Choosing the right flooring for your home or business is a significant decision. This aspect of your design not only impacts the overall aesthetic of a space but also affects durability, maintenance, and water resistance. Two of the most popular options today are luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and waterproof wood flooring, each offering unique advantages.

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Both options provide beauty, functionality, and resilience, but understanding each option's key differences and advantages can help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize the authentic look of real wood or the versatility and durability of vinyl, understanding these solutions will help you make an informed choice.

Aesthetic Appeal: The Look and Feel of Your Floors

Woodhills® Bali Buff Wood Flooring™ Oak

Flooring plays a crucial role in defining the atmosphere and style of a space. The right choice can enhance interior design by complementing furniture, color schemes, and décor.

Waterproof Wood

Our Woodhills® Collection captures the authentic beauty of natural wood while offering modern performance. Each plank features a hand-selected, brushed real wood veneer, delivering a warm and inviting look. The textures and rich grains create a classic and sophisticated ambiance, making waterproof wood an excellent option for homeowners who want genuine hardwood aesthetics without the risk of water damage.

Unlike traditional hardwood, which can warp or stain in moisture-prone areas, waterproof wood flooring is engineered to maintain its elegance even in kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. Its natural charm and added durability make it a sought-after choice for those who love real wood but need extra protection against moisture.

Luxury Vinyl Planks

Luxury vinyl planks, like that in our premium Everlife® Waterproof Flooring Collection, captures the authentic beauty of natural wood with remarkable precision. Utilizing advanced imaging technology, LVP features intricate wood grain patterns, realistic knots, and subtle texture variations that mirror the look and feel of traditional hardwood.

Homeowners can choose from a wide variety of colors, finishes, and styles, whether they prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic or a rustic, weathered wood look. The ability to achieve consistent high-definition visuals across the entire surface allows for seamless integration of LVP into any home or business design.

Durability & Maintenance: How Well Do These Floors Hold Up?

Andover Bellamy Brooks Luxury Vinyl Planks

Durability is crucial, particularly for high-traffic areas, busy households, and pet-friendly environments. Floors should be able to withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining their appearance over time.

Waterproof Wood

Waterproof wood combines the natural charm of hardwood with modern durability. Unlike solid wood, which is highly susceptible to water damage, these engineered planks feature a stone-based core that provides exceptional stability. This construction helps prevent warping, expansion, and contraction, making it suitable for areas with fluctuating humidity.

Additionally, these planks are designed with our advanced CrystaLux Ultra™ protective finish that boosts resilience against everyday wear. This specialized layer extends the product’s lifespan, ensuring it remains in top scratch-resistant condition despite daily foot traffic, spills, and other common household challenges.

Luxury Vinyl Planks

Luxury vinyl planks are renowned for toughness. All vinyl planks in the Everlife® Collection feature our exclusive CrystaLux™ protection, a wear layer that guards against scratches, scuffs, and stains. This makes these planks an excellent choice for busy families and the perfect “dog-friendly” option for pet owners.

Unlike traditional wood, which requires occasional refinishing, LVP maintains its pristine look with minimal effort. A simple cleaning routine of sweeping and damp mopping keeps it looking brand new. Its resistance to moisture, spills, and scratches makes it an attractive option for homeowners who prioritize a worry-free solution.

Water Resistance: Flooring that Stands Up to Moisture

Woodhills® Dorn Oak Wood Flooring™

Water resistance is one of the biggest concerns when selecting flooring, especially for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where spills and humidity are common.

Waterproof Wood

Unlike traditional hardwood, waterproof wood-like flooring is engineered to withstand moisture without compromising its integrity. Woodhills® planks incorporate an advanced waterproof core that prevents issues like warping, swelling, and staining from humidity and spills. Additionally, they are enhanced with our exclusive DryLuxe™ technology, providing a superior moisture barrier that ensures complete protection.

