Before You Buy Waterproof Flooring - Buyer's Guide

This video is designed to give you a quick but in depth overview of waterproof flooring. I discuss what waterproof flooring is in its various iterations, what the term waterproof really translate to for your everyday living, and some other key differences and benefits of the category. This will hopefully provide you with the knowledge you need to feel confident in the shopping process, allowing you to focus on the color and style selection.
0:00- Intro
2:00- Defining waterproof flooring and its different options - Waterproof Vinyl and Water Resistant/Water proof Laminate
12:27- Why your waterproof floor will most likely need to be replaced if you have a flood
17:00- A close up look at examples of both a waterproof vinyl and laminate
23:17- Concluding Notes
Please be sure to comment down below with any of your questions or comments, and of course, don't forget to hit the LIKE button! Thanks so much for watching and subscribe to see more videos!
Amazon Affiliate Links (I receive a small commission from Amazon if you purchase using these links:
Mohawk Luxury Vinyl Floor Cleaner: amzn.to/3b4h7wg
Microfiber Cloth: amzn.to/2Pgsuc4

[@Pantersflooring]

Great job in defining the pros and cons of the waterproof flooring category.. and highlighting the fact that none of these floors are “flood-proof”!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Exactly! Thank you for the feedback

[@davidsauls9542]

All your videos are excellent, but this is the best so far. Extremely articulate and knowledgeable, but what makes you a great teacher is that you explain based on our level of understanding. You deliver a lot of needed information in a way we can all understand. Your channel will soon Explode! THANK YOU !!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Wow, thank you so much for those kind words David. I certainly try to explain things with the wide audience in mind and in a way that is approachable for all levels. Thanks for subscribing and if there is anything you are interested in seeing a video on let me know! Appreciate the words of encouragement as I am still very new to creating these videos.

[@carolynm9638]

Thank you! Finally someone giving us the information we actually need!!

[@andy_wong]

Thank you for covering the insurance portion that most people don’t talk about!

[@linakabell]

I have watched multiple videos on this subject and you explained this so well. I love that you are neutral in your education and are not trying to sell a product. Trust is so important. When you specifically taught from a insurance point of view that helped me to make my final decision. This video was done so professionally and you articulated so well. Even my ‘kindergarten education’ regarding flooring was able to understood your explanation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I will be sharing this with all my friends!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Comments like these make it so rewarding to put these videos out. Thank you for kind words and I'm glad it was helpful for you!

[@Happysquared74]

I just had to let you know how incredibly helpful this video was for me! It educated me and singularly helped to confirm my choice in laminate flooring!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thank you so much! Appreciate the feedback.

[@dianegioiello6572]

Oh my gosh !! Thank you Thank you. I have just begun a looking to see what I want for my remoldel and you have just sealed my selection. Thank you for clearing this up!!! Great information...

[@Drop_off_on_the_right]

What did you decide on? What brand, line, selection?

[@debhalld9794]

Researching for a kitchen remodel now. Thank you for this video!

[@joelf5565]

This is by far the best video I’ve seen explaining the difference; especially the insurance aspect which nobody talks about. One thing I’d add is that unless you have a near perfect subfloor Vinyl planks will telegraph any peaks and valleys. I installed a floating SPC 6.5mm Rigid core vinyl planks that have very little flex to them and even paid extra to have my floor leveled an I feel imperfections. I never felt this on my Laminate floating floor. Laminate is thicker and stiffer, so works better with any subfloor imperfections.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thank you so much for watching and for the feedback. I've actually been planning to do a more direct laminate vs LVP video to cover some additional considerations like this and update for new innovations in each. You are right in the difference of how they handle any minor subfloor imperfections though.

[@MrOsasco]

Best video on the subject so far.

[@jenniferdawson2536]

MOST helpful! Thank you!

[@dianedo8314]

My biggest fear is the kitchen floor when water that may leak from fridge.. Great info and in depth details- thank u! Awesome🥰👍

[@11234231423423]

Awesome channel, man. This is quality content.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I appreciate that! Happy to help!

[@stevepartridge6035]

Very good information, I’m from the wholesale side of the industry, and I wish more salespeople talked like you and weren’t just order takers. One thing you didn’t mention about laminate over spc etc, is, pattern repeat, especially the European products.

[@larrypritchett3909]

Very good detail much appreciated

[@floridacowie]

Thank you for your help!!

[@pcmom465]

Very well explained!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks so much!

