How is LVT Flooring Waterproof?

Waterproof is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot in flooring. Here's what it actually means when we say our SPC and LVT flooring is waterproof — and why that's genuinely different from merely water resistant.

Waterproof vs Water Resistant

Our SPC flooring falls firmly into the second category. It's not just the surface that's protected — the entire construction from the stone composite core to the integrated underlay is made from materials that are inherently impervious to moisture.

Why the Core Material Matters

The key to understanding why LVT flooring is genuinely waterproof lies in the core. Traditional wood-based floors — solid wood, engineered wood, laminate — all have organic material at their heart. Wood fibres absorb moisture, swell, and eventually warp or delaminate when exposed to water over time. Even well-sealed surfaces can't fully prevent this if water gets into the joins.

LVT flooring replaces that wood fibre core with a blend of limestone powder and PVC. Neither of those materials absorbs water. They don't swell, they don't shrink as they dry out, and they don't harbour mould or bacteria beneath the surface the way organic materials can. The waterproof nature of LVT isn't a coating or a treatment — it's built into the material itself.

What This Means Room by Room

One Thing Worth Knowing

Waterproof planks in a floating installation still have joins between them, and while those joins are tight, they're not grouted like tile. In a wetroom with a drain and significant standing water, you'd want to consider whether a fully bonded installation or tiled finish is more appropriate. For everything short of that — bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, high humidity spaces — LVT waterproof construction makes it the most practical choice available.

For day to day spills, pet accidents, steam, and humidity, our flooring handles it all without a second thought. Read our care and maintenance guide for tips on keeping your floor looking its best.