What is Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring?
First things first, let’s answer the most common question that comes up when shopping for laminate floors and establish exactly what water-resistant laminate flooring is and what it isn’t. Being water-resistant means that the laminate floor can withstand moderate exposure to moisture for short periods of time. In general, this should cover most of the accidents that will typically happen in, say, a busy family room. Someone spills a bit of their drink, a child forgets to towel off after a day in the backyard pool, or a dog runs in from the rain and plops down right on the floor in front of the couch. As long as these messes are cleaned up soon after they occur and the floor is allowed to dry, you won’t have to worry about any damage to water-resistant laminate floors.
Is Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring the Same as Waterproof?
In contrast, water-resistant laminate flooring is not built to handle exposure to large amounts of water or any amount of water that stands for a long period of time. That means that water-resistant laminate is not a good choice for rooms like a basement that occasionally takes on water or a laundry/mud room whose floor is constantly exposed to moisture and other messes. If liquid stands on a water-resistant laminate floor for long enough, it can eventually seep through and lead to warping and buckling.
Of course, the benefits of water-resistant laminate extend beyond just protecting your floors against the occasional liquid accident. A water-resistant laminate floor is easier to care for than a real hardwood floor. Sticky messes can easily be cleaned with a damp mop, and don’t require any specialized cleaners. If you want the elegant look of a wood floor in an area of your home that encounters the occasional spill, water-resistant laminate flooring just might be the perfect choice for your needs.
