Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Buyer's Guide
Looking for waterproof flooring? Look no further! Waterproof vinyl flooring is the latest in luxury vinyl and one of the most durable flooring around. What is waterproof vinyl flooring, though? Don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you and you’ll be on your way to wood-look luxury. Let’s get started.
What is Waterproof Vinyl Flooring?
This is probably your first question, and honestly, the easiest to answer! Waterproof vinyl flooring
(also known as WPC vinyl flooring) is luxury vinyl that is 100% waterproof.
Yes, you heard that right. It’s 100% waterproof flooring for your home.
Waterproof vinyl flooring typically features a four-layer construction that includes a waterproof core.
This core is what sets this luxury vinyl apart from the rest.
Layers of Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
As mentioned before, this flooring typically has four layers of construction: a backing, the core, the
luxury vinyl top layer, and the wear layer. Let’s take a look at all four parts:
The Backing Layer
Many waterproof vinyl flooring options feature a backing layer or an attached underlayment in cork or
foam. This serves two purposes: first, you won’t have to buy additional underlayment, and second, it
provides softness and sound absorption to your floor.
If you’ve ever walked on a floor without underlayment, you know it tends to have a hollow sound when
stepped on. The attached backing prevents this. As a bonus, now you don’t have to spend extra money
buying underlayment and installing it before installing your new vinyl.
The Waterproof Core
This is the most important layer of waterproof vinyl! The waterproof core is high density and won’t
swell or contract no matter what liquid it’s exposed to. It is 100% waterproof. Don’t believe me? Check
out our test here:
The Printed Vinyl Layer
This is where you get your gorgeous photo imagery that makes the vinyl look (nearly) identical to
natural materials like stone and wood. Often, waterproof vinyl flooring is the highest quality vinyl on
the market. This means you get the most realistic looks that people will swear are real wood/stone!
The Wear Layer
Just like with traditional vinyl, the wear layer is like your bodyguard; it helps protect your floor
from dents, scratches, etc. The thicker the wear layer, the buffer your bodybuilder, you feel me?
WPC indoor flooring is known for having a buff, beefy wear layers offering more protection. When you
look at vinyl flooring, it’s just as (if not more) important to look at wear layer thickness as plank
thickness.
Waterproof Vinyl Flooring and Thickness
When we talk about thickness options, there’s two types of thickness you have to keep in mind: the
plank thickness, and the wear layer thickness. These are often the biggest deciding factors when it
comes to buying luxury vinyl flooring.
Plank Thickness
Why does this matter?
Simple: a thicker plank is denser. It’s going to feel sturdier, and more substantial beneath your feet, as
well as covering up for a less-than-stellar subfloor. It will also provide more resiliency and durability,
making it more comfortable to stand on for extended periods of time, and also more likely to withstand the
test of time.
All of our waterproof vinyl flooring is relatively thick and definitely dense and durable enough for entire
home use. If you’re trying to determine the best quality, you’ll want to look more at the wear layer than
plank thickness.
That being said, here are the available waterproof vinyl thickness options:
Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the top surface of your waterproof vinyl flooring. The wear layer is like the bodyguard
for your floor. If your options were a scrawny little thing, or a big, bulky, tough and ready-for-battle
bodyguard, obviously you’d want the latter.
While no bodyguard (wear layer) is perfect, there is a wide range and great options for every use and price
point. Pretty simply put, thicker = better. The thicker the wear layer (or, the higher the MIL number), the
more resistant your floor will be to scratching and scarring. Which wear layer do you need? Well, let’s
take a look at our options.
- 8MIL. This is really all you need for a residential space. In
fact, in the vinyl world, an 8MIL wear layer is considered pretty darn good. It just happens to be
the lowest we offer in the fancy stuff.
- 12MIL. If you have a super crazy home with a ton of traffic
going on, the 12MIL will give your waterproof vinyl floor a little extra security. It’s almost like
insurance for your floor.
- 20MIL. The best of the best. 20MIL wear layers will keep even
the busiest commercial space looking good. It's the most common wear layer thickness
- 22MIL. Going commercial? This super thick wear layer can stand
up to a lot of foot traffic.
Types of Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
Okay, I really want to get into the fun stuff: looks and style! This is probably going to be a pretty
important factor when it comes to choosing which waterproof vinyl flooring you want. We got some pretty
great WPC vinyl options for you. Let’s take a look:
Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
Oh hey there, if you’re looking for a wood-look vinyl flooring option, you’re probably looking for
vinyl planks.
We got those.
