Wood flooring in bathrooms brings a touch of elegance and warmth that other materials don't offer. It creates a cozy, warm feel underfoot, unlike the cold surface of tiles. The natural look and colors of wood also suit many styles, from modern to rustic.
Plus, wood flooring can boost your home’s value, as buyers often see it as a desirable feature, especially in bathrooms. With its style, comfort, and added value, waterproof wood flooring is an excellent choice for bathrooms.
Choosing the right waterproof flooring for your bathroom is essential to balance the look of wood with the durability and water resistance required for wet areas. Here are some of the best options available:
Engineered hardwood offers the look of real wood with better resistance to moisture than solid wood. This type of flooring consists of multiple layers of wood and plywood, topped with a hardwood veneer that provides stability in humid conditions.
Engineered hardwood is designed to withstand more moisture than traditional hardwood. With proper installation and sealing, it performs well in bathrooms where splashes and humidity are common. It maintains the authentic look and feel of wood, with a variety of styles, finishes, and wood species available to suit any bathroom design.
However, engineered hardwood still requires some care. To keep it looking great, it’s essential to wipe up spills quickly and avoid excessive water exposure. Regular maintenance ensures it remains a reliable option for waterproof wood flooring in bathrooms.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is a highly popular choice for those seeking a waterproof flooring for bathrooms that mimics the appearance of wood. Composed of multiple layers of PVC, LVP is entirely waterproof, making it perfect for areas prone to water exposure.
Its waterproof nature prevents issues like warping, swelling, and mold growth, which are common with natural wood. LVP is also easy to install, often featuring a click-lock system that doesn’t require glue or nails, making it an excellent option for potential DIYers. This, combined with its durability, scratch resistance, and wide range of available styles that closely resemble real wood, ensures that LVP is easily one of the best waterproof flooring options for any part of a home.
However, while LVP looks realistic, some homeowners might find it lacks the premium feel of natural wood. Choosing a high-quality LVP can ensure a more authentic appearance and longer-lasting performance.
Wood-look tile combines the aesthetics of wood with the durability of ceramic or porcelain tile, making it one of the best waterproof wood flooring options for bathrooms. These tiles are designed to imitate the texture and color variations of natural wood, offering a stylish yet practical solution.
Made from ceramic or porcelain, wood-look tiles are entirely waterproof, making them ideal for bathrooms. They resist moisture, stains, and scratches and are easy to clean, adding even more value for anyone who appreciates lower-maintenance flooring options. Available in various sizes, wood-look tiles allow you to create a seamless wood-like appearance on both floors and walls.
The main drawback is that tiles can feel cold and hard underfoot, which may require adding a heated flooring system for added comfort. Additionally, the gaps between one tile and another need proper sealing to maintain their waterproof qualities and prevent staining over time.
Waterproof laminate flooring has evolved significantly, offering the appearance of wood with added moisture resistance. Unlike traditional laminate, these waterproof options have coatings and tight locking systems that prevent water from seeping through.
Waterproof laminate is an excellent choice for bathrooms or any other rooms where water exposure and high humidity are common. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and available in a variety of wood-look finishes, making it a practical solution for those seeking waterproof bathroom flooring sheets.
However, it’s important to note that while waterproof laminate is designed to handle moisture, it can still be more vulnerable to water damage than LVP or tile. Prolonged exposure to standing water can lead to damage, so prompt clean-up is key to maintaining its look and performance.
With so many different options to choose from, selecting the right waterproof wood flooring for your bathrooms can be a significant challenge. The good news is that to make the best decision, you need to focus on certain key qualities.
Water Resistance Level: It’s crucial to choose flooring that is specifically rated as waterproof or highly water-resistant. This will protect against common bathroom issues like splashes, spills, and humidity.
Durability and Wear Layer: Flooring with a strong wear layer will handle high-traffic areas better, providing enhanced scratch resistance and a longer lifespan.
Ease of Installation: Consider the installation method of your flooring choice. Floating floors are generally easier to replace if damaged, while glue-down options may offer better overall water resistance but are more difficult to remove or replace.
Maintenance Requirements: Opt for flooring that is easy to clean and doesn’t demand extensive upkeep. A quick wipe-down should be enough to keep it looking fresh, even in a busy bathroom.