[@le_th_]

Excellent video! Super informative, thank you~

[@RemodelWithRobert]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@katheleenwaters4315]

Very informative, TY, I have picked out a waterproof vinal flooring, 5.5 + mm with attached cork pad, it is for heavy residential/commercial traffic, pet proof, dent resistant with a 15 year commericial warranty/residential is life time. I wish you would have talked a little more about that product. What I got from this video is this type of floor would be warmer, easier under foot for long term standing. I took a pad lock and beat the sample to see if it dented, it did not, I used a sharp edge that was on the pad lock and scraped it across the sample floor, it took a couple of times before it scratched into the flooring, the scratch did not show real bad. I am happy with this product, I will be buying it today for installation next week, I choose a design that has a real wood look.

[@ttpowell8111]

After a year, how has it held up?

[@psfgtech]

I have that old school cord w/ laminate on the top, I'm replacing it Tile next week, can't wait

[@soldance2001]

Thank you - great video

[@marlohowell6647]

Great info. I'm always interested in how floors (or any remodel material) will look a year or two down the road and what the care requirements are for those surfaces. That is a consideration for me when buying as I want to balance looks with care requirements.

[@mlradcliffe3955]

I’ve used NuCore & it was wonderful

[@sheilamason5132]

You are great. Thank you 😊for the floor education 🙏

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching!!

[@patirving705]

terrific!!!!

[@lisaturner7506]

Can you make a video on installing soapstone? I enjoyed the quartz video, very informative. Hoping for something similar with soapstone. Would you consider this?

[@rosiedeluca8270]

Hi, Thank you for this great info. My contractor has been veering me away from the floating floors saying the glue down type is more waterproof and therefore better for pets. Is this so? I do have concerns about comfort underfoot. And this is new to me that Laminate will be better with scratches (from my pets) than the LVF. Thanks for your help!

[@bbobba]

Outstanding presentation

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@lindawaldon9264]

Very informative 👍

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Glad you think so!

[@deenentwig8716]

I am looking to find flooring that will be water proof AND non slip for our screened in porch that is right off of our swimming pool with 3 children constantly running in and out.... Any suggestions?

[@genevievecournoyer1461]

Can we put some radiant heat under the laminate waterproof floor ?

[@coconeedham24]

Great video but what is best when you have plywood subfloor and moisture from underneath? I live on the coast with high humidity.. Engineered hardwood or laminate? Nailing or glued? Thanks

[@acdii]

Waterproof vinyl vs porcelain? I have a 470 sqft room between the garage and kitchen that is a converted garage. It has a leveled raised floor installed that I want to put a nice floor on. I priced out some decent 12 x 24 porcelain tile, with mortar, grout and cement board, and compared to decent vinyl, the porcelain is about .60 cents or more less expensive than a good vinyl. Labor is me, so not included in price, plus already have the wet saws and tools needed for the tiles. Which would provide a more durable high traffic flooring, and add the most value to the house? How does it hold up to a pool table, and other things that put a lot of pressure in a small area? It will be a game/exercise room as well as an entrance from the garage.

[@crystalline9098]

For the Revwood premier flooring, to get the all pet protection, do you need to have the foam backer rod and silicone caulking done around the perimeter to not void the all pet warranty? I just had mine installed and this was the debate as the installer did not seal the perimeter of the floor with caulk and backer rod stating the floor needs to breathe and that the only time they use caulk for laminate if the flooring is being installed in a bathroom or kitchen. My flooring was installed on the 2nd floor where there’s only bedrooms and two bathrooms. However, the reason I got this flooring was because I have two dogs that are potty trained but will still manage to pee on the perimeter of the pee pad. I’m afraid of the urine that escapes the pad traveling, especially on an area where there’s a natural incline and meeting the edges of the flooring since the installer and the company insists no caulking is needed around the perimeter. What are your thoughts on this?

[@tashastravel5904]

I had water damage on my hardwood floor in the kitchen from my dishwasher. Major part of the floor has been pulled up to dry out. A contracter said they could fill in the hole with wood and go over the wood floor with a waterproof luxury vinyl or pull up the rest of the wood floor in the kitchen and install the floating floor. I dont know what is best

[@HappyHus]

Hi there! Just found your channel! Have you heard of Baroque flooring -MarineWalk waterproof wood floors? I want to put flooring on top of my existing tile. I like the look of wood, but don’t want to mess w/removing my existing tile! Also if I went with Adura by mannington (LVP) do I get Max or Rigid! What’s the difference? And do I have to get my floors skimmed regardless of what I choose? Pls help!

[@psfgtech]

WPC, XPC- thanks for the learning lessons

[@davidreece1642]

Hello from England, great video Robert.

[@653j521]

David Reese What is a good laminate to try there?

