Planning your waterproof flooring project doesn’t have to be as daunting as it may seem! With tons of options, resources, and the knowledge of our flooring experts you’d be off to a great start. Consider your goals and assess your needs. Are you looking for a flooring product that will stand the test of time? Do you own pets? Do you have children? Are you a design junkie seeking to upgrade your home with the most stylish products on the market? We’ll cover everything that’s in demand right now and how to get your floor renovation plan set up for success!
The Best Flooring on the Market
You may have heard that waterproof flooring is one of the latest and greatest innovations in flooring products on the market today. There’s waterproof vinyl plank, waterproof laminate, waterproof carpet, and now waterproof engineered hardwood flooring is rolling out among dealers and retailers. Hardwood flooring, or the look of hardwood flooring, remains one of the most popular choices for homeowners. In terms of style, there are a multitude of colors and textures that provide something for everyone. Historically, hardwood has been the choice floor that offered resiliency and value to the home. It was also a statement of luxury, so the price tag has not always fit every budget. Enter: modern innovations and manufacturing techniques. Advanced technology has made more waterproof flooring options readily available to consumers today.
Waterproof Luxury Vinyl
Of waterproof flooring products, luxury vinyl plank is a popular option for its hyper-realistic wood or stone designs that are equally as convincing as they are affordable. If you are looking for more of a ceramic tile look, there are plenty of options that are made to look like real stone. Waterproof protection makes these the optimal choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, and basements. You can achieve a very high-end look for less depending on the brand and product that you choose. You will want to consider the return on your investment with waterproof products, designed to hold up for years and some offer lifetime warranties. Vinyl plank can either be glued or installed as a floating floor, meaning that each plank is clicked into place and does not require the hassle of adhesive. This makes this product very DIY friendly, potentially saving you on labor costs.
You may have also heard of rigid core vinyl plank flooring. The “core” is made up of stone or wood components along with plasticisers and polyvinyl chloride that make the structure of the plank able to withstand heavy foot traffic and impenetrable to moisture.
(image: Shaw Floors)
Waterproof Laminate
Waterproof laminate flooring is another great option on the market in terms of realistic designs and the protection it can offer. The two can look strikingly similar as both products are designed to mimic hardwood or ceramic stone tiles. Laminate is also super impervious to scratches and wear and tear, arguably better than vinyl all while remaining less expensive than hardwood. Both vinyl plank and laminate are very easy to clean and maintain and will hold up against occasional spills and pet accidents.
(image: Shaw Floors)
(Image: Armstrong Flooring)
Waterproof Hardwood
Waterproof engineered hardwood has entered the market. Hardwood imitations like laminate and luxury vinyl plank hold up to their promises and are very convincing, but some consumers are ready and willing to pay top dollar for authentic wood flooring. Waterproof hardwood, unlike traditional hardwood, cannot be refinished due to the protective coating that provides the waterproofing qualities. Traditional hardwood is incredibly vulnerable to moisture and spills, as it is porous. The waterproof engineered hardwood option is of course resistant to warping and water damage, but it’s structure is not just a solid plank of wood. Engineered planks look virtually the same and will provide the home the aesthetic upgrade most homeowners are after. Hardwood, waterproof or otherwise, is a style that will always be classic and stands the test of time. Other products like vinyl or carpet on the other hand, tend to wax and wane in popularity. However, the future's looking bright on the 2021 horizon for some carpet products...
Carpet is Making a Comeback
It might surprise you to know, while wood-looks remain supreme in dominating trends, carpet is coming back into fashion and falling in favor of designers . Carpet, according to Flooring Inc., is welcomed in the post-pandemic era as more people than ever are working from home and turning their focus inward seeking comfort from their living/working spaces. Carpet tiles are ever popular due to their flexibility and ease of install, not to mention a myriad of different designs available to satisfy all tastes. You can also achieve unique design patterns with carpet planks. Much like square carpet tiles, many are peel and stick application products, but their rectangular shape resembles that of hard surface planks. Now with carpet planks, you can install them in the ever popular Herringbone pattern or a chevron pattern, to really elevate your interior design scheme.
Aside from the plush, luxurious comfort that traditional carpet can provide, manufacturing technology is beginning to introduce the benefits of waterproof to carpet. Yes, even carpet can be waterproof! Like waterproof hardwood, there are only a select few product lines and brands offering this technology today. With durability and cleanliness top of mind amid consumer demands, you can bet in the next ten years waterproof may be the standard for flooring across the board.
