Blog > Waterproof Flooring Types: Choosing the Right Protection for Your Home

Friday, April 04, 2025

Waterproof Flooring Types: Choosing the Right Protection for Your Home

When it comes to flooring, the term waterproof flooring offers peace of mind, especially in areas prone to spills, moisture, or humidity. 

Understanding the different waterproof flooring types available is crucial for making the right choice for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and homes in humid climates. At CSM Flooring, we offer a variety of high-performing "waterproof flooring types" to protect your home and enhance its beauty.

Defining Truly Waterproof Flooring

It's important to clarify what truly constitutes "waterproof flooring types." Unlike water-resistant options that can withstand moisture for a limited time, truly waterproof flooring is impervious to water and can withstand spills, splashes, and even standing water without damage.

Top Waterproof Flooring Types for Your Home

Here are some of the most popular and effective "waterproof flooring types available today:

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): The Waterproof All-Stars

High-quality LVP and LVT are typically made from 100% vinyl, a naturally waterproof material. Their construction, often with a solid vinyl core, ensures that water won't penetrate and cause swelling, warping, or mold growth.

• Benefits: Excellent water resistance, durability, stain resistance, a wide variety of styles mimicking hardwood, stone, and tile, relatively easy to install and maintain.
• Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and high-traffic areas.

Sheet Vinyl: Seamless Waterproof Protection

Sheet vinyl is made from PVC, sheet vinyl provides a continuous, seamless surface that prevents water from seeping through to the subfloor.

• Benefits: Completely waterproof, affordable, easy to clean, good for covering large areas.
• Best for: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens where water exposure is a significant concern.

Tile (Porcelain and Ceramic): Inherently Waterproof Surfaces

Porcelain tile is virtually impervious to water, with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. Ceramic tile is also highly water-resistant. When properly installed with sealed grout, tile creates a very waterproof surface.

• Benefits: Extremely durable, stain-resistant, easy to clean, wide range of styles and textures, fire-resistant.
• Best For: Bathrooms, showers, kitchens, laundry rooms, and areas prone to spills.

Some Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP) with Waterproof Cores: Enhanced Protection

Some newer engineered vinyl plank (EVP) products feature a waterproof core layer, often made from WPC (wood-plastic composite) or SPC (stone-plastic composite). These cores prevent water damage, even if moisture gets past the top wear layer.

• Benefits: Good water resistance (check manufacturer specifications), durable, stable, often offers a more rigid feel than traditional LVP.
• Best For: Areas where moisture is a concern, offering a balance of durability and stability.

Laminate Flooring: The Water-Resistant Option

Waterproof laminate flooring is designed with a water-resistant core and a sealed surface to prevent water from penetrating. This construction minimizes the risk of swelling, warping, or mold growth when exposed to moisture.

• Benefits: Water resistance, durability, stain resistance, a variety of styles that mimic hardwood, and relatively easy to install.
• Best for: Areas prone to spills, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Flooring Types That Are NOT Waterproof

It's crucial to understand which flooring types are not considered truly waterproof and should be avoided in areas with high moisture:

• Hardwood Flooring (Solid and Engineered): Both are susceptible to water damage, causing swelling, warping, and staining.
• Carpet: Highly absorbent and will trap moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and odors.

Choosing the Right Waterproof Flooring Type for Your Needs

When selecting among the many different types of waterproof flooring options

• The Specific Room: Bathrooms and laundry rooms have higher moisture exposure than kitchens, for example.
• Budget: Prices vary among different "waterproof flooring types."
• Style Preferences: Choose a "waterproof flooring" that compliments your home's aesthetic.
• Durability Requirements: High-traffic areas may benefit from the exceptional durability of LVP or tile.
• Ease of Installation: Consider whether you plan to DIY or hire a professional.

Protect Your Home with Waterproof Flooring from CSM Flooring

Choosing the right type of waterproof floor for your home and application can be difficult. That’s why we’re here! Visit CSM Flooring at one of our showrooms in Greensboro, NC, Wilmington, NC, and Whitsett, NC to learn more about our selection of waterproof flooring. We service the areas of Greensboro, NC, Wilmington, NC and Whitsett, NC. 

At CSM Flooring, we believe that every beautiful space starts with the perfect foundation. That’s why we’re passionate about helping you find the ideal flooring and tile to transform your home or business. Our mission is to be the go-to flooring destination in central and coastal North Carolina, offering not only a wide selection of high-quality products but also expert guidance and an exceptional customer experience.