation and sound-proofing the room.
Read more about installing vinyl flooring here: How to Install Vinyl Floors
Here's a video look at the typical installation process of waterproof flooring:
How to Maintain a Waterproof Floor
This type of flooring, whether laminate or vinyl, is very easy to clean. Ensure you sweep away any dust or dirt on a regular basis to avoid scratches. Then, simply use soapy water and a mop to leave a sparkling finish. You don’t need to worry about drying your floor either, as the water won’t damage the surface.
FAQs about Waterproof Flooring
Here you’ll discover some common questions that we have answered in our useful FAQs below.
Waterproof flooring has really revolutionised the industry. Allowing you to install products such as laminate into high moisture prone areas where it was previously deemed unsuitable, this type of floor is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. So what exactly is waterproof flooring and just how easy is it to install?
This type of flooring has been designed to replicate the fashionable look of laminate, without the restrictions that typically come with it. Laminate cannot be installed in high moisture areas such as the bathroom, whereas this waterproof flooring can be.
Yes. The floors are considered 100% waterproof and they tend to feature a guarantee that supports this. However if you do not seal around the perimeter then water will get under the product and affect your subfloor.
Whilst waterproof flooring will withstand high moisture environments, it isn’t great when faced with direct sunlight. This means it can be installed in any room other than a conservatory or other high-light area. However it is possible to protect the floor in rooms affected by direct sunlight by using blinds or glass protection.
Yes, just like laminate flooring these floors are really easy to install. We also provide detailed installation instructions via a downloadable guide which you will find on each product page. We recommend you read this before you decide whether or not to purchase the floor.
The most popular waterproof flooring ranges we stock are Aquastep, this is 100% waterproof.
Yes, these floors are completely safe to use alongside underfloor heating systems. However, it is highly recommended that you look through the installation instructions before the floor is installed to see if there is any specific advice you should be aware of.
Yes, Aquastep is almost the same as a laminate floor but it is plastic, the installation would require underlay.
Yes. very much the same as a laminate floor, all of this range has a simple click system which makes the installation very easy. We have a video link on the product page which is really helpfull.
Yes. It is recommended you leave an expansion gap of at least 8mm when installing the floors. If you have a larger room then you will need to leave even more of a gap. If you are unsure our flooring experts can help.
Yes. The majority of our products are stored in our 30,000 square foot warehouse. This means they are ready to be dispatched immediately.
On this page you will find our wide range of waterproof flooring. Use the tabs on the left to filter by thickness, quality, brand, price and even by which room you want to put waterproof flooring in. If you have any questions about waterproof laminate flooring or waterproof vinyl flooring, please give us a call on 0330 100 00 15 and one of our experts will happily help you.
