One of the most frequently asked questions when purchasing a wooden floor for your home or business is “Is it waterproof?” Since wood is a natural product, keeping in mind how it reacts to moisture can be a vital part of your decision about your floor.
Most wood flooring, generally speaking, is not considered to be waterproof; however, some types are more resistant than others.
Effects of Moisture on Wood
Natural wood expands and contracts depending on the amount of humidity and temperature. If excess moisture is allowed to penetrate untreated or inadequately protected wood flooring over the long term, it will:
- Cause the floor to swell
- Cause the floor to warp
. - Cause the floor to cup or crown.
- Create gaps between the flooring.g
Compromising the structural integrity of the floor.
As a result of the above, solid wood floors (traditional wood) are not considered waterproof.
Water-Resistance Characteristics of Different Types of Wood Flooring
1 – Solid Wood Flooring
Solid wood flooring is made up of one solid piece of wood that has been cut. Solid wood flooring is strong; it can last for many generations. However, since solid wood is very sensitive to moisture, it can swell, be damaged permanently, or even fail structurally with prolonged exposure to water.
Best Uses for Solid Wood Flooring
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Office Spaces
Not Best Uses for Solid Wood Flooring
- Bathrooms
- Laundry Areas
- Any areas where you will expose wood to a significant amount of water
2 – Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is constructed of a real wood surface layer glued to multiple layers of plywood underneath. The multiple layers of plywood in engineered wood flooring give it much greater dimensional stability than solid wood flooring.
In addition, engineered wood flooring has greater resistance to water damage than solid wood flooring, but it is not waterproof. If liquid is split on engineered wood flooring, it may be cleaned up in a timely manner to reduce the risk of damage; however, standing water will still damage the engineered wood flooring.
3 – Laminate Wood Flooring
Laminate flooring is constructed of a synthetic core material, with a layer of real wood glued to the top of the synthetic core material so that it looks like wood. Most laminate flooring that is made today has some degree of moisture resistance; however, any standing water will damage the laminate flooring.
Laminate flooring with moisture-resistant features is appropriate for locations with little moisture exposure; however, it is not recommended for locations with continuous moisture.
Factors Affecting Moisture-Resistant Characteristics
Many factors will contribute to the moisture resistance characteristics of wood flooring:
- Protective Surface Coatings
- Proper sealing around the edges of the planks
- The quality of the installation
- The use of moisture barriers or underlayment
- Preparation of the subfloor
The quality of the installation is one of the most important factors affecting the performance of the wood flooring.
Best Locations for Installing Wood Flooring
Wood flooring can confidently be installed in residential environments, including:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Study/Office Space
In the kitchen, prompt cleanup of spills is critical. Wet areas, such as the bathroom and other wet areas, must have flooring materials made specifically for high moisture areas.
Extending the Life of Wood Flooring
To maximise the life of your wood flooring, consider the following:
If you keep your wood floors clean and dry, you will have a longer life for your wood floors.
In Summary
Wood flooring provides a classic, durable, and timeless product. To be sure, wood flooring will never be entirely waterproof, but many modern alternatives provide excellent moisture resistance when properly installed and maintained.
When selecting wood flooring, developing knowledge about the characteristics of wood flooring will help you make an appropriate selection of flooring to use in your space. Mixing great design concepts with good quality materials will give you the ultimate flooring design for your business location or home. Royale Touche offers decorative functional solutions for the interior of your home or business that will greatly enhance durable wood flooring.