[@davidreece1642]

@@653j521 Hi, Costco have a brand called Golden Select which is made in Germany we've chosen but not fitted yet.

[@jessinwanderland]

Such an informative video! I'm remodeling and have been debating between LVP and waterproof laminate for weeks to go over the concrete slab + tiles on my ground floor. I love the look and feel of laminate, but worried me that it wasn't waterproof throughout like LVP. But the point that you brought up about restoration in case of a flood and the floor would most likely need to be replaced regardless, helped me finally decide on the laminate. Thank you! Great video 😊

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks so much for watching, happy to put your mind at ease!

[@AhilenBernal]

Omg this helped me a lot too! I just had a flood back in December. Had real wood and it got destroyed so now I’m traumatized with everything. We just bought a house and bought laminate floor. I got nervous after reading all kinds of messages.

[@swateesurve8245]

You mentioned in the video there is an option that had waterproof core with the wood substrate on top - What product is that?

[@kamalaji1008]

Thank u so much for this clear presentation. I'm considering amorimwise waterproof cork flooring would love r take. Supposedly non toxic...no off gassing and good to do yoga on. Thanks

[@RemodelWithRobert]

To be honest, I haven't dealt with cork in years as it isn't very popular in our market. We used to carry a few brands but it is a very niche category. However, if you like the look of cork it offers many benefits and I think the comfort of it makes great sense for use in yoga or other light activity.

[@5610winston]

Considering "LifeProof" vinyl for my kitchen. I have been warned against extending it under my cabinets. Why? I'm having to replace my cabinets, too.

[@Izya001]

Thank you for a great presentation. I am remodeling the entire kitchen. Found some great realistic-looking waterproof laminate planks. But, I was surprised to find out that I can not put them under the cabinets, because it is a floating floor. Came across in Home Depot a Lifeproof Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring. The salesman told me that this type of flooring does not expand or contract and can be put wall-to-wall in the kitchen, including under the cabinets. Is this the case? I was told that I can put Porcelain tiles wall-to-wall because they do not contract/expand. What is the best rigid flooring/underlayment to put UNDER the cabinets, and then continue around it with waterproof laminate? Thanks.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

At least in my market, the vast majority of flooring is put against the cabinets as opposed to going underneath. Tile is certainly the most dependable under the cabinets but typically cabinets go in first. For a laminate product on the waterproof side I personally am partial to the Mohawk Revwood. I wouldnt be crazy about putting any floating floor underneath cabinets but that is just my opinion.

[@acdii]

Base cabinets placed against a wall are secured to the wall, so it is possible to run the laminate under them provided the flooring is 100% stable, but islands require the cabinets to be secured to the floor, which means running through the laminate into the subfloor to secure them. While possible, I wouldn't recommend it. What you can do though, put the flooring in up to the cabinet before putting toe kick in. This way you can have the kick on top of the flooring, and run a bead of caulk between the toe kick and floor to prevent water from running under the kick, behind the tile and then onto the subfloor under the cabinets.

[@psfgtech]

I'm going with Porcelain, my friends who own apartment buildings used Vinyl and had major issues in maintenance, then went ceramic/ Porcelain, it's the skilled labor, that's the issue.

[@shaonst.pierre1080]

Hi, My older house has wood floors throughout. The kitchen is ceramic tile, which I hate. To replace the kitchen floor how do I deal with the orangey stain of the wood when choosing a new floor. Also we cannot have the wood floors refinished again because they have been sanded down to the max. Thank you.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

If you are trying to tone down the orange in the wood, using some complementary color in the dark blue and grays will play nicely. If you are looking to keep things warmer some lighter cream tones could still work to stay in the family but move away from the strong orange/golden wood tone. Really depends on what you want to accomplish and definitely something to discuss with your local provider.

[@swisss.3252]

Watching in 2021. thank for sharing and this is super informative and super helpful. I am looking into reflooring my new home, with a budget of course. During my research I've heard someone saying that given similar parameters of the SPC planks (i.e. same plank thickness, same wear layer thickness, same underlayment thickness, similar functionalities waterproof or UV protection etc.) the brand to brand variations would be small, and some made in China products may even outperform the made in Germen or US ones, due to the cheaper labour costs. Is this statement somewhat true though? thank you so much for any comment, will really appreciate your opinion. Have been watching you vids and you are such a knowledgable and experienced man to me. thank you so much!!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I would agree that the differences between brands are often very small in terms of the normal day to day needs in the home. Most of your largest brands have their product at least in part made in China so there are quality options that are made there. I would generally recommend sticking with the more established brand names that you can feel comfortable will stand behind the product if there are any manufacturing issues.

