Does wood-look vinyl flooring have good water resistance? [Answered]

Vinyl flooring is a modern, durable flooring solution chosen by many families as a replacement for natural laminate flooring. In Vietnam's tropical climate with sudden rains and year-round humidity, the water resistance of the floor is a crucial factor determining its durability and safety for the home.

So, can vinyl flooring withstand water? Do all types of vinyl flooring offer 100% water resistance? What is the actual usage experience? Let's find out in the article below?

Does wood-look vinyl flooring have good water resistance?

Yes. Wood-look vinyl flooring has excellent water resistance thanks to its PVC core that does not absorb moisture. Water cannot penetrate the flooring planks, preventing them from warping, bubbling, or becoming infested with termites, unlike natural laminate flooring or laminate flooring.

Based on 12 years of installation experience, Thien Ha Floor has observed that in real-life usage scenarios such as daily cleaning, accidental spills, or high-humidity areas like kitchens and laundry rooms, vinyl flooring performs well, maintaining its shape and stable color.

However, each type of vinyl flooring has a different level of water resistance.

Water resistance of glue-down vinyl flooring

For glue-down vinyl flooring, installers must apply a layer of specialized adhesive to the subfloor before laying the vinyl. If the subfloor has high moisture content, the flooring is not laid tightly, or the adhesive is of poor quality, the planks may shift, creating gaps. Water can seep underneath, causing the adhesive to lose its bonding strength. Consequently, the flooring may peel, bubble, or get damaged over time.

Therefore, if installed correctly with genuine adhesive, glue-down vinyl flooring still offers good water resistance and can be used comfortably in daily activities.

(Note: Self-adhesive vinyl flooring is cheaper, but the integrated adhesive often lacks the strong bonding power of separate adhesives, making it much more prone to peeling.)

Water resistance of click-lock vinyl flooring

Click-lock vinyl flooring offers the best water resistance as it does not use adhesive, eliminating concerns about peeling. However, if the joints are not sealed tightly or the product is of poor quality, water can still seep into the subfloor, leading to mold and unpleasant odors over time.

In summary, under normal usage conditions, vinyl flooring has excellent water resistance and is not affected by temperature changes or high humidity. However, if water is accidentally spilled on the floor, you should wipe it up immediately and absolutely avoid prolonged submersion to maintain its durability and best protect the flooring.

Wood-look vinyl flooring for the living room

Comparison of water resistance between wood-look vinyl flooring and laminate flooring

Wood-look vinyl flooring has better water resistance than laminate flooring, similar to ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tiles are laid using cement mortar or specialized adhesive, then grouted with white cement or tile grout. If installed correctly, water can hardly penetrate the floor surface, unless the grout cracks or deteriorates over time.

Laminate flooring is made from compressed wood particles (HDF) combined with moisture-resistant additives. The surface is coated with melamine or laminate to limit direct water penetration, but the wood core naturally absorbs moisture. When water stagnates in the joints for a long time, moisture seeps into the core, causing the planks to swell, warp, or bubble. High-end laminate flooring can withstand water for 24–72 hours, but still does not achieve the near-absolute water resistance of SPC vinyl flooring or ceramic tiles.

Wood-look vinyl flooring (especially SPC click-lock vinyl flooring) installed with a smart click-lock system offers 100% water resistance. It is an effective and increasingly popular alternative to laminate flooring.

Comparison of water resistance between vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, and ceramic tiles

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is wood-look vinyl flooring waterproof?

High-quality wood-look vinyl flooring can withstand water for several hours to a few days without affecting the surface. However, to extend the floor's lifespan, you should wipe up spills immediately and avoid prolonged submersion.

2. Which type of wood-look vinyl flooring is the most water-resistant?

Among wood-look vinyl flooring types, SPC click-lock vinyl flooring is considered the most water-resistant. Glue-down vinyl flooring also offers good water resistance. However, as it depends on the adhesive layer, if water seeps underneath and causes the adhesive to lose its bond, the floor may peel or bubble.

3. Can vinyl flooring be installed in bathrooms?

It is not recommended to install vinyl flooring in bathrooms. Instead, opt for ceramic tiles or stone cladding for safety and long-term durability. Vinyl flooring is only suitable for dry areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, offices, shops, etc.

Conclusion

Wood-look vinyl flooring has excellent water resistance if you choose high-quality options like Galaxy Eco vinyl flooring, Galaxy Eco Premium, Matfloor vinyl flooring, etc.

To ensure high durability, you should:

• Choose vinyl flooring from reputable brands.
• Have it installed by a professional team.
• Select the appropriate flooring type for the intended use of each area.

If you need detailed consultation on wood-look vinyl flooring that suits your needs, contact Hotline 0909 192 557 immediately for free expert support.

Thien Ha Floor – Leading reputable vinyl flooring supplier in Vietnam.