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Best and Worst Flooring Choices for Wet Areas
Choosing the best flooring for wet areas in your home comes down to three important considerations: aesthetics, price, and functionality. The flooring you choose must be able to withstand moisture, be easy to clean and maintain, and give you the desired look. Affordability is also a concern for many homeowners. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best and worst flooring choices for wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, the cost factors, and design appeal.
Vinyl Flooring: Versatile & Water-Resistant Option
Vinyl is a great option for flooring in wet spaces. Vinyl flooring is a synthetic material that is resistant to moisture and is easy to clean and maintain. It’s also an affordable option and can be installed quickly and easily. Vinyl flooring comes in a wide variety of colors, designs, and patterns, allowing you to achieve a look that compliments your home. Whether you prefer a natural stone look or a wood-like appearance, there are many vinyl options to choose from.
Always choose high-quality, durable vinyl flooring that is resistant to scratches and stains. Look for a commercial-grade product with a thick wear layer for added durability.
Ceramic Tile: Luxurious Choice for Wet Environments
Nothing is as beautiful as ceramic or porcelain tile, and it’s one of the best flooring choices for wet areas. It is also the most expensive. Ceramic and porcelain are resistant to water and quick to clean up, and easy to maintain. It wears well and comes in a wide range of colors and styles. With many choices and price points to choose from, you’ll be able to find one that fits the overall design of your home. Tile is a durable option that can last many years with proper care and maintenance.
Hardwood Flooring: Risky Option for Wet Spaces
While hardwood flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners, it’s not the best option for rooms that are prone to water accumulation. While it can add warmth and beauty to a room, it is highly prone to water, warping, and splitting when exposed to moisture. Wood flooring is not a good choice for bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Some types of engineered wood flooring may be more suitable for wet areas as they can be somewhat resistant to moisture, they will break down and peel over time, and they cannot be refinished and must be replaced. Consider using hardwood in safer areas (living rooms and kitchens) and choose tile or vinyl for wet areas.
Carpet Flooring: A Soggy Choice for Wet Areas
Carpet is another flooring option to avoid in wet areas. It can absorb moisture and harbor mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to your health. It’s also difficult to clean and maintain in wet areas, making it a poor choice for bathrooms and laundry rooms. If you love the feel of carpet, find high-quality throw rugs to place on vinyl or tile. This will give you the softness and warmth of carpet while avoiding the headaches of cleaning up carpet in case of water exposure.
Laminate Flooring: Think Twice for Wet Spaces
Laminate flooring is another poor choice for rooms prone to leaks or standing water. While it may look like wood or tile, laminate is made from a composite material that is subject to warping and splitting when exposed to moisture. It’s also difficult to repair if it becomes damaged by water.
Laminate may not be great for bathrooms and other spaces where humidity and water are a concern, but it is a great choice for kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and other spaces.
The Best Flooring for Wet Areas
If you’re unsure as to what type of flooring is best for areas where water is a concern, contact us. At Refloor, we’ll help you choose the best flooring for every room in the house. We’ll help you with material selection, installation requirements, and costs to ensure you have the most beautiful floor for your home. Call us today for a free, no–obligation in-home estimate.
Laminate may not be great for bathrooms and other spaces where humidity and water are a concern, but it is a great choice for kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and other spaces.