A Closer Look at “Waterproof” Hardwood Flooring: Innovative Product or Clever Marketing?

The flooring industry has seen a surge in products labeled as “waterproof” hardwood flooring. This new category of flooring promises the natural beauty and durability of hardwood with the added benefit of being impervious to water. But the big question remains: Are these products truly waterproof, or is it just clever marketing?

Understanding “Waterproof” Hardwood Flooring

First, it’s essential to distinguish between “waterproof” and “water-resistant”. “Waterproof” means impervious to water, while “water-resistant” indicates that the material can repel water to some degree but may eventually succumb to prolonged exposure.

“Waterproof” hardwood flooring is essentially engineered hardwood with advanced waterproofing technology. These floors have a top layer of real hardwood and an inner core made from materials like high-density fiberboard (HDF) or stone plastic composite (SPC). The entire plank is sealed with a waterproof coating on all sides, making it resistant to water penetration​.

Real-World Performance

Manufacturers of “waterproof” hardwood flooring claim their products can withstand standing water for extended periods without swelling, warping, or staining. This is achieved through a combination of tightly locking planks and protective coatings​. However, as this technology is relatively new, long-term performance data is still emerging.

Tests and initial feedback suggest that these products are highly water-resistant, significantly more so than traditional hardwood. For example, some products have been submerged in water for 24 hours without showing damage​. Nevertheless, caution is advised, as no flooring is entirely foolproof against severe water exposure over a long time.

Warranty Limitations

Although manufacturers of “waterproof” hardwood flooring promise that their product truly is waterproof and often offer “no exclusion” warranties, a closer look into their warranties might reveal some discrepancies about their promises. Many of these “no exclusion” warranties seem to include several caveats, such as their “waterproof” products are not designed to withstand flooding from plumbing leaks or leaking appliances, or to withstand water or moisture in the subfloor or underneath the flooring, such as from subfloor hydrostatic pressure.

Promises of their “waterproof” hardwood flooring products being naturally resistant to mold and mildew are also addressed by these caveats, stating that damage from mold and/or mildew growth, caused by excessive moisture accumulating under the “waterproof” floor, is also not covered by their warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Versatility: Waterproof hardwood can be installed in areas traditionally considered off-limits to hardwood, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
2. Authenticity: It retains the look and feel of real wood, which synthetic alternatives like vinyl and laminate can only mimic​.
3. Durability: Many waterproof hardwood floors are also scratch-resistant, making them suitable for homes with pets and high foot traffic​.

Cons:

1. Cost: These floors are generally more expensive than traditional hardwood or synthetic alternatives​​.
2. Inability to Refinish: Unlike solid hardwood, waterproof hardwood flooring often cannot be sanded and refinished, which greatly limits its lifespan and ability to recover from surface damage​. Also, refinishing requires sanding the top layer or veneer of the floor, which would remove the “waterproof” finish and render your “waterproof” floor no longer waterproof.
3. Environmental Concerns: The chemicals used to seal most “waterproof” hardwood flooring are not eco-friendly and many have synthetic, plastic cores, which, when combined, make “waterproof” floors very harmful to the environment when they are discarded.
4. Fine Print: Although ‘waterproof’ hardwood manufacturers are not acting nefariously, it is important to understand the difference between what you as a homeowner assume the term “waterproof” means and what flooring manufacturers truly mean when making claims of “100% waterproof”.

Long-Term Investment in Real Hardwood

While “waterproof” hardwood may offer some compelling advantages, real solid hardwood remains a superior long-term investment for several reasons:

1. Longevity: Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing it to last for decades, if not a century, with proper care. At BreezeWood, even our engineered hardwood flooring is certified ‘refinishable’ by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), due to its industry-leading 5mm thick real wood veneer.
2. Value: Homes with real hardwood flooring often have higher resale values. Buyers appreciate the authenticity and durability of real wood​.
3. Sustainability: Real hardwood, especially when sourced sustainably as with BreezeWood Hardwood Flooring, offers an eco-friendly option. It’s a renewable resource that can be responsibly harvested and renewed over time. Combined with our VOC- and formaldehyde-free finishes, BreezeWood’s hardwood flooring products truly are the best and safest choice for your home, your family, and the planet.

Conclusion

While “waterproof” hardwood flooring products do seem to address a consumer need in today’s flooring market–bringing the beauty of hardwood to new spaces in the home–and while it is highly water-resistant and suitable for areas where traditional hardwood might be risky, it is essential to remember that no flooring is entirely impervious to water and the term “waterproof” is more of a marketing strategy than a definitive feature. For long-term value, sustainability, and the ability to refresh the floor’s appearance through refinishing, solid hardwood remains an unmatched investment.

To view or learn more about Ontario’s most sustainable and authentic wood floors, visit www.breezewoodfloors.ca or come by one of our 3 Ontario showrooms–Tillsonburg, Kitchener, or Orillia.

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