Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular types of flooring for kitchen and living room renovation projects. Many homeowners assume that the hardwood will protect their floors from water damage. However, hardwood is not waterproof, and while hardwood is one of the more durable flooring materials available on the market, it can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water.
As hardwood absorbs moisture, it can swell, warp, or rot, potentially resulting in costly repairs down the line. It’s important to take steps to protect hardwood floors from water damage in order to extend their lifespan.
What Happens if Water Gets on Hardwood Floors?
Hardwood floors bring a beautiful, timeless elegance to any home, which is why it is so important to take preventative measures to protect them.
If untreated solid hardwood floors are subject to prolonged water exposure, it can cause cupping– a phenomenon in which one side of the wood absorbs more moisture than the other, leading the edges to raise and the center to lower.
If hardwoods come into contact with too much water, it can cause swelling of the boards which results in an uneven and warped appearance. This can happen if liquid is left to sit on the hardwood or if there is flooding near hardwood floors as both issues will cause boards to absorb too much moisture and expand.
Water is an enemy of hardwood floors, and can cause disastrous results if it’s not dealt with promptly. Warping is one of the most common issues occurring when water gets on hardwood floors. In this case, the moisture causes the entire board(s) to bend or twist out of shape, creating further complications.
If water gets on hardwood floors, it needs to be taken care of immediately, as it can seep into the cracks between the boards and cause rotting which may be irreparable.
What Kind of Wood Flooring is Waterproof?
Handsome hardwood flooring has always been known for its ‘timeless’ beauty and classic elegance, but with more and more people leaning towards practicality when it comes to their homes, hardwood flooring may not be the best choice if you’re looking for something water-resistant. Thankfully, engineered hardwood flooring gives you the best of both worlds — hardwood looks combined with enhanced waterproof capabilities.
Constructed from multiple layers of wood with a hard wearing veneer layer on top, engineered wood flooring is virtually waterproof hardwood flooring that can withstand spills, splashes and humidity without any major damage.
What’s the Difference Between Natural Hardwood and Engineered Wood Flooring?
Natural hardwood flooring is made from a solid piece of wood and is a popular choice for its natural elegance. However, it should not be confused with waterproof wood flooring– it can be at risk of warping, cracking, and cupping due to moisture exposure.
Conversely, engineered wood flooring consists of several wood layers that are bonded together. The top layer is thin veneer made from natural wood, such as oak or maple, while the core layers consist of plywood or high-density fiberboard materials. This composite wood construction provides increased stability over natural wood flooring and reduced risk of damage caused by moisture exposure, making it a viable option for waterproof hardwood floors.
MrHomeImprove – Tips & Info to Help Keep Your Home in Tip-Top Shape
When embarking on renovation projects, large or small, it’s important to have access to the right information. Whether you are planning on remodeling a small house or just adding some waterproof flooring to one room, our renovation guides have all the advice and tips you need to make sure your project turns out just as you envisioned. Read up on the latest renovation trends for even more inspiration for your next project!
