Top 5 Best Flooring Options for Moisture-Prone Areas

Choosing the right flooring for moisture-prone areas is essential to prevent water damage, ensure durability, and simplify maintenance. Whether you’re looking for waterproof flooring solutions for kitchens and basements or exploring bathroom flooring ideas that combine style and functionality, selecting moisture-resistant floors can make all the difference.

Water exposure can lead to warping, mould growth, and structural damage, making it crucial to invest in flooring materials designed to withstand humidity and spills. 

This guide highlights the top five waterproof flooring solutions, helping you make an informed decision for your home or commercial space. Then, on top of that, we’ll look at the five best ways to protect each flooring solution. 

So let’s dive in…

1. Porcelain & Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are among the most popular bathroom flooring ideas due to their waterproof properties and durability. These tiles are fired at high temperatures, making them highly resistant to moisture and stains.

Benefits:

• 100% waterproof, ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Available in various designs, textures, and finishes.
• Low maintenance and easy to clean.
• Resistant to scratches and heavy foot traffic.

Considerations:

• Can feel cold underfoot unless paired with heating systems.
• Requires professional installation for best results.

2. Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVP & LVT)

Luxury vinyl flooring is one of the most versatile waterproof flooring solutions, offering the appearance of natural wood or stone while providing superior moisture resistance.

Benefits:

• Waterproof core prevents swelling and warping.
• Comfortable underfoot and quieter than tile.
• Easy to install with click-and-lock systems.
• Affordable compared to hardwood or stone.

Considerations:

• May fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Prone to scratches in high-traffic areas.

3. Poured Resin & Epoxy Flooring

Poured resin and epoxy flooring create a seamless, moisture-resistant floor ideal for high-humidity environments. These materials are commonly used in basements, garages, and industrial spaces, but are gaining popularity in residential settings.

Benefits:

• 100% waterproof and resistant to spills, stains, and chemicals.
• Can be customised with colours, patterns, or metallic finishes.
• Works well over uneven concrete floors.

Considerations:

• Requires professional installation for durability.
• It can be slippery without a non-slip additive.

4. Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Traditional laminate flooring is not moisture-resistant, but waterproof laminate offers enhanced protection against spills and humidity, making it a great option for kitchens and living areas.

Benefits:

• Water-resistant core prevents swelling.
• Mimics the look of hardwood at a lower cost.
• Easy to install and maintain.

Considerations:

• Not ideal for bathrooms or areas with excessive moisture.
• Requires immediate cleanup of spills to prevent damage.

5. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

For those who love the warmth of wood but need moisture-resistant floors, engineered hardwood is a great compromise. It features a real wood veneer over a stable, water-resistant core.

Benefits:

• More resistant to moisture than solid hardwood.
• Adds value and elegance to a home.
• Available in various wood species and finishes.

Considerations:

• Requires regular maintenance to preserve its finish.
• Not completely waterproof—best for controlled humidity environments.

Caring for Different Waterproof Flooring Solutions

Each waterproof flooring solution has unique maintenance requirements to keep it looking pristine while ensuring long-term durability. Here’s how to properly care for each option.

1. Caring for Porcelain & Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are among the easiest flooring options to maintain, thanks to their water-resistant and stain-proof properties.

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips:

• Daily care: Sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris that could scratch the surface.
• Weekly care: Mop with a mild detergent or a pH-balanced tile cleaner to keep tiles looking fresh.
• Deep cleaning: Use a grout cleaner periodically to prevent mould or discolouration between tiles.
• Avoid: Harsh acidic cleaners that may erode grout or damage tile finishes over time.

Preventative Measures:

• Seal grout lines to prevent staining and moisture absorption.
• Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to minimise wear.

2. Caring for Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVP & LVT)

Luxury vinyl flooring is known for its durability, but it still requires proper care to preserve its appearance.

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips:

• Daily care: Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dust.
• Weekly care: Mop using a damp microfiber cloth and a non-abrasive vinyl floor cleaner.
• Avoid: Excessive water usage—though vinyl is water-resistant, pooling water can weaken adhesive layers over time.

Preventative Measures:

• Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
• Avoid dragging heavy objects across the floor.
• Use protective entryway mats to minimise dirt and moisture buildup.

3. Caring for Poured Resin & Epoxy Flooring

Resin and epoxy floors are seamless and waterproof, making them highly durable but requiring careful cleaning techniques to maintain their finish.

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips:

• Daily care: Sweep with a soft broom or use a microfiber mop to remove dirt.
• Weekly care: Wash with warm water and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner.
• Deep cleaning: A diluted vinegar solution can help remove stains without damaging the surface.
• Avoid: Harsh solvents, bleach, or scrubbing pads that could dull the epoxy finish.

Preventative Measures:

• Apply a fresh topcoat or sealer periodically to maintain shine and durability.
• Use rubber-backed rugs to protect the floor from furniture pressure points.

4. Caring for Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Waterproof laminate offers better moisture resistance than traditional laminate, but it still requires careful handling.

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips:

• Daily care: Use a dry microfiber mop or vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
• Weekly care: Damp mop with a laminate-approved cleaner—avoid soaking the floor.
• Avoid: Excessive moisture or steam cleaning, as prolonged exposure can weaken the waterproof layers.

Preventative Measures:

• Immediately clean up spills to prevent seepage into joints.
• Ensure indoor humidity remains stable to prevent expansion or contraction of boards.
• Use furniture pads and avoid wearing high heels or cleats indoors.

5. Caring for Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood floors offer enhanced moisture resistance compared to solid wood, but they still need proper care to preserve their elegance.

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips:

• Daily care: Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush to remove debris.
• Weekly care: Clean with a hardwood-approved, non-wax floor cleaner using a slightly damp mop.
• Deep cleaning: Use a specialised wood polish to restore shine when needed.
• Avoid: Standing water or soaking the wood—engineered hardwood is resistant but not fully waterproof.

Preventative Measures:

• Apply a protective sealant periodically to maintain moisture resistance.
• Use area rugs in high-traffic spots to prevent excessive wear.
• Maintain stable humidity levels to prevent warping or separation of layers.

Get the Selection Right and you can’t go Wrong!

Selecting the right waterproof flooring solutions ensures longevity, style, and practicality in moisture-prone areas. Whether opting for bathroom flooring ideas like porcelain tiles or choosing moisture-resistant floors such as luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood, investing in the right materials can prevent costly repairs and enhance your space’s functionality.