What are the best flooring options for wet areas?

The kitchen is a must-have in your home. The kitchen is a prime place to showcase expensive appliances. If you want to show off your kitchen, waterproof floors are the best choice. If you have children, waterproof floors are also great for kids’ rooms. In addition to the bathroom, they can be installed in areas that receive moisture. 

4 Different Types Of Flooring For Wet Areas

When deciding on the right flooring for wet areas, it is crucial to consider the moisture-resistant characteristics of the material. This article will discuss some of the most common materials used in wet rooms, including Natural stone, Ceramic tile, Engineered hardwood, and Cork. Ceramic tile is especially durable because it does not absorb water and is therefore resistant to standing water. This is also an ideal material for bathrooms because of its insulating properties.

1. Natural Stone

If you are looking for beautiful and durable flooring for a wet area, then natural stone tile may be the answer. Each tile is unique, displaying the physical course of the earth’s history. These tiles are ideal for a variety of wet areas, including showers, tubs, and sinks. They are also ideal for paved outdoor areas and foyers. Here are some of the benefits of natural stone tile.

Cleaning stone floors require some maintenance, but it is generally easier than other materials. It is easier to remove soap scum than many other types of flooring, and a non-abrasive squeegee will work wonders. You can also use a solution of ammonia and water to remove soap scum. However, the chemical solution may dull the surface of some stone types. Similarly, removing algae or moss requires a mild bleach solution. If the stain is especially stubborn, you may have to repeat the application several times.

2. Ceramic Tile

The benefits of ceramic tile include its 100% water resistance, ease of maintenance, and wide range of colors, sizes, and styles. Wet areas require special attention, so textured tiles are a good option. Porcelain, a more durable version of ceramic tile, resists moisture and stains while imitating natural stone and wood. Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are much harder than most other types of tiles, making them the best option for wet areas.

In bathrooms and kitchens, water damage is inevitable. Because of this, it’s essential to install waterproof flooring. For this, tile is a top choice for both its durability and versatility. However, tile is an expensive choice that can chip and discolor over time under heavy use. For this reason, homeowners are encouraged to choose a grout designed to resist water and ensure tight, even grout lines. Unglazed, textured tiles are the most slip-resistant option.

3. Engineered Hardwood

While engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture than many other flooring options, it is still not the best choice for wet rooms. Engineered hardwood is nailed to the subfloor or installed using a click-and-lock system. These flooring materials have tongue-and-groove planks that lock together like Legos. These floors are installed atop a wood subfloor using glue or nail-down systems.

Engineered wood is made up of layers of high-density fiberboard, stone-plastic composite, and a core layer of engineered plywood. Some engineered wood planks even have an underlayment to keep moisture at bay. The wood veneer layer is made up of a single layer of HDF with a backing layer attached to it. Then, two fiberboard plies are attached in opposite directions under the real wood veneer.

Engineered hardwood is also eco-friendly, requiring less product than solid wood. Its pressed core contains real wood veneers and is much more stable than solid wood. Engineered hardwood is also a cheaper alternative to solid wood floors. However, it can’t be refinished. In wet areas, it’s best to avoid installing solid hardwood in these areas. And when it comes to wet areas, the best option is engineered hardwood.

4. Cork Flooring

As a resilient and versatile flooring material, cork has many advantages over other flooring materials. Cork is available in a wide variety of colors, designs, patterns, and textures. Cork tiles can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Cork tiles are typically available in 10mm thick sheets that are adhered to a subfloor. They can be prefinished with polyurethane. In addition to its durability and versatility, cork is available in numerous sizes, shapes, and colors.

When installing cork flooring, it is important to keep small scratches in mind. While cork will eventually recover from minor dents, it is still important to place protective pads under heavy furniture to prevent permanent denting. After installation, the cork is easily refinished, similar to hardwood flooring. After sanding, cork planks should be fitted together with wood glue.