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With kids home from school, and all the extra activity in the house, Summer is a popular time for homeowners to reconsider their flooring options, and for good reason. It can be a lot for the homeowners in Delaware to keep their home looking nice during a long, hot, and humid season with wet floors from kids at the pool and coming in and out of the house at all hours.
If you’re looking to waterproof any floors, whether that be the bathroom, basement, laundry room, or kitchen, you should know that waterproof flooring options for Delaware homes have improved significantly over the last decade. They have improved in construction, esthetics, and in price.
We will be looking at the popular options available to waterproof your floors, how they stack up to each other, and other things you might want to consider.
Why Waterproof Flooring Matters in Delaware
The summers in Delaware can be unbearably humid. The majority of houses located in Wilmington, Hockessin, and Newark have to contend with water which can seep into untreated flooring. Basements that leak, old laundry rooms or bathrooms can make it necessary to have your home waterproofed.
Hardwood floors can be easily damaged. Laminate that even tends to be “water resistant” can really be damaged if water sits on it. For flooring for wet areas in Delaware County PA, you need something that will really provide waterproofing and protection against moisture and flooding.
Many homeowners choose to update their flooring as part of a larger Home Remodeling DE project to improve both function and value.
Your Main Waterproof Flooring Options
1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is easily the most popular waterproof flooring choice right now and for good reason. It’s 100% waterproof through the entire thickness of the plank, looks remarkably close to real wood, and holds up well in high-traffic areas.
What makes LVP a strong choice:
- Fully waterproof
- Comfortable underfoot compared to tile
- Available in dozens of wood and stone looks
- Can be installed over most existing subfloors
- DIY-friendly in some cases, but professional installation ensures longevity
- Generally more affordable than hardwood or tile
Professional LVP flooring installation helps ensure a proper fit, long-term durability, and reliable moisture protection.
How long does LVP flooring last?
Quality LVP with a wear layer of 12 mil or higher typically lasts 15–25 years with normal use. Commercial-grade options (20 mil+) can last even longer. The key factor is wear layer thickness, thinner wear layers scratch and dull faster.
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2. Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
Tile has been the go-to for bathrooms and kitchens for decades, and it’s still an excellent option especially in bathrooms in Delaware where water exposure is constant.
Where tile wins:
- Genuinely impervious to water when properly grouted and sealed
- Extremely durable can last 20–50 years
- Wide range of styles, sizes, and finishes
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Great for radiant heating systems underneath
Where tile falls short:
- Cold and hard underfoot not ideal for bedrooms or living areas
- Grout lines require regular sealing and cleaning
- Cracked tiles are annoying to replace individually
- More expensive to install than LVP
3. Waterproof Laminate
Not every laminate is waterproof. But some of the newer options try to improve the waterproofing feature by introducing sealed cores to the laminate. This moisture resistant laminate is more cost effective than LVP, but closely imitates wood.
Worth considering if:
- Budget is tight and LVP is out of range
- The area has low-to-moderate moisture exposure
- You want a wood aesthetic without the hardwood price
Avoid it in:
- Bathrooms, laundry rooms, or anywhere with standing water risk
- Basements with known moisture issues
4. Sheet Vinyl
Sheet vinyl is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most waterproof options available there are no seams for water to get through. It’s practical, affordable, and works well in utility spaces.
Best for:
- Laundry rooms, mudrooms, utility areas
- Rentals or budget renovations
- Spaces where function matters more than aesthetics
It doesn’t have the premium look of LVP or tile, but for practical spaces, it does the job well.
LVP vs Tile: Which Is Better for Delaware Homes
This is the most common comparison homeowners make. Here’s a side-by-side:
Factor | LVP | Porcelain Tile |
Waterproof | Yes | Yes, when grouted/sealed |
Comfort underfoot | Warm, softer | Cold, hard |
Durability | 15–25 years | 20–50 years |
Installation cost | Lower | Higher |
DIY potential | Moderate | Low |
Style options | Wide | Very wide |
Grout maintenance | None | Required |
Best rooms | Whole home, basements | Bathrooms, kitchens |
For full-home or multi-room renovations, LVP is often the more versatile and valuable choice for most homeowners in Delaware. But for dedicated wet rooms, like a bathroom, you can’t go wrong with a tile floor given that it can last for 30+ years with minimal maintenance aside from the occasional cleaning.
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LVP vs Hardwood in Delaware: The Honest Comparison
A lot of homeowners ask whether they should just go with hardwood. Here’s the reality in Delaware’s climate:
H3 Hardwood concerns in Delaware:
- Genuine hardwood expands and contracts with humidity changes
- Summer humidity and winter dryness stress the planks over time
- Not recommended for basements, bathrooms, or over radiant heat
- Costs significantly more, both materials and installation
- Refinishable, which LVP is not
When hardwood still makes sense:
- Living rooms and bedrooms with stable climate control
- Homeowners who want the authenticity and plan to refinish floors over time
- Higher-end homes where resale value justifies the cost
For most of the rooms where homeowners are considering waterproof options, vinyl plank flooring edges out hardwood in Delaware purely on practicality and moisture performance.
