Laminate flooring has been a popular choice for homeowners in recent decades, but many homeowners complain of one crucial flaw: it is not waterproof.
On regular laminate, any spill or moisture not immediately cleaned up can cause damage to the flooring. Companies have designed innovative models to rectify this issue, developing waterproof lines of laminate flooring.
While many companies claim to provide waterproof laminate flooring, many would be more accurately described as water resistant rather than water proof.
Be sure to carefully consider the actual extent to which you require waterproof flooring before deciding on laminate.
To get started on installing your new floors, contact your local flooring pros for FREE ESTIMATES!
Average Cost Of Waterproof Laminate Flooring
The cost of waterproof laminate flooring will vary depending on the company, quality of laminate, and the extent of waterproofing.
On average, waterproof laminate flooring costs $4.50 per square foot, ranging between $3 and $5 per square foot.
In comparison, standard laminate will cost several dollars less, on average $2.50 per square foot.
| Type of Laminate | Average Cost Per Sq.F.t | Average Installed Cost Per Sq.Ft. | Cost to install 1,000 sq.ft. of flooring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Laminate Flooring | $2.50 | $6.50 | $650 |
| Waterproof Laminate Flooring | $4.50 | $9.50 | $950 |
Alternatively, if you are looking for a budget flooring option that is waterproof, you can consider tile floors, as there is an extremely wide range of colors and styles to choose from. You can install stone, ceramic or porcelain tile depending on your needs.
You can also use our Laminate Flooring Cost Calculator to estimate the price of installing laminate floors in your house.
Cost To Install Water Resistant Laminate Flooring
Waterproof laminate flooring is installed with the same simple click and lock method as standard laminate flooring, and therefore costs the same to install.
Expect to pay between $2 and $8 per square foot for labor, or $4.00 per square foot on average.
Anticipate paying between $45 and $65 per hour, depending on your local labor rates for floor installations.
You can also use our Flooring Calculator to estimate the cost of your flooring replacement project.
Installing waterproof laminate flooring is a straightforward DIY project. The flooring is designed for easy installation, and many companies offer resources for those installing flooring DIY.
However, a DIY installation may make you ineligible under the warranty, so be sure to check with your company before installing waterproof laminate flooring on your own.
Home Depot Waterproof Laminate Flooring Costs
Home Depot has many waterproof laminate flooring products available. They primarily carry Pergo, which, much like brands such as Quick-Step, is most accurately described as water-resistant.
Home Depot also offers a limited selection of flooring by Home Legend and A&A Surfaces.
Prices average between $2 and $3 per square foot, although the Home Legend flooring options are between $1 and $2 per square foot.
Oak is the most commonly available color, but Home Depot also carries hickory, maple, pine, cherry, and more. The store offers a range of plank sizes and widths to meet your needs.
Home Depot carries several other lines which it classifies as water resistant (rather than waterproof), including Lifeproof and Home Decorators Collection.
Lowe’s Waterproof Laminate Flooring Prices
Lowe’s carries a more limited range of waterproof laminate flooring than Home Depot, and offers exclusively Pergo laminate flooring.
The flooring is priced the same as Home Depot’s flooring, costing between $2 and $3 per square foot.
When broadening the search categories to allow for water resistant flooring, Lowe’s carries a wide array of options that may, in reality, have similar degrees of water resistance to Pergo.
Brands include Quick-Step, Allen + Roth, Kronotex, Shaw, Style Selections, and Forbo Marmoleum Click Cinch LOC. Pricing for these products ranges between $1 and $3 per square foot.
Lowe’s only carries oak, hickory, and maple waterproof and water resistant laminate flooring, but the species are offered in a range of shades.
Can Laminate Flooring be Fully Waterproof?
Flooring companies have offered different approaches to waterproofing laminate. Most are more accurately described as “water resistant” than water proof, but a select few can honestly claim full waterproofing.
One method of waterproofing is to include a thick waterproof coating along the sides and edges of the laminate flooring. With this method, the laminate flooring can resist small spills, but should not be allowed to sit in puddles of water for an extended period of time, lest it become damaged.
Another method that similarly makes laminate water-resistant, rather than fully waterproof, is including more resins in the fiberboard core to reduce its susceptibility to swelling and other water damage.
Few companies have devised methods of fully waterproofing laminate. Those who have succeeded have fully eliminated the fiberboard core, and made the laminate entirely out of PVC plastic.
Before purchasing waterproof laminate flooring, it is important to decide the extent to which you require waterproofing. This will allow you to narrow down your options and choose the flooring that best meets your needs.
Pros and Cons of Waterproof Laminate Floors
Waterproof laminate flooring has several advantages and disadvantages. Thoroughly considering all of the upsides and downsides of waterproof laminate flooring can help you make the right decision when deciding what flooring to choose for your home.
