Best (and Worst) Flooring Options for Your Laundry Room

How many loads of laundry do you do each week?

If you have a large family, chances are it’s a lot. Just like any other heavy foot traffic area, your laundry room floor should be sturdy and durable. Whether you have an older washing machine or a modern one with VRT technology, all washers and dryers generate heat, moisture and humidity, which can potentially damage your floor. Hence, it’s important to choose a flooring material that’s waterproof, easy to clean and can withstand a good amount of wear and tear.

Laundry Room Flooring Considerations

You want your laundry room to be safe and functional. But, moisture is a major concern. What if there’s a clogged drainpipe, an overflowing washing machine or a cracked water pipe? That’s why choosing moisture-resistant flooring material is a must. Read on to learn the best (and worst) flooring options for your laundry room.

• Best Flooring Options

1. Luxury Vinyl

If you love the natural aesthetic of hardwood but need your laundry room flooring to be water- resistant, luxury vinyl floors are a great option. Many homeowners want flooring that they don’t have to be careful around all the time. Since almost all luxury vinyl is somewhat water-resistant, you don’t have to be constantly worrying if your washing machine leaks or you accidentally spill liquid detergent. Available in sheets, tiles and planks, vinyl is quite versatile.

2. Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are very durable flooring materials perfect for high-traffic areas, such as a laundry room. Aside from being easy to clean and maintain, they are resistant to water and scratches. Simply dust the floor and mop as usual to keep them in good condition.

3. Natural Stone

Natural stone tiles like limestone, slate and travertine are attractive, durable and waterproof, which makes them a go-to option for laundry room flooring. They give your laundry room an elegant, natural effect and are easy to maintain; damp mopping or dry sweep should be enough. However, it’s important to make sure that they’re well sealed to help prevent seepage and staining from potential water and detergent spillage.

• Worst Flooring Options

1. Hardwood

Being a natural material, hardwood absorbs moisture in the air and expands. This expansion can cause pressure between the boards, resulting in warping, cupping or cracking. While minor cupping and cracking are natural consequences of moisture, major ones can be damaging. A heating and cooling system can control humidity to a certain extent, but it’s not enough for laundry rooms exposed to high levels of humidity.

2. Carpet

Many of us like the soft and plush feel of carpet underfoot, but it’s far from the perfect fit for your laundry room. A leaky waterpipe or overflowing washer can harm carpeting and deteriorate the floor’s appearance. Moreover, carpet fibres can trap dander, dust and allergens, which, along with high humidity, create the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew.

3. Laminate

Laminate comes in a wide range of styles and is a good flooring option for bedrooms and living rooms. But it’s not suitable for laundry rooms which are often exposed to water, heat and detergents. Much like hardwood, laminate isn’t water-resistant and can’t put up with too much water or humidity. Indeed, moisture can easily seep and absorb into floorboards, causing them to warp. Eventually, you may even have to replace your laminate flooring.

4. Marble

While marble looks luxurious, it has its own drawbacks. Since marble is a porous stone, it absorbs stains quickly. Washing often involves a lot of detergents and chemicals, which can cause ugly floor marks. Obviously, you don’t want to invest in marble flooring only to have detergents and chemicals stain it forever.

Consider your needs and priorities when choosing laundry room flooring. And now that you know the basics – including best and worst options – you’re in a better position to make your choice. Weigh the pros and cons of each to choose the one that best suits your requirements.