Beyond its waterproof nature, Woodhills® also prioritizes safety with its innovative ZeroSlip™ technology. This proprietary feature delivers outstanding slip resistance, offering a dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) that exceeds industry standards by at least 50%. This added traction enhances stability underfoot, making it a secure choice for households with children, pets, and elderly family members.

Luxury Vinyl Planks

MSI Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is 100% waterproof, making it an ideal choice for moisture-prone areas in both residential and commercial spaces. As part of our Everlife® Collection, it provides complete moisture protection, preventing water from seeping into the planks and ensuring long-term durability. This makes LVP particularly well-suited for spaces exposed to frequent spills, steam, and humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.

The tight, click-lock installation system and specialized backing layer also create a secure barrier against moisture, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth beneath the surface. This not only protects the longevity of the planks but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

Installation: How Easy Are These Floors to Install?

Cyrus® Grayton Luxury Vinyl Planks

Ease of installation is another important factor when selecting flooring. Both waterproof wood and luxury vinyl planks are designed for quick and efficient installation, making them suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike.

Waterproof Wood

MSI’s Woodhills® Collection features a patented click-lock system, which allows planks to fit securely together without requiring nails or adhesives. This makes installation faster and more straightforward compared to traditional hardwood. The planks can be installed as a floating floor over most subfloors, ensuring a tight, gap-free fit that remains stable over time.

Luxury Vinyl Planks

Luxury vinyl planks also offer a simple click-lock system, allowing for a floating installation over existing floors. This means minimal preparation work, as vinyl planks can be laid directly over tile, wood, or concrete without the need for adhesives. The ease of installation makes LVP an attractive option for homeowners looking for a quick and hassle-free upgrade.

Which Flooring is Right for You?

Choosing between waterproof wood and luxury vinyl planks depends on your priorities. If you want the warmth of real wood with added durability, waterproof wood is an excellent choice. For a budget-friendly, ultra-durable, moisture-proof option, luxury vinyl planks are ideal, especially for high-traffic spaces. Both offer style, resilience, and long-term performance, ensuring a beautiful and practical solution for any home or business.

Ready to transform your space? Browse a curated collection of waterproof wood and luxury vinyl planks in your area by visiting an MSI showroom nearby, or chat with us online for more information on our entire Everlife® Collection.

READ MORE ABOUT LUXURY VINYL FLOORING

Your Ultimate Guide To Waterproof Flooring

As the original creator of 100% waterproof, kidproof, petproof luxury vinyl plank and tile floors, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to waterproof flooring to help you find the perfect COREtec floor for your space.

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We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your flooring investment and which options best meet your needs, now and as they grow and change. We want your space to help you feel limitless.

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What Are The Differences Between Waterproof And Water-Resistant Flooring?

If you’ve done some research on hard surface flooring, you’ve likely come across "water-resistant" and "waterproof" performance claims. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there's a significant difference between the two when it comes to the level of protection each provides. 

Let's clear up any confusion: 

• Water-resistant flooring can withstand limited exposure to water, spills or moisture without causing immediate damage. However, prolonged exposure may still cause these floors to damage over time, as they are not designed with a waterproof core. Hardwood and laminate are great examples of floors that can have water-resistant features but may not be suitable for areas prone to frequent spills and accidents or higher levels of moisture and humidity.
• Waterproof flooring, on the other hand, provides a superior level of protection against moisture, humidity, spills and accidents. Hydrophobic finishes, waterproof cores and innovative locking technologies create a tight, protective barrier that prevents water or other liquids from seeping through to the subfloor and causing damage or odors. Waterproof luxury vinyl floors are perfect for areas prone to spills, accidents, moisture or humidity, like kitchens, entryways, playrooms, pet spaces, bathrooms and basements (or anywhere you want extra protection from water-related mishaps).

Why Should The Benefits Of Waterproof Flooring Matter To You?

