Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of styles and tones that can match just about any type of interior design, and so it's easy to see why many homeowners have thought about laying laminate flooring in their bathroom. However, because the bathroom is such a challenging environment (due to the humidity and moisture levels), it's natural to question: is laminate flooring waterproof?
The short answer is no, laminate flooring is not waterproof. A wide proportion of laminate flooring is made out of recycled hardwood, meaning that when laminate is exposed to a high volume of water and humidity, it can warp and dislodge itself from the sub-floor.
There is a common misconception that laminate flooring is made of plastic, so it must be waterproof. However, unlike vinyl flooring, laminates are made out of materials like recycled core board and decorative HDF panels, which are not very water-resistant. You may find that some laminate flooring products are marketed as 'waterproof', but these are typically only coated with an extra hydro-repellent seal and may still warp when exposed to too much water.
When choosing a floor for your bathroom, we would recommend going with a more waterproof material such as those listed below.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl (also known as LVT) flooring is made out of 100% plastic, making it one of the most waterproof flooring materials you can install in your home. Water will just sit on top of these flooring products instead of soaking into the fibres of the floor. Vinyl flooring is a much better choice for the bathroom than laminate flooring, and it's available in a similarly spectacular variety of styles.
Cork Flooring
Eco-friendly due to its sustainable nature, cork flooring is also naturally resistant to water, making it a great choice for the bathroom. It has a lovely, spongy texture underfoot, and more importantly it can cope with humid environments far better than laminate flooring can. Once installed, we would recommend covering your cork flooring with a layer of polyurethane to further protect it from water spills.
We hope this article has helped answer your questions about whether laminate flooring is water-resistant. Feel free to contact us if you have any further queries about our products.
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