Your Guide to Water-Resistant Flooring

Choosing the right flooring for your home or business is a decision that impacts not just the aesthetics of your space but also its functionality and longevity. In environments where spills, moisture, and high humidity are common, the resilience of your flooring material becomes paramount. This is where water-resistant flooring and waterproof flooring come into play, offering solutions that combine durability with style. But what exactly are these options, and how do they differ? More importantly, why should you consider water-resistant flooring for your space, and is laminate waterproof? Let's dive into these questions.

Water Resistant vs Waterproof Flooring - What's the Difference?

Choosing the right flooring for your home or business is about more than looks, it’s about how your floors perform every day. In spaces where spills, humidity, or moisture are part of daily life, your flooring needs to stand up to the challenge. That’s where water-resistant and waterproof flooring come in, offering both style and durability.

But what’s the real difference between the two, and which one is right for your space? Let’s explore.

If you’re unsure which option best suits your home or business, our flooring specialists can help you find the perfect match for your space and lifestyle. For kitchen flooring tips, check out our Kitchen Flooring Guide.

Which Flooring is Water Resistant & Waterproof?

At Des Kelly Interiors, we offer a wide range of flooring designed to handle everyday moisture and heavy-duty wet areas. Use this guide to compare our most popular water-resistant and waterproof options:

Water-Resistant Flooring

Our water-resistant laminate and vinyl floors are ideal for spaces where splashes and spills happen, but standing water isn’t common, such as living rooms, hallways, and kitchens.

• Quick-Step Laminate Flooring: Engineered with a HydroSeal coating, this range repels surface moisture and prevents liquid from seeping into joints, offering excellent everyday protection.
• Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT): Available in realistic wood and stone finishes, LVT combines resilience with easy maintenance, making it another superb water-resistant choice
• SPC Flooring (Stone Plastic Composite): One of our most popular modern options, SPC flooring from Des Kelly Interiors combines the strength of stone with the flexibility of vinyl. Its rigid, waterproof core makes it exceptionally stable and resistant to dents, scratches, and moisture. SPC is perfect for high-traffic areas and spaces prone to temperature changes.

Waterproof Flooring

For areas exposed to high humidity or frequent water contact such as like bathrooms, utility rooms, and basements, we recommend our fully waterproof options:

• Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl: 100% waterproof with a rigid, sealed core that won’t absorb moisture. It’s perfect for spaces where you want both practicality and premium design.
• Waterproof Laminate Flooring: Featuring an advanced non-absorbent core, this laminate option looks just like real wood but stands up beautifully to moisture, ensuring long-lasting performance.

In summary: choose water-resistant flooring for everyday protection against spills, or waterproof flooring for complete moisture resistance in wet rooms. Our experts at Des Kelly Interiors can help you find the perfect fit for your space.

Find the Perfect Option for Your Home with Des Kelly Interiors

In conclusion, both water-resistant flooring and waterproof flooring offer solutions for maintaining the durability and appearance of your floors in the face of moisture and spills. By understanding the difference between water-resistant and waterproof flooring and recognizing the limitations of options like traditional laminate, you can make an informed decision that meets the needs of your space. Whether you're renovating a cosy family kitchen or outfitting a high-traffic commercial area, there's a water-resistant or waterproof flooring option that's perfect for you. At Des Kelly, we have over 50+ years of experience, so if you are navigating your choice of flooring, do not hesitate to contact us to see how we can help you. 

FAQs 

What is SPC Flooring?

SPC flooring, or Stone Plastic Composite flooring, is one of the most durable and innovative flooring solutions available today. It combines the strength of stone with the flexibility of vinyl, creating a floor that is completely stable, waterproof, and resistant to everyday wear.

Is Vinyl Flooring 100% Waterproof?

Yes, vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof, making it a brilliant choice for areas where moisture is common, such as bathrooms, utility rooms, and kitchens. The surface layer and sealed construction prevent water from seeping in, protecting your floors from swelling or damage.

What is the Most Scratch Resistant Waterproof Flooring?

If you’re looking for a floor that’s both waterproof and highly scratch resistant, SPC flooring is an excellent option. Its rigid composite core and tough wear layer make it extremely durable against scuffs, scratches, and heavy foot traffic.

Is Laminate or Vinyl Flooring Better for Dogs?

Both laminate and vinyl flooring can be pet friendly, but vinyl flooring is generally the better choice for homes with dogs. It’s softer underfoot, fully waterproof, and more resistant to scratches from paws and claws.

What is the Best Flooring for Covering a Bathroom?

For bathrooms, the best choice is fully waterproof flooring such as vinyl, SPC, or waterproof laminate. These materials are designed to handle constant moisture and humidity without warping or lifting.

At Des Kelly Interiors, we recommend our Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl or SPC flooring collections for bathrooms. They offer the realistic beauty of natural wood or tile with complete waterproof protection, ensuring your bathroom stays stylish and practical for years to come.