Waterproof floors are the way to go to keep your home safe for kids and pets

Benefits of waterproof floors: These are built with four layers for durability and comfort. The top layer resists scratches and dirt, making cleanup easy. The wear layer handles heavy traffic, perfect for active homes (Image: Canva)

When you have kids and pets, your home can quickly become a whirlwind of activity, and your floors often bear the brunt of it. Toys scattered across the room, accidental spills, muddy paw prints, and the occasional artistic crayon masterpiece on the floor can be part of daily life in a busy household. However, the market is now offering options like waterproof floors that can help you deal with these everyday challenges more effectively.

Waterproof floors are specially designed flooring options that are resistant to water and moisture, ensuring that spills and messes don’t seep into the material and cause damage. These floors are typically made from materials like luxury vinyl, ceramic or porcelain tiles, and certain types of laminate, which have a protective layer that repels water and prevents it from penetrating the surface, says Manish Arora, Vice President, Furniture Solutions at REHAU SOA.

He adds, “Waterproof flooring is a practical solution for managing the mess that comes with an active household. For instance, luxury vinyl planks or tiles can handle everything from spilled juice to wet dog fur, without warping or staining, making them ideal for families with young children and pets. Not only does this type of flooring provide durability, but it also ensures that your floors stay looking great even with constant wear and tear.”

Arora shares reasons why waterproof floors are a game-changer for your home

Durable: Waterproof floors are designed to handle spills and stains without losing their charm. For example, if your child accidentally knocks over a cup of milk or your dog trots in with muddy paws, waterproof floors like Rigid Core Vinyl Tile (RCVT) won’t swell or warp. This durability ensures that your floor stays looking fresh, even after the most chaotic family moments.

Four-layer protection: Waterproof floors are built with four layers for durability and comfort. The top layer resists scratches and dirt, making cleanup easy. The wear layer handles heavy traffic, perfect for active homes. The printed layer adds style, mimicking wood or stone without the upkeep. The core layer provides a comfortable surface for everyday activities.

Comfort and style: Waterproof floors offer durability and also bring comfort and style to your home. They often mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone. For example, a stylish gray wood-look vinyl in your hallway can make the space look modern and sophisticated while being soft enough for your kids to sit and play comfortably.

Easy installation: One of the standout features of waterproof floors is how easy they are to install. Many come with a click-lock system, so you don’t need to worry about glue or nails. For instance, you can quickly lay down a new vinyl floor in your kitchen or bathroom over the weekend, without needing a professional installer.

Quick clean: Waterproof floors are a dream for cleaning up spills and messes. Whether it’s a juice spill in the dining room or pet hair in the living room, the surface resists stains and dirt. A quick wipe with a damp cloth or a sweep with a vacuum keeps the floors looking pristine, so you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your home.

Versatility for any room: These floors are versatile enough for any part of your home. For example, installing waterproof flooring in your bathroom can handle splashes from the tub, while in a playroom, it can withstand toys being thrown around and occasional spills. In the kitchen, where spills are frequent, waterproof flooring ensures that your floors look great and perform well.