Pros:
● Water resistance: Waterproof laminate flooring is more water resistant than standard laminate flooring. The actual extent of waterproofing will depend upon the brand.
● Easy Installation: Waterproof laminate flooring is just as easy to install as standard laminate flooring, and can be done easily as a DIY project.
● Scratch resistance: Waterproof laminate flooring is a more scratch resistant option than vinyl flooring, which is a plus if you have pets, small children, or are prone to scratches.
● Low Maintenance: Just like standard laminate flooring, water resistant laminate flooring is simple and easy to maintain, and no additional steps are required to retain its water resistant nature.
● Real wood appearance: Like standard laminate, waterproof laminate has the appearance of real wood flooring.
Cons:
● Usually not fully waterproof: If you need your flooring to be 100% waterproof, you may want to look elsewhere, as most waterproof laminate flooring can still be susceptible to water damage. For fully waterproof flooring, consider luxury vinyl flooring.
● Cost: Waterproof laminate flooring is significantly more costly than standard laminate flooring.
● Limited choices: Waterproof laminate flooring is offered in a more limited range of colors and styles than standard laminate flooring.
Waterproof Laminate Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
See costs in your area
Start Here - Enter Your Zip Code
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is the go-to for affordable, waterproof flooring on the market. LVP flooring is 100% waterproof, compared to most laminate, which can at best claim water resistance.
If you are looking for truly waterproof flooring, you will find many more styles and colors available of LVP flooring than of waterproof laminate flooring.
This also means that LVP flooring can be found cheaper than waterproof laminate flooring, although overall the flooring types tend to have similar costs per square foot.
Laminate does have its advantages, however. Laminate flooring, including waterproof laminate, is more resistant to scratches and dents than luxury vinyl plank flooring. This is especially beneficial if you have small children or pets who are prone to damaging your floors.
Another benefit to laminate over LVP is that it can be less susceptible to fading over time. When vinyl is exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods, it will fade and lose its original hue. While laminate flooring can fade, it tends to do a better job maintaining its appearance despite sun exposure.
If you are looking for a 100% waterproof flooring, your best bet is probably luxury vinyl planks from a trusted brand, such as COREtec.
However, if you value the other benefits of laminate flooring and you are content without full waterproofing, waterproof laminate flooring might be the right fit for you.
Best Waterproof Laminate Flooring Brands
Here is a quick overview of the top laminate flooring brands that specialize in waterproof laminate floors.
We review the floor’s top features, style options, as well as costs per square foot.
Aqua-Step Waterproof Laminate Floors
Aqua-Step is one of the few laminate flooring companies that can accurately claim 100% full waterproofing. The laminate is made from PVC and titanium, creating strong, durable boards that can withstand extensive wear and tear.
Aqua-Step is offered in wood, stone, and shipdeck designs. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to access, as it is currently sold through a single distributor in Massachusetts.
All Aqua-Step products have waterproof locking as well, with the proprietary Uniclic system. Additionally, the flooring is sound-dampening and easy to care for. Wood and stone designs can be combined seamlessly.
You can wet-mop or even steam your Aqua-Step flooring without voiding the warranty.
● Aqua-Step’s wood designs come in twenty color options. Planks are 6.5” wide by 4’ long.
● Aqua-Step’s stone designs all have bevelled edges and a pearl embossing to give them a natural tile appearance. Stone is offered in three color choices, and are 6.5” wide by 15” long.
● Shipdeck style boards are in special order from Aqua-Step. The planks have dark grooves along the edges to give the appearance of a shipdeck. Offered in three colors, the boards are 6.5” wide by 4’ long.
Quick-Step Laminate Flooring
Quick-Step offers three lines of water resistant laminate flooring: NatureTek, NatureTek Plus, and NatureTek Select.
Expect to pay between $1.40 and $3.80 per square foot for Quick-Step laminate flooring.
All NatureTek laminate flooring is coated on the surface and side grooves with a proprietary seal called HydroSeal. The core board is made from a water-resistant HDF board.
Quick-Step’s design provides water resistance, but not full waterproofing. The flooring can withstand some contact with water and minor spillages, but do not anticipate it performing well in highly damp conditions.
The warranty for NatureTek’s water resistance reflects this limitation, lasting only ten years.
● NatureTek is offered in seven color choices. The NatureTek line is offered in two sizes. 2-strip planks are 47.25” long, 7.5” wide, and 5/16” thick. The single-strip planks are 54 11/32” long, 7.5” wide, and have a thickness of approximately 1/2”.
● NatureTek Plus collection is available in thirty seven color options, and three sizes. The smallest board available is a single-plank board, 6 1/8” wide, 47.25” long, and around 1/2” thick.
