When homeowners are shopping for new floors, it’s easy to focus on color, style and price. However, finding the flooring type that’s actually a good fit for their space often gets overlooked.
Truthfully, most flooring problems don’t happen when the product itself is bad. Most of the time, it’s when the wrong flooring was installed in the wrong room. At Floors2Day, our Kenosha-based flooring contractors try to help homeowners avoid these mistakes before they happen.
In our guide, our co-owner Joe explains why understanding moisture, humidity and how a space is used day-to-day makes all the difference.
Moisture & Humidity: The Biggest Red Flag
When shopping for hard-surface flooring, moisture and humidity should always be top of mind. Certain rooms carry more risk than others and ignoring that can result in premature flooring failure.
Joe puts it simply:
“When it comes to hard surface, moisture and humidity are a major factor in floor choice.”
Be aware that materials labelled “water-resistant” can struggle with frequent or prolonged moisture exposure. Knowing how a room behaves day to day is essential to choosing the right material for your space.
Basements: When Laminate is a Bad Fit
Basements are a common source of flooring problems. Even finished basements hold more moisture than the rest of the home.
The biggest risks in the basement include:
- Water heater failures
- Minor foundation cracks
- Seepage during heavy rain or snow melt
As a result, laminate flooring isn’t ideal for below-grade applications. Because it’s water-resistant, not waterproof, these floors can swell or break down over time.
We recommend luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in these spaces. It’s the better long-term flooring option because it’s fully waterproof and often more forgiving in moisture-prone spaces.
Kitchens: When Water-Resistant Isn’t Enough
Kitchens don’t seem risky at first glance, but they are more moisture-prone than you think. Refrigerators, dishwashers and sinks all increase the chances of leaks or slow water exposure.
Joe usually encourages homeowners to think about real-life scenarios:
“How many water lines have leaked behind a refrigerator? How many dishwashers have leaked underneath and soaked out into the main flooring area?”
In busy kitchens, especially in homes with kids or pets, repeated exposures can overwhelm water-resistant flooring. In most cases, waterproof LVP is better for long-term performance.
Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof: Why the Difference Matters
One of the biggest misunderstandings among homeowners is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof flooring. Let’s make it simple:
- Water-resistant flooring can handle small spills if they’re cleaned up quickly. Examples include laminate flooring, engineered hardwood, and some types of luxury vinyl.
- Waterproof flooring can withstand leaks, standing water and repeated moisture without damage. Common examples include luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT), porcelain tile, and ceramic tile.
Choosing water-resistant flooring for a space that needs waterproof protection can lead to premature failure. Moisture exposure is one of the most common reasons floors fail early.
Joe’s Advice: Match Flooring to How You Live
Matching flooring to your lifestyle is key. Think about how you use your home. Here’s Joe’s advice:
“It’s our job to make sure that information is given to the consumer so they can decide what’s going to work best for their home.”
Kids, pets, cooking habits, appliances and traffic levels all matter. A floor that works perfectly for one household may be a poor fit for another.
Find Floors That Work for Your Home
Buying floors that suit your lifestyle goes a long way. They last longer and prevent premature repair or replacement. At Floors2Day, we help you find the right flooring for your needs during your shop-at-home consultation. We assess each room, discuss your lifestyle and explain the pros and cons of each flooring type for that specific space.
Want to feel confident that your flooring is both attractive and the right fit for your home in the long run? Contact us to book a shop-at-home consultation in Kenosha, WI, and surrounding areas today!