When you choose waterproof flooring from COREtec, you're investing in a premium vinyl flooring experience. Here are the advantages that make COREtec waterproof floors a game-changer for your home or business: 

• Moisture Resistance: Spills and accidents happen, but with waterproof vinyl flooring, you won't have to worry about liquids seeping into your floor or subfloors and causing damage or odors. You can easily clean liquids and messes without leaving any traces behind. 
• Scratch Protection: Thanks to our industry-leading finishes all COREtec floors offer scuff resistance.
• Comfort: COREtec offers premium luxury vinyl flooring made from quality materials that enhance comfort and quiet in your space. Our Originals collection features our thickest floors, which create increased warmth underfoot and reduced noise. And styles featuring our attachedSoft Step underlayment provide even more comfort, warmth and quiet. 
• Durability: Our luxury vinyl floors are designed to protect against everyday wear and tear. All COREtec floors can handle the hustle and bustle of a busy household with ease. Our Pro collection is specially designed for high-traffic areas and can withstand the demands of most commercial spaces.
• Realistic Wood & Tile Designs: COREtec offers a wide range of stunning designs that mimic the beauty of natural hardwood and tile and stone. You can enjoy the desired aesthetics of wood or tile and stone without complicated, expensive installation or care and maintenance concerns. 
• Easy Cleaning & Maintenance: Taking care of waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring is a breeze. Regular sweeping and mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner like our Encore floor cleaner are all it takes to keep your floors looking great. is all it takes to keep your floors looking great. Please refer to our care and maintenance guidelines for proper use and additional information. 
• Versatility: Whether you're looking to install waterproof flooring in your kitchen, bathroom, basement or any other residential or light commercial space, COREtec has you covered at every step. Shop by collection or shop types of vinyl flooring by performance needs.

How To Install And Care For Waterproof Flooring

Whether you DIY or hire a professional, installing COREtec’s waterproof vinyl flooring is significantly easier than other hard surface options such as hardwood or tile that require nails, grout or messy adhesives. COREtec floors require no acclimation period and minimal subfloor prep (unlike hardwood and laminate), so you can install and live on your new floors in the same day. We provide detailed installation guidelines and video tutorials to ensure a hassle-free experience. If you prefer professional installation find a local flooring retailer near you.

Cleaning these floors is just as easy. All you have to do is sweep away dust, mop with an approved cleaner like COREtec Encore, and then damp mop with water (yay for waterproof protection!). With regular maintenance like this and limited lifetime warranties, you can be sure your COREtec floors are in it for the long haul.

Where Can Waterproof Flooring Be Installed?

The versatility of waterproof vinyl flooring is limitless. COREtec floors are suitable for a variety of spaces, including: 

• Kitchens: With waterproof floors in your kitchen, you can cook up a storm without worrying about spills and splashes. Our Pro collection is great for high-traffic spaces like your kitchen, and guards against dents & impacts.
• Bathrooms: Say goodbye to moisture-related woes in the bathroom. When properly installed over correct subfloor conditions, waterproof flooring ensures your floors remain in pristine condition. If you enjoy the look of tile in a bathroom (we don’t blame you), give our Tile collection a look – it saves time, money and hassle with easy, grout-free installation.
• Living Areas & Bedrooms: From the living room to your bedroom, our luxury vinyl flooring planks add a touch of elegance while providing ultimate protection. If you want cozy comfort in these spaces, our Originals styles are famous for their sound control and warmth underfoot. And if you want to crank the comfort dial even further, check out our premium Soft Step styles.
• Dining Rooms or Home Offices: Dining rooms have long been an area prone to scratches and scuffs where your floor may need extra protection. Home offices have been on the rise since the pandemic and can be susceptible to scratches from desk chairs or cabinets with wheels. Our Scratchless collection offers best-in-class scratch protection backed by a 30-year residential scratch warranty.
• Basements: Transform your basement into a functional living space with our waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring that’s ideal for areas with fluctuating humidity levels. Durability is the name of the game when it comes to basements, so try out our extra-tough Pro styles in this space.
• Entryways: Keep mud and water at bay by installing waterproof floors at your home's entry points. Spaces like these tend to go through the ringer, especially when it comes to scratches. Try our PVC-free Scratchless styles for extra scratch resistance in this space.
• Second Stories & Multi-Level Spaces: Keep the sounds made upstairs where they belong – upstairs! COREtec Originals styles are constructed with air pockets in their core, giving these floors more “bounce back” from footsteps and helping with sound absorption. Styles featuring our Soft Step underlayment are even quieter. In fact, when tested, they rated 70% better for sound absorption than other luxury vinyl flooring options.
• Light Commercial Spaces: Your small business probably gets more foot traffic than your home. COREtec Pro styles can handle it! With a dense, compact rigid core and overall durable construction, these floors are as rugged as any good pair of boots – and they’re made for walkin’.

