skip to main content

Flooring DIY entry

Best waterproof durable flooring?

6 years ago

I'm looking to redo an entryway/dining room area of my home, about 250 square feet. I'm looking for flooring that isn't going to cost me a ton, but is durable and will withstand a lot of traffic, water, mud, salt, other outside elements...and a dog. So far I'm seeing vinyl plank flooring as the best option, but most reviews say it wears easily and scratches easily. I'm hoping to install it myself, as I was told installation averages about $2 to $3 per foot, so I'd like to save myself the $750 if possible. Does anyone have any suggestions on best brands or types of flooring?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

SJ McCarthy
6 years ago
Porcelain tile. Sheet vinyl. Both require professional installation. Any floor that 'clicks' together will have seams. Seams have the possibility to leak. Therefore they are not water proof FLOORS. The INDIVIDUAL plank will be water proof...but the FLOOR (when planks are installed next to each other) will not be.

For a cheap option...sheet vinyl. There will be retailers that have ends that they would be happy to sell at a very low price and then the install would be relatively fast and easy as well (you won't "save" the price of install but you will save PLENTY on the price of the product = same amount of savings...just in a different way).

Good luck.
glennsfc
6 years ago
Any sheet vinyl or vinyl tile made for commercial venues would be affordable, durable and waterproof. However, vinyl tile should be installed with epoxy flooring adhesive for the job to be waterproof.
Related Discussions
Best shower/tub waterproof material, membrane etc.?
Q
Comments (4)
Here is what our contractor did. He insulated the framed walls first, and of course, a plummer did what he had to do prior to this step. Once the mud dried, they coated it all with mortar, then came the quickset and tile. Here is what he used for the shower pan. Under that is a lot of mud, sloped for good drainage. There is a drain hidden under all that mud! The shower is almost finished, and it works great! Used it yesterday. Drains perfectly!
...See More
Best waterproof method for stand up shower floor?
Q
Comments (7)
The walls need to be waterproofed as well. Tile, thinset, and backer board isn't waterproof. You need an entire System. Not just the shower floor. We use Kerdi The kits are easy for novices if they watch the videos. If your contractor cannot explain a pre slope, or can not tell you how the waterproofing for the wall interfaces with the waterproofing for the pan, you need to move on to a different contractor.
...See More
Best durable porch floor paint?
Q
Comments (4)
There are porch paints that work quite well in a covered porch maybe a bit more info from you will help. BTW concrete paint does not last forever.
...See More
what brand is best for waterproof hardwood floors
Q
Comments (2)
If you need a waterproof floor, buy tile or vinyl.
...See More
Chessie
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Absolutely agree with the above. I’ve done enough research to know that sheet vinyl, while it may be “out of favor”, it’s pretty much the best option for waterproof floors that won’t kill your feet and break everything you drop on them.
PRO
Cinar Interiors, Inc.
6 years ago
Cheap? Use a standard ceramic tile that has a fire glazing (most on the market come with this). Hunt for a tile that has a PEI rating (strength of tile) of 4 (commercial strength). The breaking strength of these are around 350 lbs per sq inch. To give you an idea of pricing, location matters, here in TX I have tiles as these for $0.99 sq ft.

Related Stories

RUSTIC STYLE Brick Floors: Could This Durable Material Work for Your House?

By Lisa Frederick

You love the old-world look, but will you like the feel of it underfoot? Learn the pros and cons of interior brick flooring

REMODELING GUIDES What to Know About Engineered Wood Floors

By South Hill Interiors

Engineered wood flooring offers classic looks and durability. It can work with a range of subfloors, including concrete

FLOORS New Groove: Vinyl Floors Are Back!

By Toronto Interior Design Group

First vinyl records made a comeback, now floors. See how, where and when to use this durable, easy-to-clean material

MATERIALS 5 Sustainable Flooring Materials to Consider for Your Home

By South Hill Interiors

If you’re seeking style, durability and sustainability, these materials are worth a look

FLOORS How to Get a Tile Floor Installed

Inventive options and durability make tile a good choice for floors. Here’s what to expect

CONCRETE Concrete Flooring Stands Up to the Test in the Kitchen

Find out whether this durable and customizable flooring material might be right for your kitchen

WHITE KITCHENS Durable Materials Anchor a White-and-Gray Family Kitchen

By Kelly LaPlante LLC

A concrete floor and a stone-topped island handle daily wear and tear with ease

PATTERN Fit to be Tiled: Get Some Pattern on the Floor for Excitement Underfoot

Get all the visual delight of a rug with more durability by treating your floors to a pattern done up in tile

FLOORS Make Your Floors Terrific With Terrazzo

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Durable, sanitary and unique, this bespeckled surface is a winner for floors, walls, countertops and sinks

MATERIALS Floor Material: Handmade Cement Tile

By South Hill Interiors

Stylish, durable and customizable, this material can bring a bold pattern to your home

Sponsored

Nova Design Build

Custom Premiere Design-Build Contractor | Hilliard, OH

More Discussions

SOS: need urgently 2 1/4"unfinished red oak with bevel

15

Bona Traffic Anti-Slip

0

Need your help fining the right direction to install my vinyle planks

2

New wood floors procedure

12

Transition strips at a three way

12