Since the launch of the “click-and-lock” laminate flooring products in the 1990s, homeowners have sought laminates suited for use in moist areas such as bathrooms and basements. While Yonkers laminate flooring has become a popular choice for do-it-yourselfers due to its low cost, appealing appearance, and ease of installation, laminate flooring products have developed a history of being problematic in moist areas. Even those labeled as “water-resistant” or “ideal for damp places” are not nearly as well-suited to bathrooms and other wet areas as vinyl flooring or ceramic tile. Homeowners who choose to install plastic laminate floors in busy household bathrooms regret their decision.

Why Laminate Flooring Isn’t Waterproof

Moisture is an issue for laminate wood flooring Yonkers due to its construction, specifically its seams and fiberboard center.

Water’s effect on laminate flooring is not on the top layer but on the core, which is essentially a dense sort of fiberboard—a manufactured product consisting of wood fibers.

Complicating matters is the click-and-lock method used in Yonkers laminate flooring, which makes creating perfectly tight seams impossible. When water enters past the surface layer of the seams and into the fiberboard core, the flooring will swell and delaminate.

Attempts at Solutions

Manufacturers have attempted to build genuine “waterproof” versions in order to grow the market. These typically include the factory implementation of a thick waterproof coat to the planks’ tops and occasionally the edges. However, the warranties on the majority of these items make it quite obvious that they are not “waterproof” and are best defined as “water-resistant.” The warranties contain numerous restrictions, such as warnings against laying the flooring in humid conditions, laying large objects such as washing machines or kitchen islands on it, or letting stagnant water on the floor for more than 24 hours.

However, some manufacturers make more legitimate claims about their products. The material must be constructed differently to create a waterproof laminate flooring, excluding the fiberboard core entirely. A few manufacturers provide laminate flooring wholly composed of PVC plastic, which is completely waterproof in basements, family bathrooms, and other damp areas. However, in comparison to the hundreds of varieties offered in fiber-core laminates, the variety of completely waterproof laminate flooring is relatively limited.

Pros

• Superior resistance to moisture compared to regular laminate flooring
• Scratch resistance is superior to vinyl
• Simple do-it-yourself installation

Cons

• Often, they are not completely waterproof
• There are few design and color options available
• Significantly more expensive than regular laminate flooring

Waterproof Laminate Cost

Waterproof laminate flooring typically costs between $3 – $5 per sq ft, with an industry average of around $4.50. By comparison, standard laminate flooring costs approximately $2.50 per sq ft. You will pay a little extra for a waterproof laminate floor. On average, luxury vinyl flooring planks cost around $3 per sq ft.

Maintenance and Repair

Waterproof laminate flooring is cared for similarly to normal laminate flooring. Regular sweeping and dusting are recommended, as is a thorough cleaning with a damp mop or rag dampened with an appropriate laminate cleaning solution. Never use a wet mop on a laminate floor, and never use a steam cleaner.

Any laminate floor is relatively difficult to repair. Severe damage requires disassembly of the floor in replacing damaged boards.

Comfort and Convenience

To the extent that it is truly waterproof, waterproof laminate flooring has some advantages over regular laminate flooring, including the reduced likelihood of spills and stains ruining the floor. Apart from that, this material has a similar profile as any other laminate. It can be pretty abrasive underfoot and quite noisy. However, its ease of installation makes it appealing to do-it-yourselfers.

Reach Out to Yonkers Laminate Flooring Today

If you require completely waterproof Yonkers laminate flooring, waterproof laminate is perhaps not the best option. However, in high-traffic areas, the tougher surface of laminate may offer certain advantages compared to luxury vinyl.