When choosing flooring for wet areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements, it’s important to consider factors like moisture resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning. The right flooring choice can stand up to water exposure and prevent damage, while the wrong choice can lead to mold, mildew, and ruined floors. Here’s an overview of the best and worst flooring options for wet areas.
Best Flooring for Wet Areas
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is one of the most popular and best choices for wet areas. Made from clay and fired at high temperatures, porcelain tile is denser and less porous than ceramic tile, making it highly water resistant. It’s durable, easy to clean, and comes in a wide variety of styles and finishes.
Natural Stone Tile
Tile made from natural stone like granite, marble, slate, and travertine has good moisture resistance. It offers a classic, elegant look. The downside is that natural stone can be more porous than porcelain, requiring sealants. It’s also prone to etching from acidic liquids.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) mimics the look of natural wood or stone, but it’s 100% waterproof. The planks click or float together over a waterproof core. LVP resists mold and mildew growth and is very durable. It’s softer underfoot than tile.
Solid Surface Flooring
Brands like Corian are made from acrylic resins and natural minerals to form a nonporous, seamless surface that withstands water. No grout lines makes this floor easy to clean. Solid surface materials are expensive but hold up well over time.
Worst Flooring for Wet Areas
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring uses a photographic paper layer to mimic wood. This layer can swell and peel when exposed to moisture. Laminate is prone to damage from spills and leaks. Avoid this floor for bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Carpet
Carpet acts like a sponge, absorbing and trapping moisture. This can quickly lead to mold and mildew growth in wet areas. Carpet requires lengthy drying times when wet. Stains are difficult to remove.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood joins a thin wood veneer to plywood backing. The layers can separate due to moisture exposure. Swelling, cupping, and other damage are common over time.
Cork Flooring
Cork is eco-friendly and comfortable underfoot but very porous. Spills soak in and moisture gets trapped between planks. Mold and mildew growth is a problem in wet areas.
Tips for Choosing the Best Flooring
- Prioritize waterproof or water-resistant materials.
- Avoid grout lines that can harbor mildew.
- Consider slip resistance for safety, especially for bathrooms.
- Opt for durable floors that will hold up to heavy use and cleaning.
- Check warranties; better floors offer 10+ years of waterproof coverage.
- Porcelain and natural stone tiles require professionals for proper sealing and installation.
- Match flooring to the specific humidity levels in the space.
With the right flooring choice, you can enjoy beautiful, worry-free floors even in your wettest areas. Focus on waterproof materials like porcelain tile and luxury vinyl to prevent moisture damage. Avoid absorbent flooring like carpet and laminate that will degrade in humid environments. With a little careful planning, you can install floors that stay beautiful while withstanding all the splashes, spills, and leaks of daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wet Area Flooring
What is the most waterproof flooring?
Porcelain tile and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are two of the most waterproof flooring options. Both have durable surfaces resistant to water damage. LVP clicks together over a waterproof core, while porcelain has a dense construction that prevents moisture absorption.
Can you put laminate flooring in a bathroom?
No, laminate flooring should never be installed in bathrooms or other consistently wet areas. The laminate surface layers will swell, warp, and peel away when exposed to leaks, spills, and high humidity. Water damage to laminate cannot be repaired.
What’s better for bathrooms, tile or vinyl?
Tile is more elegant, while vinyl provides comfort underfoot. In terms of waterproofing, porcelain tile and luxury vinyl plank are both excellent choices. As long as the product is specifically designed to be 100% waterproof, either tile or vinyl will stand up well in bathrooms.
Can water leak through vinyl plank flooring?
Quality luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is engineered to be waterproof to the core. No water should be able to penetrate the vinyl surface or leak through the joints. Cheaper vinyl options may be susceptible to leaks, so check specifications carefully before purchasing.
Is it OK to install laminate flooring in a laundry room?
No, laminate flooring should be avoided in laundry rooms. The repeated exposure to water from washing machines can cause laminate floors to swell, warp, and deteriorate over time. Laundry rooms require durable waterproof flooring.
What kind of flooring is best for basement moisture?
Porcelain tile, luxury vinyl plank, and epoxy coatings are good basement flooring options as they resist moisture damage. Make sure basement floors have proper drainage and vapor barriers before installing any flooring. All concrete floors should be tested for moisture before applying any floor covering.
Conclusion
When choosing flooring for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements prone to water exposure, it’s critical to select durable materials designed specifically for wet areas. Porcelain tile, stone tile, luxury vinyl plank, and solid surface materials can all withstand humidity, leaks, and spills. Meanwhile, materials like laminate, carpet, engineered wood, and cork should always be avoided, as they quickly become damaged when exposed to moisture. With the right waterproof flooring, you can enjoy beautiful, lasting floors even in your home’s wettest spaces.