The most significant advantage of waterproof wood flooring is that you can finally use hardwood in places never possible. That means spaces like bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and sometimes kitchens.
Anywhere where you must live in fear that water can soak away your investment in hardwood.
With waterproofing, all bets are on the table. If your kids splash water on your bathroom floor, it’s no major concern. If your basement has higher than average humidity, so what? You can enjoy waterproof wood flooring wherever you want in your home.
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Due to its engineered construction, waterproof wood flooring is generally more scratch-resistant than some solid hardwoods. That is especially true for softer hardwood floors like pine, birch, or cherry.
Waterproof hardwood floors let you use the real deal versus more synthetic solutions like vinyl that only mimic wood. Those solutions have lots of pluses, like waterproof performance and scratch resistance. But they aren’t real hardwood.
As mentioned, waterproof or water-resistant hardwood floors typically have one thing in common. They’re engineered floors. If you aren’t overly familiar with engineered hardwood flooring, it has these two features versus solid hardwood:
1. A composite core that uses plywood or high-density fiberboard. That core uses a crisscrossed pattern to add stability, meaning it’s less susceptible to swelling and contracting. The bottom line is that your floors have a water-resistant, if not fully waterproof, core.
2. A wear layer featuring genuine hardwood, be it white oak, maple, hickory, or other species. That hardwood veneer makes it real hardwood rather than a photographic impression like vinyl. The top layer uses finishes like aluminum oxide, making the flooring highly scratch-resistant and durable.
All that differs from solid hardwood, which uses one piece of wood for each plank. You can learn more about engineered vs. solid hardwood flooring here.
You might not be overly familiar with waterproof hardwood flooring. That’s because it’s a reasonably rare find. Not too many manufacturers offer it, instead relying on wood-look alternatives.
But for genuine hardwood lovers, Bruce®, for example, has assumed a prominent spot. Its Hydropel™ waterproof wood flooring lets you use wood, even in bathrooms.
Hydropel’s innovative composition adds waterproofing to all six sides of a floor’s planks. So the top, bottom, sides, and ends all include a treatment that makes them waterproof.
Equally important, the flooring exudes real-wood character. You can choose from Hickory and Oak flooring in 11 colors. For an added rustic touch, you can select different finishes, even hand-scraped or wire-brushed textures. The flooring even includes 5-inch-wide planks to capture today’s trend.
Hydropel is scratch-resistant. So, your floors will look pristine longer with proper maintenance. You’ll even get the benefit of a 50-year residential warranty.
Water-resistant wood flooring is more of a staple than waterproof hardwood. Due to their core’s construction, most engineered floors offer some resistance.
Some engineered hardwoods, however, kick things up a notch. Here’s another area where Bruce has taken the lead with its award-winning Dogwood® densified wood flooring.
Unlike standard engineered floors, Bruce uses a process that hardens each plank beyond its normal strength. For instance, oak has a Janka rating , making it a durable flooring species. Once densified, that rating climbs to over , nearly tripling the wood’s hardness.
You’ve seen what the world offers for waterproof and water-resistant wood flooring. If you’re still not sold, look to wood-look flooring options for moisture protection. Most people generally consider rigid-core vinyl flooring as the gold standard.
Like engineered hardwood, rigid core floors have a composite core. That core can be wood or stone, with either offering waterproofing.
Wood plastic composite (WPC) flooring uses wooden materials like plasticizers or wood flour. Because the core is wooden, the flooring is somewhat softer and more comfortable than SPC.
Stone plastic composite (SPC) flooring uses a stone composite, typically limestone. As you might expect, the stone core makes SPC rigid flooring especially strong and durable. SPC is so strong that commercial businesses often use it for high traffic. So you know it can handle what your home’s dwellers throw at it.
So there, you have three types of flooring designed to relieve water concerns. So, you can enjoy genuine wood flooring or wood-look flooring anywhere in your home.
Bruce has you covered with all three options. Each is easy to maintain. Each handle everyday wear and tear. And each comes with a wide selection of colors and styles to fit your decor.
Best of all, you can see them in your room before buying and installing them. Use our floor visualizer app and select the waterproof flooring you like. Then, see how it looks in your room within seconds. When you’re ready to buy, use our store locator to find a Bruce dealer near you.
February 13,
Selecting the perfect hardwood floor helps make your house a home. It can create a foundation of lasting beauty for generations. Whether renovating a single room or planning a whole-house upgrade, understanding your options ensures you’ll make choices that bring joy for years.
Two main categories of hardwood flooring stand out: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Each has its own advantages, and understanding these differences is crucial for making the right choice for your space.
Solid hardwood flooring is renowned for its tradition and timeless appeal. Crafted from single pieces of high-quality wood, these floors tell a story that can span generations.
Their greatest strength lies in their longevity—they can be refinished multiple times with proper care. This allows you to restore them to their initial glory, adapt to changing design styles, and avoid floor replacement. They work exceptionally well in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, where their natural warmth creates an inviting atmosphere.
One downside is that they’re susceptible to water damage. Too much water can destroy solid wood flooring, and even humid conditions can cause warping and cupping, compromising its integrity.