The next size up is 7.5” wide, and can be bought either 47.25” long or 54 11/32” long. Lastly, NatureTek offers boards that are 9 7/16” wide, 80.5” long, and 3/8” thick.
● NatureTek Select comes in twenty four color choices. One option is a 54 11/32” or 47.25” long plank, with a width of 7.5” and a thickness of approximately 1/2”.
NatureTek Select is also offered in laminated wood panels that are 54 11/32” long, 7.5” wide, and are 10mm thick with an attached pad of an additional 2mm thickness.
Tarkett AquaFlor Laminate
For an affordable water resistant option, consider Tarkett AquaFlor. Per square foot, the water-resistant laminate flooring costs between $2 and $2.50, which is comparable with standard laminate options.
The flooring can withstand gentle cleansing with a damp rag, but not wet mopping or steaming. Tarkett AquaFlor will not be damaged from small-scale spills, even if left sitting for up to twenty four hours.
Tarkett AquaFlor is designed with an angle drop-locking system that prevents moisture from entering the planks. The product comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The product is sold exclusively at Menards.
AquaFlor is offered in limited color choices. Planks are 0.47” thick, 8 1/32” wide, and 47 5/8” long.
How Long Does Waterproof Laminate Flooring Last?
Waterproof laminate flooring has a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, depending on how well you care for the flooring, as well as your living conditions.
The lifespan is the same as for standard laminate floors, but you don’t have to worry about water damage decreasing that lifespan.
How Long Of A Warranty Does Waterproof Laminate Flooring Have?
Typically most laminate flooring products come with a 5 to 10 year product warranty, depending on the manufacturer you select. Some companies offer a Lifetime Warranty.
Additionally, contractors may also provide an installation warranty to ensure everything was laid down correctly.
Did You Know? Some warranties for waterproof laminate flooring are voided if the product is installed DIY, so be sure to consider this if you decide to go the DIY route.
Also, each company will have different stipulations around how long moisture can be left on the flooring and remain protected under the warranty.
Many companies cover twenty four hours of exposure to moisture. If water is left on the flooring longer than that, though, the company may not cover damages.
Be sure to read in detail the warranty of whichever companies you are considering.
Can I Mop Waterproof Laminate Floors?
Many homeowners seek waterproof flooring to make maintenance and cleaning easier. Whether you can use your favorite mop on your laminate flooring, though, largely depends on the brand.
Some brands offer true waterproof laminate made from PVC, making it fully safe to mop. Others, though, are only water resistant, and may not allow for wet mopping.
Each company will have its own specific regulations on how long you can allow water to sit on the flooring without incurring damage. Many recommend using a damp cloth rather than a wet mop, as the moisture is less aggressive that way.
Is Waterproof Laminate Flooring Easy to Install?
See costs in your area
Start Here - Enter Your Zip Code
The good news for DIY-ers is that waterproof laminate flooring is just as easy to install as standard laminate flooring.
Most waterproof laminate floors are installed using the click and lock method, which is straightforward and can easily be done by a non-professional.
If you are hiring a contractor to install your flooring, the ease of installation means it will cost you less to have your floors installed as the laborers will have to work fewer hours.
How Can I Make My Laminate Flooring More Waterproof?
If you bought water resistant laminate flooring and want to increase its water resistance, or even if you have standard laminate, you may consider some strategies to help make your flooring more resistant to damage from moisture.
When you are installing your flooring, you may choose to add an extra level of sealant on top of the flooring, with specific attention paid to the cracks between the planks. This can help prevent moisture from entering the space between the boards.
Another possibility is to use a silicone caulking gun to fill the cracks between the boards and prevent moisture from entering. While this method may be more effective than the sealing method, it is definitely more time consuming.
Does Waterproof Laminate Flooring Have A Good ROI?
Laminate flooring in general is not known for an impressive ROI. Laminate is considered on the lower end of the flooring spectrum, so do not expect it to add any value to your home. It has a comparatively short lifespan, is prone to damage, and cannot be resurfaced or refreshed without a full re-do.
Even waterproof laminate flooring, that is more costly and hardy than standard laminate flooring, is unlikely to add much value to your home if you plan on selling.
On the other hand, if you have very old floors that will be a turn off for prospective buyers and you are on a very tight remodeling budget, then its worth it to install laminate flooring. This will certainly help you sell your house faster and at a better price.
Moreover, laminate floors are a great budget friendly option for a low-end to mid-range priced rental property that needs a remodel before its rented out.
Is Waterproof Laminate Flooring Right For You?
Waterproof laminate flooring is a good fit if you want laminate flooring that is more resistant to water damage than standard laminate floors.
If you need fully waterproof flooring that can withstand any quantity of moisture, you may want to look elsewhere.
Luxury vinyl flooring is most likely your best bet for completely waterproof flooring, and is offered in a range of styles and colors at an affordable price.