[@swisss.3252]

@@RemodelWithRobert thank you so much Robert for your comment that’s definitely great input for me to make decisions! Looking forward to your new vids

[@buttercupflower27]

What’s the difference with luxury vinyl waterproof flooring

[@davec3706]

I have a current claim in due to a diswasher leak. I have some older pergo going from my kitchen into differant various rooms as continious flooring however they are saying due to a transition strip at one of the 32" doorways, they will not pay for these other areas past this point. From my research, this is a installation requirment to stop the floor from possibly buckeling to meet warranty. They are replacing just partial now which will not match the other rooms now. What is your thought on this? Loved your video buy the way. Best I hve seen!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Dave, I'm planning to post a video on insurance replacement as that is an area I have a lot of experience. The transition strip brealing point is not uncommon among insurance companies and I have even seen insurance companies not cover continuous carpet through a doorway. A lot can depend on specific insurance company and specific policy but that is not uncommon.

[@femineity]

Another REALLY informative video! THANK YOU, Robert! I do have a question I'm sure you get asked a lot and that is... Where are YOU located? I'd LOVE to have you and your company help me with my flooring decision & installation choices! Let me guess??? You're located somewhere in Canada, right? (😊)

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Haha, I am actually in Arizona. I do get to work with a lot of our winter visitors from Canada though!

[@femineity]

@@RemodelWithRobert How about your winter/spring/summer/fall visitors from saaaay, Illinois? I mean, you wouldn't be (safely) visiting any friends or relatives in let's say, CHICAGO, WOULD JAH?! (there's no harm in asking, right? I mean, a girl can dream!🤷🏽‍♀️(😊) Thanks for the response, & for being such a good sport. It's just that when I find people like you that have such great educated information in your field that have channels aimed at helping consumers make educated, informed choices, especially for people like myself whose budgets are limited, knowing what to look for and the right questions to ask, knowing something about the materials and how to protect my investment, it's REALLY IMPORTANT! I, like I'm sure many others, simply don't have the money to waste! So thanks again, Robert, for sharing your knowledge and caring about others who are interested in having spaces we live in and love, the best they can be and done right, THE FIRST TIME! (You Floridians are really lucky to have Robert in your mist!)

[@dioncrudup724]

How do I put laminated floor on my stairs?

[@sarahlee988]

I have an older dog who pees in the floor. We do clean it up immediately. I'm so torn on if I should do waterproof laminate, or waterproof vinyl stone core. I really like the waterproof laminate and I know it claims "waterlock seams" but I'm concerned the pee will seep though and smell then always smell. He doesn't pee all day, but a few times a week he does. What do you recommend?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

You can confidently use a laminate product like revwood. Waterproof LVT and laminate both have joints and the LVT waterproof products do not have a better joint than the laminate. It is in the core structure that the main waterproof differences come into play.

[@kathydevries6513]

I am wondering if there is any reason a laminate flooring cannot be installed over a new rolled linoleum flooring? We are purchasing a new modular home that comes with the linoleum already installed but would like to put a laminate floor down over it.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I would never make an absolute call on this without seeing the specific home, but I would say there shouldnt be any reason that you can't go over the existing vinyl assuming that it is well adhered and firm.

[@jl-7992]

Can you do heated flooring under these types of materials?

[@Isleskye]

Great question!

[@Piertu]

Depending on the manufacture’s installation requirements . They do make heat pads that would go under but you would have to make sure you select a product that is approved for the in floor heat.

[@kgabby4451]

So are you saying quick step is just as good as Mohawk redwood? Or, less quality but comparable click and snap? Tnx

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Mohawk owns Quickstep and the lines are very similar. Some of the products are made in the same plant. I prefer the collections in the Mohawk line but Quickstep is one of the best products in the industry, which is why Mohawk purchased the company.

[@madelynealvarez5090]

I’m really interested in knowing which of these waterproof floors would be better as a pet urine proof. That’s my main concern. I’m afraid of the urine sipping under the planks. What do you recommend?

[@brespeed3633]

Don't get laminate get tile

[@653j521]

When there is flooding, does the warranty or insurance cover the laminate? I would think at the rate of improvement in flooring, you might benefit from using insurance money for a do over.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Insurance would be the correct course of action. I am actually planning to do a couple of videos relating to insurance replacements.

[@conorchaser8326]

Thank you laminate it is!

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Thanks for watching. Check out my newest laminate videos to see some amazing looking products that just came out this past year!