That’s not a show-stopper, but you must be aware of where you place them to avoid concerns. For instance, bathrooms and basements are typically off-limits.
Engineered hardwood flooring does what solid hardwood can’t. It handles water at least to a point. These floors offer remarkable stability in various environments by layering real wood veneer over a carefully constructed core.
They excel in spaces where moisture and temperature fluctuations challenge solid wood flooring, making them ideal for basements and rooms with concrete subfloors. Some engineered hardwoods even deliver 100% water resistance.
Learn more about engineered hardwoods.
For example, HydroBlok™ from Hartco® is waterproof engineered hardwood. The floors handle water and offer incredible resilience to handle challenges from pets and kids.
It also includes Cleantivity™ Antimicrobial Protection to protect against odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Although engineered hardwoods offer these benefits, you can’t sand and refinish them as often as solid wood floors. For more extended wear, look for engineered wood featuring a thicker veneer.
Another entry into the wood flooring world is wood-look. It bridges the gap between coveted hardwood looks and today’s performance needs.
These innovative floors capture the warmth and character of natural wood while offering exceptional durability and moisture resistance. Perfect for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone areas, wood-look flooring allows you to maintain design consistency throughout your home without compromising on performance.
Thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques, these floors now offer incredibly realistic wood grain patterns and textures that can satisfy even discerning homeowners.
Hartco®’s EverGuard™ rigid core flooring, for example, is 100% waterproof and naturally resistant to scratches and dents. Thanks to its UV protective layer, you can install EverGuard anywhere in your home, even in three-season rooms.
Each space in your home presents challenges and opportunities for hardwood flooring. Some require maximum durability, while others must withstand splashes and staining.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 100% waterproof hardwood flooring. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Understanding these nuances helps you choose a design style and the performance you need.
Living spaces benefit from the timeless appeal of solid or engineered hardwood. These high-traffic areas demand durability without sacrificing style.
Consider wider planks for a contemporary feel that makes rooms appear more spacious, or stick with traditional narrow widths for a classic look that never goes out of style.
Kitchens are a mixed bag, facing temperature changes, spills, foot traffic, and heavy pots falling onto your floors. Engineered hardwood and wood-look flooring are well-suited here.
Their stable construction handles these challenges while maintaining the warm, inviting look of hardwood, making your kitchen the heart of the home.
Bedrooms offer maximum flexibility in your flooring choice. Solid, engineered hardwood and wood-look flooring each work beautifully in these private spaces. The key is selecting a finish and color that creates your perfect sanctuary.
These rooms are most challenging with high humidity, splashing, and standing water potential.
Traditional hardwood isn’t recommended due to moisture concerns. However, water-resistant engineered hardwood like HydroBlok is a perfect solution for those wanting genuine wood floors.
Bathrooms are another space where wood-look flooring options can address constant water concerns.
Your choice of wood color does more than complement your décor —it fundamentally affects how your space feels.
Light woods create an open, airy atmosphere that makes rooms feel more expansive and more contemporary. They also show less dust and pet hair, making them practical for busy households. Oak flooring, for example, has lighter tones that can brighten a room while offering excellent durability.
Medium-toned woods offer exceptional versatility, complementing virtually any design style while providing practical benefits. They effectively hide minor wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for active families.
Cherry and hickory are two solid choices that provide color balance and durability. Hickory, in particular, has an incredible personality that enlivens any room, making your floor the centerpiece of your design.
Dark woods add sophistication and drama to your space. They create a sense of luxury and formality, though they require more frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance. These rich tones work particularly well in formal dining rooms and studies.
Mahogany and walnut are classic options with rich, deep brown colors and showy grain patterns.
Installing your new hardwoods is step one. However, the critical next step is caring for them. Proper care ensures your hardwood floors remain beautiful for generations.
Daily maintenance involves prompt attention to spills, regular sweeping or vacuuming, and using appropriate entrance mats to catch dirt and debris before it reaches your floors.
Monthly care includes cleaning with manufacturer-approved products and checking for any signs of wear. Cleaners like Bruce® Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner are ideal for wood flooring.
Avoid steam mops, wet mops, and harsh chemicals that can damage your floor’s finish. Instead, use slightly damp microfiber mops and cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors.
Proactive cleaning is central to maintaining the luster of your floors. But there are other steps you can take to avoid unwanted scratches and damage.
Protecting your floors from furniture damage is crucial. Use felt pads under furniture legs, lift rather than drag heavy pieces, and consider adding rugs under frequently moved items like dining chairs.
Sunlight protection is vital to maintaining your floor’s beauty. Use window treatments during peak sun hours and periodically rearrange furniture and rugs to ensure even exposure and aging.
For homes with pets, keeping nails trimmed helps prevent scratches. You can help mitigate that concern by investing in engineered flooring like Dogwood® Pro from Hartco. Its densified wood is double the hardness of standard wood flooring.
Dogwood Pro also delivers:
Before making your final decision, consider these essential factors:
With decades of experience crafting quality hardwood flooring, Hartco understands your needs. Our commitment to excellence shows in every plank, including lifetime residential warranties on many of our flooring options.
Are you interested in learning more about Peel & Stick Vinyl Flooring? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!