Is Luxury Plank Flooring Waterproof? We Set the Record Straight

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Alternative flooring surfaces are becoming increasingly popular in new buildings around the world. You can find them in modern apartment buildings, homes and commercial properties. They are usually significantly cheaper than traditional hardwood floors or tiling, making them an attractive option to anyone designing a property with budgetary concerns.

Since options like our luxury vinyl plank flooring are still relatively new to the scene, many people might be wondering about what they're like -- is this alternative to hardwood floors waterproof, or is it simply water resistant? Let's get into the details.

Your subfloors may not be water-proof or resistant! 

Before we get to the details, let us put this out there first.  When we, or anyone else, says that their flooring is water-proof, we mean the flooring itself is waterproof.  So it is important to keep in mind that no matter how waterproof your flooring may be, that doesn’t mean that what is under them is water-proof.  Since water can still seep through small cracks in any flooring, it is important to clean up spills or flooding as quickly as possible to avoid water damage to the surfaces underneath your flooring.  

Some Luxury Plank Flooring Is Waterproof

Now to the flooring itself - If you ask us, "is all luxury plank flooring waterproof?" then we'd have to say no. All vinyl plank flooring is naturally water-resistant, as vinyl is a hydrophobic material. While it does well at avoiding damage from household spills or excess moisture from a shower, not all vinyl is entirely waterproof. If you clean up spilled water in a timely fashion, then it's unlikely there will be any visible damage. However, a flood or busted pipe that leaves water on surfaces for long periods can damage water-resistant vinyl planking.

However, we do offer waterproof vinyl plank flooring options. Our waterproof vinyl plank flooring provides surfaces that have been treated with a coating like polyurethane to make them virtually impenetrable to all water damage. Even if you spill a brightly colored beverage on your floor and leave it for a few hours, it won't have any effect whatsoever. Plus, these waterproofing options aren't necessarily more expensive. To save you money, we offer wholesale vinyl flooring that is completely waterproof as well. 

How Do You Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring?

While one of the drawbacks of owning hardwood flooring is the tedious cleaning process, there's no such thing when you invest in luxury vinyl plank flooring. Due to its hydrophobic nature, it's incredibly easy to clean. Regular sweeping and dust-mopping are two age-old methods that will help keep your floors shining.

But you can't go forever with just sweeping or dry mopping. Spills can accumulate and can be a breeding ground for molds and bacteria. Luckily, most of the vinyl flooring at WC Supply can be cleaned with a simple wet mop and warm, soapy water. You can also use a multi-purpose cleaner or a 2-in-1 mopping system with disposable pads.

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Types of Vinyl Flooring

When it comes to vinyl flooring, there is no one-size-fits-all. Different areas of the home have different needs. Also, people have their preferences when it comes to overall look and feel. 

Waterproof Flooring

SPC flooring is a stony polymer composite flooring made by mixing limestone and plastic materials to form hard, rigid flooring. This type of flooring is ideal for modern homes due to its compatibility with radiant heating technology, natural soundproofing qualities and more. Its rigid build does well with wear and tear from blunt impact and high amounts of force, but it's not incredibly resistant to scratches.

You can also find 100% vinyl flooring that is also 100% waterproof, such as FirmFit Platinum. It has a realistic look of a real hardwood floor but is much easier to maintain. 

Water-Resistant Flooring

While pretty much all vinyl flooring is water resistant, they are not all created equal. Some vinyl flooring has extra treatments that make it more durable. For example, FirmFit Downtown luxury vinyl flooring has a coating that makes it scratch resistant. It also has a backing that helps with soundproofing. 

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Learn More About Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is a great choice for just about any home. If you are searching for waterproof flooring, it’s important to take the time to research. Not all luxury plank flooring options are created equal when it comes to water resistance, but there are plenty of options to consider.