[@MrOsasco]

What if I install waterproof vinyl over existing engineered wood, could water penetrate the vinyl joints and affect the old engineered wood underneath?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

If the wood underneath is flat and level and the lvt is properly installed, normal water spills shouldnt penetrate the joints. However, most products will not warranty the floor over the engineered wood so if something went wrong you would likely be on your own. Worth looking at the specific installation instructions for whatever product you purchase.

[@damianhumphery217]

Can you put laminate wood etc over a tiled floor .

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I'll make a video on this soon! But short answer is yes, under specific circumstances. There are a lot of reasons that you would still be better off to remove the tile so I'll make a more in depth video to cover that fully!

[@soldance2001]

How do you feel about Mohawk vs Pergo Porffolio+ (Lowes)? Are they comparable?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I just released a new video on the nrwest Mohawk laminate. It is definitely a big step up from any Lowes products in my opinion.

[@Jaylowrider]

Balancing layers are a huge issue that you didn’t mention. Also moisture mitigation from below with these products 👍 otherwise great video

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Great points. I thought I mentioned the moisture from below but you are 100% correct. A common mistake I see all the time is installs without a moisture barrier because people assume waterproof means they dont need one. The moisture pressure creates damage to the joints and cupping which creates far more moisture related problems in LVT than laminates strictly by absence of an underlayment. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@cindylou9810]

I’m very interested in the Mohawk ReWood Plus laminate flooring, but it seems like all the dealers have a negative response to laminate and direct me to LVT. I have Wilsonart laminate now and love it. Unfortunately, Wilsonart is no longer in business.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

We carried Wilsonart before they got out of flooring and they were the premier laminate manufacturer at the time, great product. I see a lot of contractors and retailers pushing the waterproof vinyl very heavily and think that the waterproof element is way over emphasized personally. The reason I myself am so partial to Mohawk Revwood is largely because it looks so much better, as well as being more scratch resistant than most the vinyl products. Couple that with the fact that it is less expensive than most vinyl planks and it is the clear choice for me. With that said, we carry about 10 different vinyl planks brands ourselves and ultimately I believe in trying to find the right product for each client based on what they tell me they are looking for, and not just what I personally believe in. Hopefully you settle on a store that really listens to your needs, and doesn't try to sway you to any particular product without good reason! Best of luck

[@cindylou9810]

@@RemodelWithRobert You said that you like a line of RevWood Select. What line is that? I'm having trouble in my area finding dealers that carry the full line of RevWood to look at.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

@@cindylou9810 My personal favorite is the Boardwalk Collective line, Color Sand Dune. There are a lot of great options depending on what style you are looking for.

[@brannonmiller5548]

What I don't understand being a home ower with oak flooring. My flooring is sanded smooth, stained, and polyurethane applied. There is no texture feel and I wouldn't want at texture because it would scratch easier and be harder to clean. Why is there texture in the Vinyl and Ceramic wood grain planks?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Many styles of real wood have features such as wire brushing, handscraping, bevelled edges, chattermarks and other textures. The manmade products are often made to mimic these styles of wood as opposed to a more traditional oak floor with minimal texture . Hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@ashleywanamakerlusk]

So if you had 3 small children and worked outdoors a lot, but are wanting a high end wood look, tell me what your product of choice would be?

[@RemodelWithRobert]

I would either go with a high quality wood that has a matte finish and some natural character already built in, knowing you are going to add some more of your own...or go check out my recent videos on the best laminate for 2022 where I review my favorite choice for a wood look in active homes.

[@marya4717]

Many folks don't realize that while the actual vinyl may be "waterproof, this doesn't mean the flooring underneath is waterproof. Most have a water or vapor barrier underneath and this must be taken up and allowed to dry or mold and mildew will form. So while the material of vinyl plank itself is waterproof, you will still need to take up the floor to address water or flooding on the floor. Saying the plank doesn't go all the way to the walls so air will circulate underneath is incorrect. Floor should be taken up an allowed to dry underneath.

[@RemodelWithRobert]

Yes! The 12:27 mark is where I start talking about "waterproof vs floodproof" and all the reasons the floor has to be replaced in these scenarios.

[@jeffreyd508]

You look like Lochlyn Munro

[@Lolatyou332]

Laminate sucks IMO. They are always thin and they bow easier and results in needing replacement after a short period of time. I would never personally decide to use laminate.

[@crystalline9098]

The higher grades of laminate are 12mm thick, which kinda differs from what you get at the big box stores. I’ve had two flooring retailers state that the Revwood by Mohawk is a pretty great laminate flooring and they rarely have callbacks from their customers on it versus other flooring they carry. I hope this is true as I just invested in it!

[@brettbarce8563]

This guys a joke