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Floorboards 09/12/2021

Waterproof flooring in 2022: What are the best options?

2022 is approaching and here are the hottest flooring trends for the wet areas of your house. Please have a look.

Waterproof flooring in 2022: What are the best options?

The flooring industry is constantly changing to meet new trends. As consumer expectations are touching the sky, so do the ever-evolving flooring solutions. Whether you are looking for natural flooring materials or rustic textures, sustainable flooring solutions or warmer tones, there are lots of options to choose from.

In 2022, the flooring market is going to boom with the availability of an array of waterproof flooring options, ranging from vinyl to laminate flooring. These flooring solutions are surely going to make a big impact on home.

Choosing between organic and inorganic materials

As a good rule of thumb, waterproof flooring generally consists of inorganic materials like synthetic plastics. These materials are best suited for wet areas of your house, such as laundry rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. On the other hand, organic materials, such as hardwood and timber, are carbon-based. When subjected to moisture, they quickly start decomposing due to mould or bacteria formation.

However, there are some exceptional organic materials that are great for wet areas. For example, bamboo is a completely organic material, which is made from a large portion of synthetic resins and glues. This makes bamboo good at handling moisture compared to other organic materials.

Keep in mind that, not all flooring materials are completely inorganic or organic. For instance, laminate flooring sounds 100% inorganic, but it has a thick base layer, which is usually made from wood fibres. It’s the ratio of organic to inorganic which affects the ability of a flooring material to tackle moisture.

In this post, we’ve compiled some of the best waterproof flooring options that are going to rule the flooring industry in 2022. Please have a look:

Ceramic tiles

Available in a wide range of colours, textures and designs, ceramic tiles are a water-resilient flooring solution for wet areas. They are able to handle stains and spills, making them great for bathrooms and kitchens. No need to worry about buckling or warping when you have ceramic tiles installed in your house. In addition to that, they are affordable and easy to clean and maintain. Compared to porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate, which isn’t an issue.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are a special form of ceramic tiles, often used in bathrooms and pools. Thanks to their fine clay and high firing temperature, these tiles are highly resistant to intense water. They have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less, which is arguably the best for chronically damp areas. When provided with grouted seams, porcelain can last for years without seeping down into the subfloor.

Natural stone tiles

Widely popular for its luxurious look, natural stone is another excellent waterproof flooring option in 2022. It is great for homeowners who are looking for a high-end flooring solution without suffering from water damage. Whether it’s marble, granite or slate, natural stone comes in diverse patterns and designs, making them great for any space. Keep in mind that natural stone tiles can be expensive and challenging to install. Thus, we advise you to hire an experienced professional for the task.

Waterproof vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is completely waterproof as it doesn’t allow water to penetrate through its substrate, making it a reliable option for wet areas. On top of that, vinyl flooring is also durable and scratch-resistant, available in more colours, textures and patterns than any other flooring product. However, it isn’t easy to repair vinyl sheets, so consider replacing them instead of repairing them.

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF)

If you want to invest in something different this time, then LVF could be the right pick in 2022. LVF is a type of vinyl flooring with different properties. It has longer plank strips that are generally 7 inches in width and 48 inches in length. What makes LVF special is its lock-and-fold mechanism of joinery, which offers a tight seal against water. Everything from the top surface to the core is waterproof.

Engineered hardwood

Having a hardwood floor in your bathroom isn’t a great idea, but engineered hardwood is different. It is made from multiple layers of wood, making the floor water and stain-resistant. On top of that, engineered hardwood is available in a number of styles, colours and textures, so it can be a great choice for your home design. Keep in mind that engineered wood isn’t great against standing water, but it can handle occasional puddling.

Bamboo flooring

Bamboo has been a great alternative for hardwood because of its physical similarities to timber flooring. It is durable, eco-friendly and tough. Although bamboo flooring is made of organic materials, it is heavily imbued with chemicals these days to make it water-resistant. This makes bamboo a perfect waterproof flooring trend for 2022 and beyond.

Final thoughts on waterproof flooring

While there are many more flooring trends to watch out for in 2022, these are some of the most practical ones. No question that luxury vinyl and ceramic will be the top pick in 2022, carpets and rugs will remain the king of the flooring industry. However, avoid using carpets in wet areas of your house, as they are able to trap and hold moisture.

Need help with choosing the perfect waterproof flooring in Melbourne? Contact us.

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