Waterproof vinyl plank flooring is probably the most popular type of WPC vinyl out there. If you’re
looking for something that mimics hardwood floors perfectly, you’re probably looking for vinyl plank
flooring.
Waterproof vinyl plank flooring comes in a variety of sizes: 5”, 7” and even XL planks. You can easily
get the look you’re going for.
Waterproof Vinyl Tile Flooring
Your other option is tile, we got that too!
Most tile options are made to mimic stone, but we have a few wood-looks as well. However, if you’re
looking for a variety of stone-looks, vinyl tile is the one to choose.
Vinyl tile flooring also comes in different sizes: 12” and 18” tiles.
Types of Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
If you’ve read our 2019 Vinyl Flooring Trends piece, you’re probably on the hunt for something trendy or
classic. Vinyl flooring has both.
Wood-Look Vinyl
This is probably the most popular look when it comes to vinyl flooring. Everyone wants the look of
wood, without having to deal with the finicky nature of real wood.
Best yet, we have wood-look flooring that hits all the modern trends. Do you want gray floors? We got
that. Do you want distressed floors? We got that too. Dark wood or light wood? I think you know the
answer.
Wood-look vinyl comes in all the colors and finishes as real hardwood floors. If there’s a look you
want, you’ll definitely find it.
Stone-Look Vinyl
You know what they say about assuming. I’m not gonna assume everybody is in love with the wood-look.
Some people are more into stone looks. Especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Concrete, travertine, and slate are very popular when it comes to stone-look vinyl tiles. Guess what?
We totally have those looks too. From a light beige travertine to a dark gray slate, we got your
stone-looks covered.
Since stone-looks are supposed to, you know, look like stone, you’ll mostly find these looks in vinyl
tile form. This ensures that all your friends will be fooled when they walk on your new “travertine”
kitchen floors.
Installation Type
Okay, you made your decision and you want to buy. Now you’re probably wondering, can I install this
myself? How easy is it?
I’m gonna tell you the truth.
It’s very easy.
Really, it is! All of our waterproof vinyl flooring is installed using an interlocking method. No glue,
nails, or any adhesives. It’s literally that easy.
Why Buy Waterproof Vinyl Flooring?
- It’s 100% waterproof. I mean, this is the trademark of WPC vinyl. The only other floor that
can claim to be 100% waterproof is glazed man-made tile.
- Perfect for imperfect subfloors. Little known fact: because waterproof vinyl is so thick and
durable, it can hide an imperfect subfloor. I know, I know, you don’t care what the subfloor
looks like. But do you care about dropping a bunch of extra money leveling it beforehand? With
WPC vinyl, oftentimes, you won’t have to.
- Realistic wood and stone looks. Seriously, vinyl is changing. Rapidly. The top-end vinyl
floors are able to more realistically mimic natural materials better than ever before. WPC
vinyl is the best of the best, which means the looks are usually incredibly convincing and
beautiful.
- More resilient than tile. It’s true, you could just get a wood or stone look tile and it would
also be waterproof. But tile is hard. Standing on a tile floor all day isn’t great for your
joints or feet. Vinyl is more resilient and much more comfortable.
- Zero maintenance. All you need is the occasional vacuum and damp mop to keep your WPC looking
fabulous.
FAQs
Q) How waterproof is WPC vinyl flooring?
A) This is an easy answer, it’s 100%. If it has a waterproof core, it is 100% waterproof.
Q) Do I need to buy an underlay for WPC vinyl?
A) No! Most waterproof vinyl floors have a backing already attached, so you don’t need to buy underlay.
However, if you want additional cushion or sound barriers, you can purchase underlay and install it under
your flooring.
Q) Are carpet tiles good for basements?
A) Yes! Most carpet tiles are mold and mildew resistant, and are made from synthetic fibers that naturally
resist water. If damage were to occur, individual carpet tiles are very easy to replace.
Q) How do I clean waterproof vinyl flooring?
A) We recommend a damp mop and a pH balanced cleaner. When vacuuming, it’s preferred to remove or turn off
the beater bar to prevent accidental scratching.
Q) How do I cut carpet tiles?
A) Carpet tiles can be easily cut with a utility knife, or a tile cutter can be rented at hardware stores.
Q) Is WPC vinyl flooring scratched by pets?
A) If you have a pet, the thicker the wear layer the better. Over time, scratches may occur. We recommend
keeping nails trimmed as needed.
Q) Where can waterproof vinyl flooring be installed?
A) It can be installed anywhere inside the home. Waterproof vinyl has been used in kitchens, bathrooms,
basements, and anywhere else. We just don’t recommend installing it outside.