(Image: Pexels)
Designer Trends
If you aren’t already ahead of the curve in design trends and styles, you can find lots of information and inspiration online. Modern farmhouse, Mid-century modern, contemporary, hygge/Scandinavian, minimalism, industrial modern, Japandi, coastal-chic, just to name a handful- all of which can be achieved and built up from the flooring to start.
According to experts, flooring trends for 2021 include lots of pattern play, unique shapes, and classic-looking hardwood throughout the home. There are also plenty of people eating up terracotta tiles and ceramics for their floors, also great choices for high moisture areas in the home if you’re not opting for specifically labeled waterproof wood-look products.
(Image: Armstrong Flooring)
Homes and Gardens writes, “Carpet trends have really evolved alongside other interior design trends for 2021.with eco-focused materials featuring heavily. As such, natural fiber carpet will become more and more prevalent.” Their article further confirms that consumers and designers not only have eco-friendliest top of mind, but suggest that sustainability is more than just a trend or a pattern, it is becoming a staple that is here to stay. We can say with a vote of confidence that no matter the trend or stylistic theme that we will continue to see a demand for these types of modern innovations, like waterproof technology and ethically sourced materials, make headlines in industry publications and blogs. The more we see designers endorse these types of flooring products the more interest is piqued in the average consumer shopping for the best investment for their home. Afterall, the products one chooses for the long haul should ultimately perform with longevity, durability, and health in priority.
The juxtaposition between design fads and environmental sustainability is ever increasingly parallel; where you have one you will find the other. Whatever your home decor taste is, for now or for long after Pinterest or Instagram hashtags may have their hey-day, there is an eco-friendly waterproof flooring product on the market that is right for your home.
(image: Shaw Floors)
So, What Does it Cost to Have a Waterproofed Home?
When considering costs while selecting the right waterproof flooring product for your home, it is important to consider the long term investment, the areas of your home, and what types of financing options might be available from your retailer. Most homeowners don’t generally change their flooring very often, so finding a style that will compliment other components of the home like, paint, the furniture, or a decor scheme. Finding floors that appeal to modern farmhouse lovers versus floors for the contemporary modern enthusiast might require the consultation of an in-house designer or a flooring specialist from your retailer. You’ve already come to the right place to start by reading this blog and utilizing educational resources.
The truth is, it’s easy to shop products based on costs per square foot as advertised, but the true cost will vary greatly from project to project. One has to consider the cost of time and labor that go into the installation as well, and whether or not they require professional installers or if they’re a skilled DIY enthusiast. There may also be additional repairs or a tear out needed in the scope of work.
The value of a free in-home estimate can get you a pretty accurate depiction of what to expect for the scope and cost of your waterproof flooring project.
The Free In-Home Estimate Process
A free in-home estimate is generally a common offering among flooring (and other home improvement) retailers. Touch of Color uses the latest technology and software to get accurate measures. An accurate measure will give you a more accurate quote. The flooring estimator will also assess the areas for any repairs or other needed steps in the scope of work that will lead to a successful install.
An estimator can provide their expert level assessment for nearly any situation or tricky scenario, to ensure the project will be executed to fit the needs of your home. A skilled flooring estimator may also aid you in determining which waterproof flooring product might suit your home best, based on the specific areas for the project and your home’s condition.
Obtaining a free in-home estimate is not only informative, but it is also quick and easy and generally speaking, the best way to shop for flooring since it will provide an overall cost versus just looking at a price per square foot tag on a product sample. Since pricing can vary greatly on waterproof flooring products, it is best to know beforehand about any hidden costs in the scope of work you might not have thought of until an expert laid eyes on your current floors.
Your Next Moves
So you know you want the ultimate waterproof flooring upgrade for your home. You might be looking at some of the advantages such as protection from pet-accidents, spills, general wear and tear in areas like laundry rooms or bathrooms, or perhaps you’re seeking to add value to the home by selecting the hottest products on the market that will deliver a lifetime of durability. You can review our expansive flooring product catalog right here on our website to get an idea of all the options we carry. You’ve done your research and you know what styles and products appeal to you, now it’s time to lock down a price on your project and prepare for installation day!
- Schedule your FREE in-home estimate today with Touch of Color Flooring
- Review your estimate price and work with a Flooring Specialist to hash out any questions
- Schedule your installation date
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Enjoy your new waterproof flooring to last a lifetime in your home!
May you be well informed on all the latest innovations and waterproof flooring options available to you, and well on your way to completion of your dream flooring makeover!
