Is laminate waterproof?

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for its affordability, great looks, and easy installation. One downside, though, is that other flooring materials are typically better at resisting moisture damage. This means that spills and high humidity can cause your laminate to buckle or warp.

Luckily, there are options for installing waterproof laminate in your home to address these issues. Our guide will teach you the difference between water resistant and waterproof laminate flooring, and how to keep your flooring in the best condition possible.

In this guide:

Is laminate flooring waterproof?
Understanding the difference between water resistant and waterproof
How does water resistant or waterproof laminate flooring work?
How do I keep my laminate flooring clean and dry?
How long does it take for water to damage laminate flooring?
FAQs
Find water resistant laminate flooring at Tapi

Is laminate flooring waterproof?

No, most laminate flooring isn’t waterproof. Since laminate is made of a wood-based core that contains layers of porous material, water can seep between tiny cracks and gaps in your flooring. This causes your laminate to lift and expand over time, leading to damaged floors.

If you’re looking to protect your floors against moisture damage, or if you’re planning to install laminate in a bathroom, you’ll need to choose a water resistant laminate. These options include special features such as sealed edges and a moisture resistant HDF core.

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Understanding the difference between water resistant and waterproof

Water resistant and waterproof are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they shouldn’t be! Each one offers a different level of protection against moisture. We’ll explain in more detail:

Water resistant laminate flooring

Water resistant laminate flooring can withstand some exposure to moisture without suffering significant damage. This type of laminate is ideal for handling spills, splashes, and occasional damp mopping in the short term. Still, it’s best to avoid leaving standing water on its surface, and it’s not suitable for high-humidity environments such as bathrooms.

At Tapi, we offer a wide variety of water resistant laminate flooring options. Check out our stylish Quick-Step Laminate collection, or give your room a luxurious finish with Panache Beau laminate.

Waterproof laminate flooring

On the other hand, laminate that’s properly waterproof, not just resistant, is the unicorn of the flooring world. It’s rare – and it’s magical! The planks have been cleverly engineered to lock tightly to prevent water from penetrating between the gaps. This makes it suitable for areas with frequent exposure to water, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Our Oceana waterproof laminate is guaranteed to be waterproof for up to seven days. How did we test it? We submerged it in a bucket of water for a week!

Quick Step Capture Natural Varnished Oak

£42.99 m²

Kefe - Colonial Oak

£24.99 m²

Quick Step Impressive Classic Oak Beige

How does water resistant or waterproof laminate flooring work?

Water resistant laminate flooring is made up of multiple layers. Each one is designed to protect your floors from moisture damage without sacrificing the great looks of your laminate. Let’s take a closer look at the layers that make up your waterproof laminate flooring:

Core: Each laminate flooring plank features a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core, made from compressed wood fibres that offer great durability.
Surface layer: The top layer of laminate flooring is a photographic print, which is covered in a clear protective coating to increase its durability and moisture resistance.
Locking mechanism: Most water resistant laminates feature a locking system to reduce the gaps between planks, which makes installation a breeze while giving water droplets fewer places to seep through.
Water-repelling coating and sealants: At the seams, a wax or another water repellent material is applied to stop water from getting through the joins.

If you’d like to know more, then have a read of our guide to laminate flooring.

How do I keep my laminate flooring clean and dry?

There’s plenty you can do to keep your laminate flooring clean and dry – and the most sensible advice we can give you is to not let it get wet in the first place! But if you’ve had a spill or a splash, then make sure you do the following:

Act quickly and make sure you dry it thoroughly
Check regularly for signs of damage and wear
Use mats and rugs to provide additional protection

How long does it take for water to damage laminate flooring?

The time it takes for water to damage laminate flooring can vary based on several factors, including the type of laminate, the amount of water, and how long it’s been left.

As you’d imagine, bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and basements are the most high-moisture environments. This is where you need to consider the laminate in your price range that’s most resistant to water. It’s also important to keep an eye out for splashes and spills and to avoid allowing water to linger.

Living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways should have lower moisture levels, but the same rules apply. If you spill a drink, mop it up immediately to keep your floor dry.

FAQs

How can I care for my new laminate flooring?

You can look after your laminate flooring by sweeping or vacuuming every evening. Make sure to wipe up spills as soon as they appear, and use a suitable cleaning solution to keep your laminate spotless after dusting. We recommend that you avoid steam cleaning or wet mopping, as even water resistant laminate can be damaged by heat and excess moisture.

For more information, use our laminate care guide to curate the perfect cleaning routine.

Do you fit laminate?

We can arrange a fitting with professional fitters, so you don’t have to worry about installing your laminate. If you’re looking to add a professional installation service to your quote, just let us know.

We can also arrange for a team of independent fitters to uplift and remove your old flooring at the same time for an additional fee. If you decide you just want to order laminate from us and use your own fitter or install it yourself, that's absolutely fine.

Find laminate flooring at Tapi

So, is laminate flooring waterproof? Not all the time, but there are plenty of options you can use to protect your floors from water damage. Make sure to choose a waterproof laminate if you’re flooring a kitchen or bathroom or opt for a water resistant option if you’re looking to prevent moisture damage in less humid environments.

If you’re ready to choose your dream waterproof laminate, book a home visit with our expert floorologists for free advice on finding the perfect fit for your home. You can also visit our Ideas Hub for more helpful guides like this one, covering everything you need to know about flooring.