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Subfloor Preparation and Why It Matters More Than Most People Realize
Here’s something we see regularly as installers: Clients purchase high-quality waterproof flooring and choose to install it over an inadequate subfloor – then later question us about their flooring creaking, buckling, or gapping after less than a year.
Subfloor preparation for waterproof flooring is the foundation of a successful installation.
What good subfloor prep includes:
- Repairing damaged areas and testing for soft spots and squeaking
- Checking that subflooring is level. LVP allows a maximum deviation of 3/16 inch over a run of 10 feet.
- Taking care of all moisture problems before starting the job.
- Cleaning off old glue and debris and leveling the subfloor
- Determining if the flooring needs to be removed prior to installing LVP or if it could be reinstalled over the flooring.A good contractor will assess your subfloor before any material is ordered.
In the absence of this step, some end having flooring that looks good in the showroom but awful six months after.
Waterproof Flooring Installation in Hockessin DE and Wilmington Area
Installation methods vary by product:
Method | Used For | Notes |
Floating (click-lock) | Most LVP, laminate | Fast, no adhesive needed, DIY-possible |
Glue-down | Some LVP, sheet vinyl | More permanent, better for high traffic |
Mortar-set | Tile | Requires professional installation |
Loose-lay | Some vinyl | Easy to replace, not for all spaces |
For waterproof flooring installation in Hockessin, DE and the broader Wilmington area, professional installation matters most for Tile Flooring Installation in Wilmington DE and glue-down applications. Floating floor installs are more forgiving, but subfloor issues still need to be addressed first regardless of method.
How Much Does Waterproof Flooring Cost in Wilmington DE
Here’s a general range to help you budget:
Flooring Type | Material Cost (per sq ft) | Installation Cost (per sq ft) | Total Estimate |
Sheet Vinyl | $1 – $3 | $1 – $2 | $2 – $5 |
Waterproof Laminate | $2 – $5 | $2 – $4 | $4 – $9 |
LVP (mid-grade) | $3 – $7 | $2 – $5 | $5 – $12 |
Porcelain Tile | $3 – $10 | $5 – $15 | $8 – $25 |
Cost depends on room size, material grade, and subfloor condition. Nonstandard job requirements, like removal of existing floor and subfloor repairs and transitions between rooms, will be included in the total cost. Requesting an itemized quote is good practice.
FAQs
What offers the best waterproof flooring suitable for a bathroom?
The best bathroom flooring for waterproof options is porcelain tile. This is waterproof when properly installed and grouted. LVP is the second best, and is also better in comfort. Keep away from using laminate and hardwood flooring in a bathroom.
Is LVP flooring truly waterproof or just water-resistant?
Quality LVP is genuinely waterproof through the entire plank, not just the surface. This means standing water won’t damage the plank itself. However, if water gets under the flooring through gaps at the edges or transitions, it can still affect the subfloor. Proper installation and sealing at edges matters.
What flooring should I avoid in a bathroom or laundry room?
Does LVP flooring add value to a home in Delaware?
Yes, particularly when replacing dated carpet or worn vinyl. LVP gives a clean, modern look that buyers respond well to. It’s not as premium as hardwood in buyers’ eyes, but it’s widely seen as a practical upgrade, especially in kitchens, basements, and bathrooms.
How much does waterproof flooring installation cost in Wilmington DE?
Expect a total cost of LVP to be $5-$12 per square foot and $8-$25 per square foot for tile. As always, pricing can be affected by various factors including the size of the room, the condition of the subfloor, the grade of the material, etc. Ask for a quote that distinguishes price breakdown for material, labor, and any work to be done on the subfloor.
Can waterproof flooring be installed over existing tile?
In many cases, yes, LVP can be installed over existing tile as long as the tile is flat, firmly adhered, and in good condition. Loose, cracked, or significantly uneven tile usually needs to come up first. Your installer should assess this before the project starts.
What is subfloor preparation and why does it matter?
How do I maintain LVP flooring to make it last longer?
Regular sweeping or vacuuming takes away particles of grit that scratch the layer of wear. Use a damp mop that is pH neutral cleaner. Avoid steam mop which could damage the adhesive layer or the core. Apply felt pads to furniture legs and stay away from the drag of heavy items. If you take care of it, good LVP is durable for 15-25 years.
Talk to Premier Home Solutions About Your Flooring Project
For over a decade, Premier Home Solutions has served the homeowners of Delaware by helping them with important renovations. This includes assisting families with selecting and adding waterproof flooring options for their Delaware homes. We offer complimentary design consultations and a flexible schedule. We work with you so you can have the least amount of stress possible.
We treat every project with the utmost care, whether it is one bathroom or the rest of the main level.
We are available during the evenings and weekends. Reach out to Premier Home Solutions via
(302) 464-5665 Or email us at Info@premierhomesolution.com to set up your complimentary consultation.
