Here in West Denver, we don’t get a lot of humidity, but that doesn’t mean your flooring won’t see its share of moisture. Between spills and occasional snowmelt tracked in the house, certain areas can benefit from floors that won’t warp on contact with water.

Is vinyl flooring waterproof? How about laminate? To an extent, both can prevent water damage, but the real answer depends on what level of water resistance you’re looking for. In this blog, we’ll discuss the flooring types and how they compare for regular use and water resistance in your Jefferson County home.

If you’re ready to browse the materials with a convenient in-home floor selection, contact our team at Floor Coverings International® of West Denver, CO to set up your free in-home consultation today.

Why Waterproof Flooring Matters in West Denver

In West Denver, we get a bit of everything from dry air to snow, slush, and the occasional spill. That’s why waterproof flooring, like laminate or luxury vinyl flooring in Denver, is such a practical choice for busy households. It guards against moisture that can seep through seams or damage subfloors and helps your Jefferson County home stay fresh and low maintenance.

What Makes Vinyl Waterproof?

First off, what is vinyl flooring? Luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank (LVT and LVP) is a modern flooring material built to handle everyday wear. It's made from multiple layers of synthetic material that’s resistant to water, scratches, and stains. The floors come in beautifully realistic wood and stone finishes, so you can enjoy an elevated style without high maintenance or cost.

Homeowners often prefer LVT and LVP in Denver because:

  • It's fully waterproof, which is ideal for entryways, bathrooms, and anywhere with frequent spills.
  • The floors resist warping from Denver's dry winters and sudden moisture.
  • Vinyl flooring is easy to maintain.

Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?

Now, what is laminate flooring? Similar to vinyl, laminate is a layered flooring that uses modern designs. While laminate’s high-density fiberboard (HDF) core isn’t exactly waterproof, the floors’ surface and edges are water-resistant and during installation the floors are sealed to prevent water from seeping through. This means even the best laminate flooring in Denver with waterproof-ratings has the potential for water damage if the water sits on the flooring too long.

Laminate is a popular choice with Jefferson County homeowners because:

  • It has a wood-like texture. The floors feel more rigid and solid than vinyl, which is often perceived as having a closer feel to real wood. Especially with embossed-in-register (EIR) laminates, which align the texture with the image to make the floors look and feel more realistic.
  • It's scratch resistant, which is perfect for family homes with dogs or kids.
  • It performs well in dry, heated interiors but needs proper installation and underlayment for protection against spills or humidity.

Comparing Performance: Vinyl vs. Laminate in Everyday Life

Both vinyl and laminate flooring offer beautiful style and strong durability, but when it comes to water-resistance, they’re not quite the same. Each material has its own strengths, depending on where it’s installed and how your household uses the space. That said, let's talk about which is better, waterproof laminate flooring or waterproof vinyl flooring?

How moisture-resistant are the floors?

  • Vinyl. Thanks to its non-porous structure and synthetic, layered design, vinyl is completely impervious to water. This means snowmelt, spills, or humidity won’t cause warping or staining.
  • Laminate. While it offers solid protection for most household spills and splashes, laminate isn’t as moisture proof as vinyl. Its sealed edges and water-resistant core help prevent swelling or warping when exposed to small amounts of water, but spills left for a long time or standing water can still cause damage.

How the floors compare in durability:

  • Vinyl. Vinyl has a thick resin wear layer that’s highly resilient against dents, scratches, and moisture.
  • Laminate. Laminate, on the other hand, has better scratch-resistance for pets, but isn’t as forgiving with moisture.

The flooring’s comfort and acoustic qualities:

  • Vinyl. Recognized as softer and slightly quieter flooring when paired with the right padding, many homeowners in West Denver choose vinyl for relaxing spaces like bedrooms or comfortable living spaces.
  • Laminate. For many homeowners, laminate feels more rigid and can sound hollow without good underlayment.

Differences in installation:

  • Vinyl. Vinyl is easier for DIY installs, and with its built-in padding, it can go directly over most subfloors. However, for areas with complicated layouts or subfloor issues, professional LVT or LVP flooring installation in Denver ensures you get floors that fit beautifully.
  • Laminate. Laminate often requires a moisture barrier and is better to trust with professional installers, like our team in Jefferson County, particularly for waterproof laminate which require specific techniques to make sure the floors are effectively sealed.

Which Is a Better Fit for Our Denver Climate?

Although both vinyl and laminate perform well in West Denver homes, vinyl generally handles the semi-arid conditions better. The dry air and occasional moisture can make laminate's wood-based core expand or contract slightly, while vinyl remains unaffected by the humidity changes.

Here are some tips for choosing floors for:

  • Snowy winters. In Jefferson County, we have low humidity most of the year, but we still get snow and mud which both expose your floors to moisture. For that reason, it’s best to choose completely waterproof floors for entryways that get some outside moisture.
  • Cold temperatures. To keep your home warmer through winter months, look for flooring that’s compatible with radiant heat or with an insulating underlayment.
  • Dry summers. It's best to choose materials that don’t crack or shrink easily.

Find the Best Water-Resistant Floors for Your Jefferson County Home

While both vinyl and laminate flooring in Denver, CO, have come a long way, choosing the right material for your home will depend on how much water-resistance you need. If you need true waterproof protection, have pets or kids, or want to use the flooring in kitchens or bathrooms, vinyl is a reliable option. However, if you want a lower cost option and plan to add flooring to dry spaces like bedrooms or living rooms that have occasional spills, laminate can be a great fit.

Ready to compare samples in person? With Floor Coverings International® of West Denver, CO, you can explore a wide range of samples directly in the room or hallway you’re planning to update. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout West Denver, Edgewater, Arvada, and Golden with laminate flooring and vinyl flooring services.

Reach out to set up a free in-home consultation or call us at (720) 279-9800 and we’ll make your laminate or vinyl floor installation in Denver convenient from the start.