Tile and Vinyl: The Best Water-Resistant Flooring for Your Home's Wet Areas

Tile and Vinyl: The Best Water-Resistant Flooring for Your Home's Wet Areas

February 20, 2023  |  flooring types, water resistant flooring
Tile and Vinyl: The Best Water-Resistant Flooring for Your Home's Wet Areas

We all have that one room in our home that, despite our best efforts, is constantly assailed with water, mud, and grime.  

For some, this room is their kitchen, for others, it is their foyer. Whatever room it is in your home, it can be endlessly frustrating to watch your floors deteriorate under the stress of water and mud.  

You need water-resistant floors that can withstand consistent wetness so you can be sure that your floors are not slowly being ruined.  

There are a few types of flooring that are water-resistant, here are a few of the most popular. 

  • Tile 

  • Vinyl plank
     
  • Vinyl sheet
     

It can be hard to know which option is best for you, but A Step Above Flooring has you covered. 

We have put together this quick guide to help you determine which flooring type is best for your home’s wet room. 

 

What Makes Floors Water-Resistant? 


Rooms that are chronically moist, damp, or wet pose challenges for your floors. Many areas are susceptible to mold and rot, so you will need specific flooring for these rooms.  

Generally, floors made from inorganic materials (such as those listed in the previous section) are better against water than those made from organic materials like wood.  

So, what makes inorganic materials better at standing up against water and moisture? 

To put it simply, organic materials are often porous and susceptible to water leaking through their surface. Once inside, bacteria are then able to grow and the organic material often rots. 

Conversely, inorganic materials are often not able to be penetrated by water and therefore bacteria cannot grow under the surface. For some floors, they are even coated in plastic, glue, or resin, meaning that water has no pathway in or around your floorboards. 

Some flooring is made from a mixture of inorganic and organic materials, so you will want to be sure to check with a qualified flooring professional on the best fit for damp or wet rooms before you buy.  

 

Best Flooring Types for Your Wet Room 

 

So, what are the best types of floors for rooms prone to wetness and moisture? 

Let’s look at a few of the most popular and effective options.  

Luxury sheet vinyl floor

Luxury Vinyl 


Luxury vinyl combines looks with durability. Vinyl is specially treated to stand up against moisture. The lock and fold style of joinery provides a tight seal against water. The entire layer of flooring is waterproof, including the core, meaning you do not have to worry about water seeping in and ruining your floors.  

Mirasol Bianco Carrara porcelain tile

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile 


Porcelain and ceramic tiles are great options for resisting water. Fine clay and high firing temperatures mean these tiles have an absorption rate of 0.5% or less. The only hazard to look out for is cracked grout seams as water can seep into these cracks and lead to long term damage.  

Mannington Twill Linen Flooring

Sheet Vinyl 

 

Sheet vinyl is water-resistant and has few (if any) seems that water can seep into. Sheet vinyl is a very solid choice for rooms that see heavy water.  

Get Water-Resistant Flooring at A Step Above Flooring! 

 

It can be hard to find water-resistant flooring for your home’s wettest rooms, but with A Step Above Flooring, we make it easy!  

We have dozens of options to choose from and our experienced professionals will walk you through every step of the process to ensure that you get the perfect water-resistant floors for your home.  

If you are ready to take the next step and find the perfect water-resistant floors for your home in southwest Ohio or northern Kentucky, reach out to A Step Above Flooring today!