The bathroom is probably the most humid part of your home. This is why you have to be very selective when it comes to installing bathroom flooring, especially since you need to choose the type of floor that’s waterproof, or at least water-resistant. There’s a wide variety of flooring options to choose from for bathrooms, and you may be considering laminates as one of your possible choices since the material is generally affordable and low maintenance. But since laminate flooring can be damaged by moisture, you have to consider this carefully.
So what laminate flooring is best for bathrooms? Water-resistant laminate flooring is your best option for bathrooms, which can work as long as you take the appropriate measures to avoid damage. Laminates with a medium-density fiberboard core are generally recommended since they contain water-resistant materials such as wax. This type of laminate can avoid soaking up water for a while before it finally absorbs it. When shopping for a laminate floor for your bathroom, you have to make sure that they’re actually water-resistant.
Unlike the other parts of your home where choosing the flooring materials is based mainly on aesthetics, the bathroom requires more careful consideration. Your bathroom flooring should be able to perform well under stress, which mostly involves water. Walls and flooring should be able to withstand moisture. Add the other factors — durability, cost, ease of installation, and of course, appearance — and you have a lot to consider for your bathroom floor.
Laminate floors are known for being affordable and easy to clean and install. This type of flooring is budget-friendly and a nice alternative if you find hardwood, stone, or ceramic tiles too expensive. Due to their smooth layer, laminates are easy to wipe clean, but if you plan to use them for your bathroom, you’ll need to wipe regularly to keep the floor dry and to prevent possible water damage.
Laminate floors are easy to install too since they come with a simple click-and-lock system, which is ideal for DIY homeowners. But it’s crucial to install it properly because seams between the boards can also elevate the risk of water damage. Time may come that traditional laminate flooring that’s 100% waterproof will be invented, but at the moment, you have to settle for water-resistant ones.
When installing laminate flooring in your bathroom or even your laundry room, you have to evaluate whether it’s the right choice for the specific bathroom you plan to install. You also need to keep in mind that laminates in the bathroom will require certain upkeep in order to avoid damage from the dampness. Here are some things to consider when choosing a quality waterproof laminate floor for your bathroom.
When shopping around for waterproof laminate flooring to use in your bathroom, make sure to confirm the core material before you buy. You need nothing less than laminate with a high-density core. You should also add an underlayment and vapor barrier underneath your laminates to add more protection against water damage. Protect your laminate flooring by gluing it down over these barriers.
Water-resistant laminate flooring is made of several layers. You have the wear layer, which is the first defense against daily wear and tear. The thicker the wear layer, the better protection your flooring has. Beneath that is the photographic image or the decorative layer, where you can see the pattern of your flooring.
After that is the water-resistant core, which is where the main durability of your laminate flooring will depend. This should have nothing less than a medium-density fiberboard core with wax or other water-repellent materials to guarantee that no water will seep or soak through. The very last layer is the backing and stabilizing, which provides a good foundation for your floor.
Learn more: 5 Ways on How to Make Laminate Flooring Waterproof
There are flooring materials that are totally not suited for bathrooms and you’re better off using this flooring option in other parts of your home.
Make sure that you get the right bathroom laminate floor for your home. Zothex Flooring has your back when it comes to your waterproof flooring needs. They don’t just laminate wood floor — Zothex Flooring deals with many types of flooring materials, including the following: vinyl plank flooring or sheet vinyl flooring, vinyl tile flooring, porcelain tile, ceramic tile, solid wood floor, luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood or engineered wood flooring, and natural stone tile.
They pride themselves on providing a personalized, one-of-a-kind customer service experience you can only find at a small family business. If you’re looking for a partner to help you choose the right flooring for your home, Zothex Flooring is the name to trust.
Learn more: How to Install Heated Floors Under Laminate