Everything You Need to Know About Waterproof Hardwood Flooring In 2024

Waterproof hardwood flooring sounds almost too good to be true. The beauty of real hardwood, in a completely waterproof package?

Many companies claim to sell waterproof hardwood flooring. But are these products actually waterproof? Are they actually real wood?

The truth is, waterproof hardwood flooring does exist—but it’s rare. And most of the products that claim to be waterproof hardwood are actually waterproof wood hybrids, or waterproof laminate floors.

That’s why below, we’re going to get down to the brass tacks and answer all of your questions including how well does it work, and how does it compare to other waterproof types of flooring.

Are Hardwood Floors Waterproof?

The simple answer is no, traditional hardwood floors are not inherently waterproof. Hardwood, by its nature, is a porous material that can absorb moisture. When exposed to water, hardwood can swell, warp, and buckle, leading to significant damage. 

This is why traditional hardwood flooring is typically not recommended for areas with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms, basements, or entryways where water exposure is frequent.

Do Waterproof Hardwood Floors Exist?

Waterproof hardwood flooring is absolutely real, so if you’ve been wanting that authentic wood floor bathroom to compliment the rest of your hardwood floor home, you’re in luck.

What’s the secret? Waterproof coatings are applied to otherwise normal hardwood. That’s it. It’s pretty much the exact same process that creates other types of waterproof floors. 

However, it’s not just solid hardwood that benefits from this technology. Engineered hardwood and engineered hybrid wood have also embraced waterproofing advancements, making them excellent options for areas prone to moisture.

Engineered Hardwood is crafted from multiple layers of wood, with a top layer of real hardwood veneer bonded over a core of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or plywood. This construction provides greater stability and resistance to warping compared to solid hardwood. 

The waterproofing process for engineered hardwood involves applying a waterproof coating to both the veneer and the core layers. This ensures that not only the surface but the entire plank is protected from moisture, making engineered hardwood a practical choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Engineered Hybrid Wood goes a step further by combining the best features of hardwood and other resilient materials. Hybrid floors typically consist of a rigid core made from stone-plastic composite (SPC) or wood-plastic composite (WPC), topped with a layer of real hardwood or high-quality wood-look veneer. 

This hybrid construction offers exceptional durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. The waterproof coating is applied to the hardwood or veneer layer, providing the authentic look of wood while ensuring the plank is impervious to water.

Can You Make Existing Hardwood Flooring Waterproof?

The short answer is no.

To be impervious to standing water, floors have to be waterproof from all directions—above, below, and between planks. So even if you had the technology to make your floors waterproof at home (which you most likely don’t), you would only be able to seal the top—not the bottom or sides.

Even with a high-quality sealant applied to the surface, water can still seep through the gaps between planks, as well as from below through the subfloor. This leaves the edges and undersides of the wood vulnerable to moisture damage. 

Additionally, the natural expansion and contraction of wood create small gaps that can allow water to penetrate. Proper waterproofing requires a comprehensive approach that typically involves specialized manufacturing processes and materials, which are not feasible for a DIY project on existing floors.

Pros of Waterproof Flooring

Water Resistance

The most obvious advantage of waterproof flooring is its ability to withstand water exposure. This makes it an ideal choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and entryways. 

Unlike traditional hardwood, waterproof flooring will not swell, warp, or buckle when exposed to water, ensuring long-term durability and stability.

Durability

Waterproof flooring is generally more durable than standard hardwood. The sealants and finishes that many brands use to make hardwood waterproof flooring also make it scratch-resistant. 

Considering both features, this easily makes waterproof hardwood flooring some of the best wood flooring for homes with pets.

Ease of Maintenance

Waterproof flooring is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Spills and messes can be wiped up quickly without worrying about water damage. Regular sweeping or vacuuming, combined with occasional mopping, is usually sufficient to keep the floors looking new.

Versatility

Advances in manufacturing have made it possible to create waterproof flooring in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures. Whether you prefer the classic look of oak, the rustic charm of hickory, or the sleek appearance of walnut, there is a waterproof option to suit your aesthetic preferences.

This means that waterproof hardwood flooring can go almost anywhere indoors, including your bathroom or the kitchen.

Comfort

Many types of waterproof flooring, especially those with a cushioned underlayment, provide a comfortable surface to walk on. This is particularly beneficial in homes where people spend a lot of time standing, such as in kitchens or living rooms.

Value Addition

Installing waterproof flooring can increase the value of your home. Buyers often prefer hardwood to other types of flooring—regardless of what kind of wood flooring it is. To that end, waterproof hardwood is good for resale value.

Cons of Waterproof Flooring

Cost

One of the main drawbacks of waterproof flooring is its cost. The advanced materials and manufacturing processes used to create these floors often make them more expensive than traditional hardwood or other flooring options. 

However, the silver lining is that the cost to install engineered hardwood floors (waterproof or not) can be a little cheaper than installing solid hardwood, primarily due to the ease of installation and the use of less expensive core materials. 

Installation Challenges

Installing waterproof flooring can be more complex than installing traditional hardwood. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the flooring’s waterproof capabilities, which may require professional assistance. This can add to the overall cost and time involved in the project.

Refinishing Generally Isn’t Possible

In order to refinish any hardwood flooring, you have to strip it first. And if you strip waterproof hardwood flooring, you’ll be removing its waterproof finish. 

Fortunately, most waterproof hardwood brands offer warranties spanning decades, so there may be less of a need to refinish it to begin with.

Potential for Discoloration

Over time, some waterproof coatings can discolor or fade, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. While this is not a widespread issue, it can affect the appearance of your floors and may require additional protective measures, such as using rugs or UV-resistant window treatments.

Environmental Concerns

Generally speaking, hardwood is a double-edged sword when it comes to environmentally-friendly flooring. 

On the one hand, wood flooring is naturally derived and biodegradable. On the other hand, hardwood species can take a long time to mature and harvest. Producing hardwood flooring can also be resource-intensive (deforestation, the use of heavy machinery, etc.)

Additionally, the chemicals used to seal most waterproof hardwood flooring aren’t very eco-friendly. When it’s time to replace your flooring, these old sealants still need to be disposed of properly, as they can’t simply be discarded without considering their environmental impact.

It’s also worth noting that many of the waterproof hardwood flooring products on the market have synthetic (aka) plastic cores—so they aren’t biodegradable either.