Authenticity and Appearance: Ensure the wood-look finish you choose closely mimics real wood. The right style will blend seamlessly with your bathroom design while delivering the waterproof qualities necessary for the space.
While you now know that there are plenty of waterproof wood flooring options available for bathrooms, waterproof engineered hardwood and waterproof laminate flooring tend to be some of the most popular. However, both of these options tend to be on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to wood-like authenticity and cost.
If you’re thinking about which option might be best for your bathroom, here is everything you need to know about how these two waterproof flooring options compare.
One of the biggest considerations that homeowners have when deciding which flooring option is best for them is how well they resemble real wood flooring, and in this aspect, there is a clear winner.
While laminate flooring does a great job of emulating the look of hardwood, nothing beats the real thing. Waterproof engineered hardwood is made from real wood, allowing it to deliver the rich, natural grain and organic texture that has made hardwood a mainstay in homes all over the country for generations.
If achieving a realistic wood look is your biggest concern, there’s no doubt that waterproof wood gives off an authentic wood look and feel that laminate, LVP, and wood-like tile simply can’t compete with.
Steam, spills, and splashes are common occurrences in bathrooms, so bathroom flooring must withstand excess moisture without sustaining additional damage. The good news is that both waterproof wood and laminate flooring perform impressively well when it comes to resisting water damage; however, laminate takes the slight edge in this category.
While waterproof engineered hardwood is still great at staving off water damage, using bath mats and cleaning up spills quickly is necessary to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Depending on which brand you choose, laminate’s synthetic core and sealing system can prevent water from seeping in for anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, making it one of the most water-resistant flooring options on the market.
Regardless of whether you decide to hire professionals or install your flooring yourself, easy installation can bring down initial costs and save a ton of time.
Though both waterproof wood and laminate flooring are generally DIY friendly flooring options, laminate is usually the easier one to install. Engineered hardwood often requires an additional waterproof underlayment and needs to be properly glued down. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, usually incorporates a click-together lock system that makes it particularly easy to install, even for those new to the DIY scene.
No one wants to spend long hours maintaining their flooring, and luckily, both waterproof engineered hardwood and laminate flooring are incredibly low maintenance. All they need is the occasional sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming to keep them in tip-top shape.
The larger difference comes in when thinking about general durability and longevity. While both types of flooring are incredibly durable and long-lasting, you can expect laminate flooring to last anywhere from 10-20 years and waterproof wood to last between 15-30 years. Waterproof hardwood often allows for refinishing as well, making it an ideal investment for anyone who values longevity above all.
Nowadays, budgets are tighter than ever, so cost is naturally another one of the most important factors that any homeowner will consider when deciding which type of bathroom flooring they would like to install.
When it comes to cost, laminate flooring easily comes out on top. Even the most expensive, highest quality waterproof laminate flooring options will be much less costly than the cheapest types of engineered hardwood. This makes it the best choice for anyone looking to remodel their bathroom on a budget.
However, the important thing to remember here is that flooring is an investment. While laminate is the better budget option, engineered hardwood retains its value much longer and is usually the much more attractive option if you ever decide to sell your home.
If you own pets, it's always a good idea to consider which option might be best for them before you undertake any big remodeling projects. This is especially important if you have large dogs that are more prone to scratching the floor or causing accidents.
When it comes to pets, waterproof wood is by no means a bad choice. However, laminate flooring is undoubtedly the more pet-friendly option. While some types of engineered hardwood include tough surface coatings that resist scratching and other types of damage, laminate flooring boasts much more impressive scratch and water resistance, making it a more pet-friendly, waterproof flooring option.
Are you looking for the best waterproof flooring options for your bathrooms? Give us a call at 610-385-3833 or visit our website at mydadsflooringamerica.com.
Here at My Dad’s Flooring America, we offer top-quality flooring options, including engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl planks, and more. Our team of friendly flooring experts is always here to answer your questions, and we’ll even offer you free samples so that you can get your hands on all your favorites before you make your final decision.
Don’t push off your next flooring project any longer. Contact My Dad’s Flooring America and take the first step toward bringing your dream bathroom to life today!
