Hardwood floors have been a part of numerous households for ages. Due to their exceptional durability and timeless beauty, hardwood floors are the top choice for many homeowners. The benefits of hardwood floors are clear, but one thing that confuses homeowners is whether hardwood floors are waterproof. Here is some information regarding whether hardwood floors are waterproof.
Many homeowners look for waterproof flooring, especially when looking for flooring in the areas that get wet easily, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Since hardwood floors provide aesthetic appeal and charm to homes, many people want them throughout the house but are forced to think about other options because of the uncertainty surrounding their waterproofing. So here we have gathered some information to clear the confusion, about whether hardwood floors are waterproof, and if they should be considered for moisture-prone areas.
Hardwood floors and water
We have always heard wood and water never get along. Solid hardwood floors are made of natural wood, which is porous and absorbs water easily. It can withstand drops or splashes of water if wiped immediately. But pet accidents, snow, or bucket-filled water, if not wiped immediately, can damage the hardwood flooring. The wood absorbs the liquid, causing its fibers to expand, resulting in swelling, warping, and breakage of the floor. So, hardwood floors are not waterproof but can be water resistant.
Waterproof vs water-resistant hardwood flooring
Most hardwood floors sold in the market are water resistant and not waterproof. It is crucial to know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant flooring. Water resistance means that there is a protective layer or barrier that does not cause the water to absorb quickly. It prevents the moisture from penetrating the wood for a short duration, giving time to wipe off the liquid. However, if the liquid is left neglected for a longer duration, it may penetrate and cause damage to the hardwood flooring.
Waterproof hardwood floors prevent water from penetrating indefinitely, resulting in no damage to the wood. They are recommended for areas mostly exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Are waterproof hardwood floors available?
Waterproof hardwood floors do exist. Solid hardwood floors are not waterproof, but engineered hardwood floors can handle high amounts of humidity throughout the year. Traditional engineered hardwood floors are not waterproof, but some manufacturers have introduced waterproof engineered hardwood floors that have waterproof layering present at the core.
The waterproof engineered hardwood floor has a wood veneer mixed with a durable and waterproof core layer made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or stone plastic composite (SPC) that resists water absorption and warping more than the traditional engineered hardwood floors with plywood base. Waterproof hardwood floor is designed to keep out moisture and water from the bottom to the top, in contrast to solid hardwood floors, protected by a water-resistant sealant applied on the surface.
It does not make engineered hardwood floors completely waterproof, as the veneer, which is the solid hardwood, is attached to the core and can be damaged when there are large amounts of water that completely submerges it. So waterproof engineered hardwood flooring may prevent the core from damage, but the surface of the flooring may be prone to water damage in case of flooding or pipe bursts.
How can you make your hardwood floors waterproof?
If you have already installed hardwood floors in the house and wondering if you can make them waterproof, then here are some ways and steps that you can follow to make solid hardwood floors resistant to water damage but cannot make them 100% waterproof.
- Clean the hardwood floor thoroughly
- Fill the gaps or repair damage
- Sanding
- Apply sealer
- Maintain the finishing of hardwood floors
- Clean the spills immediately
Before waterproofing the hardwood floor, it is important to clean the space thoroughly and remove any dust or debris. It is a crucial step so that the dust or debris does not trap under the sealing and give an unfinished or awful appearance to the flooring.
If there is any part of the flooring that is damaged or there are gaps in the flooring, it is important to fill the gaps or repair the damage so that water does not pass or fill these gaps and cause further damage to the floor.
Sanding can also be done to repair the wear and damage of the hardwood flooring before applying waterproof sealer. Sanding smoothens the uneven surface and provides a fresh and smooth base to work with. The smooth and flawless base will help you achieve better waterproofing results.
Finally, now you can apply waterproof sealers that act as a barrier for water to seep through the pores of the hardwood floors. You can find various waterproof sealants such as polyurethane, varnish, lacquer, or resin. Whatever sealant you use, it is recommended to apply three coats of the sealant for maximum water resistance.
The solid hardwood floors cannot be left unseen for a long time after waterproofing and require maintenance and finishing. Regular cleaning of the floor and applying finishing coats can increase the water resistance of the hardwood floors and keep them safe from any damage. You can use oils such as linseed or tung oils for protective finishing of the hardwood floors.
No matter how many waterproofing techniques and products you apply to hardwood floors, they can still be damaged by water if not maintained or neglected for a long duration. If accidental spills occur, they should be wiped out as soon as possible with a cloth to prevent the water from penetrating through the pores or causing any kind of damage.
Conclusion
Hardwood floors have numerous benefits that elevate the charm of your house. However, the fact that hardwood floors are not waterproof is concerning and complicates the decision to install them throughout the house. Manufacturers have begun to market engineered hardwood flooring, which they say are waterproof but are not 100% waterproof and too costly for many people to purchase.
While it is possible to manually waterproof your hardwood floors to minimize water damage, hiring a professional to do the job will improve the outcome for you.
