Waterproof or Water-Resistant Flooring: Which One Do I Need in My Basement?

What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?

• Water-resistant: the floor can take spills and wet mopping if you wipe the water up. It may still be harmed by water that sits for a long time.
• Waterproof: the plank itself is not harmed by water. Water can still get under the floor at the edges, so the slab and the walls still matter.

The FloorBox Vinyl page says vinyl is fully synthetic, so it suits basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms. It says vinyl will not warp in wet conditions the way laminate can.

How do I read the water lines on a product page?

Open the specifications and look for two lines: Water Resistant and Waterproof. Then read the description.

• The Planchers 1867 Vinyl Planks Evolution Magma Pro Fog Click Lock 5-7/8" x 48" says 100% Waterproof in its description and lists Water Resistant: Yes.
• The Fuzion Flooring Vinyl Planks Dynamix Endure Hopewell Click Lock 7" x 48" calls the floor waterproof, and very resistant to heat and cold.
• The Torlys Smart Floors Vinyl Planks RigidWood Firm Vista Mooring Click Lock 6" x 47-3/4" lists Water Resistant: Yes and Moisture Resistant: Yes. Its page says the joint keeps any water on the surface of the floor.
• The Planchers 1867 Laminate Flooring Concerto XL Baryton Oak 7" x 48" lists Water Resistant: No and Waterproof: No. Keep it for dry rooms, and wipe spills right away.

Why does the joint matter?

Most water damage starts at the edges where planks meet. A tight joint keeps water on top, where you can wipe it up. That is why the RigidWood Firm page talks about its joint. For more on how click joints work, see How Does Click Vinyl Flooring Lock Together.

Can I put a waterproof floor on any basement slab?

Check that the floor is made for below grade. Below grade means below ground level, where most basement floors are. Hopewell lists on, above or below grade. RigidWood Firm lists On, Above and Below.

A waterproof plank does not dry out a damp slab. Water can still collect under it. The Torlys guide asks for a moisture test on concrete before install: 80% relative humidity or less, read with a probe in the slab. FloorBox sells tools for this, like the Centura Concrete Moisture Test Starter Kit with Rapid RH L6. More are in Moisture Testing Tools.

What can I add under the floor to help with moisture?

A subfloor panel lifts the floor off the concrete. The Barricade Air Plus Subfloor Panel 2' x 2' x 3/4" lists Moisture Resistant: Yes. Its page says it helps protect against the moisture that causes mold and mildew, under any finished floor.

Which floor should I pick for a basement?

Start with these three questions:

1. Does the page list below grade? If not, pick another floor for the basement.
2. Does it say waterproof, or only water-resistant? Waterproof gives more room for error near a laundry area or a sump.
3. Did the slab pass the moisture test from the floor's install guide? If not, fix that first.

FloorBox click planks are in Vinyl Planks. Laminate is in Laminate Floors.