Kitchens

With waterproof floors in your kitchen, you can cook up a storm without worrying about spills and splashes. And with comfortable styles like Calypso Oak, standing for an hour at the stove won’t hit quite as hard on your feet or knees.

Cairo Oak

Ravenswood Oak

Calypso Oak

Cairo OakCalypso OakRavenswood Oak

Living Areas & Bedrooms

From the living room to your bedroom, our luxury vinyl flooring planks add a touch of elegance while providing ultimate protection. If you want cozy comfort in these spaces, our Originals styles are famous for their sound control and warmth underfoot. And if you want to crank the comfort dial even further, check out our premium Soft Step styles. We’d highly recommend our stunning Parchment Oak floor.

Parchment Oak

Bathrooms

Say goodbye to moisture-related woes in the bathroom. When properly installed over correct subfloor conditions, waterproof flooring ensures your floors remain in pristine condition. If you enjoy the look of tile in a bathroom (we don’t blame you), give our Tile collection a look – it saves time, money and hassle with easy, grout-free installations. Bianco Marble, in particular, has gotten rave reviews.

Cairo Oak

Bianco Marble

Dining Rooms or Home Offices

Dining rooms have long been an area prone to scratches and scuffs where your floor may need extra protection. And home offices are also susceptible to scratches from desk chairs or cabinets with wheels. Consider styles with enhanced scratch resistance, like Wythe Oak, for these spaces.

Cloud Pine

Second Stories & Multi-Level Spaces

Keep the sounds made upstairs where they belong – upstairs! COREtec Original styles are constructed with air pockets in their core, giving these floors more “bounce back” from footsteps and helping with sound absorption. Styles featuring our Soft Step underlayment are even quieter. In fact, when tested, they rated 70% better for sound absorption than other luxury vinyl flooring options.

Venado Oak

Cyril Oak

Basements

Transform your basement into a functional living space with our waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring that’s ideal for areas with fluctuating humidity levels. Durability is the name of the game when it comes to basements, so try out extra-tough styles like Ravenswood Oak in this space.

Mercer Oak

Entryways

Keep mud and water at bay by installing waterproof floors at your home's entry points. Spaces like these tend to go through the ringer, especially when it comes to foot traffic. With that being said, try out a durable style like Cairo Oak pictured below.

Cairo Oak

Regardless of where you install your COREtec floors, you can breathe easy knowing all our products are GREENGUARD Gold certified for indoor air quality and designed for the well-being of people, pets &planet. 

Find The Perfect COREtec Waterproof Floor For Your Home

We hope this ultimate guide to waterproof flooring has clarified the difference between water-resistant and waterproof flooring and provided education on the numerous benefits of investing in COREtec luxury vinyl floors.

If you need help figuring out which COREtec floor would work best in your space, use these two tools:

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• Room Visualizer: Take unlimited floors for unlimited test drives. Simply snap and upload a pic of your room here, and you can cycle through all our COREtec floor styles to get a feel for how each one looks in your space.
• Design Services: Schedule a free, no-obligation virtual consultation with a COREtec Design Expert. Get trending inspiration ideas, help with coordinating colors and textures in your space and answers to all your product questions. Schedule your free Design Services consult today.