Victoria’s wet West Coast winters mean rain and grit get tracked in at the door, and many homes around Greater Victoria have basements or below-grade suites. If you are choosing a floor for a kitchen, bathroom, entry, laundry room or basement, water performance matters more than anywhere else in the house.
Below are floors from our showroom whose manufacturers document water performance. We only use the word waterproof where the manufacturer’s own product data says waterproof. Laminates with a time-based rating are listed separately as water-resistant.
Waterproof floors (29 collections)Water-resistant laminate (18 collections)FAQ
What to look for
- Waterproof vs water-resistant. “Waterproof” planks (most rigid-core SPC and WPC vinyl on this page) are documented by the manufacturer as waterproof. Water-resistant laminate is rated to resist surface water for a stated time, such as 72 or 120 hours, so wipe spills up promptly.
- The floor is not the whole system. A waterproof plank does not make the room waterproof. Water coming from below, leaks and flooding are usually handled differently in warranties, so read the manufacturer’s warranty for your exact product.
- Basements and concrete. Check that the product is approved for below-grade use, and follow the manufacturer’s moisture and underlayment requirements for concrete slabs. See our underlayment and subfloor guide.
- Wear layer and pad. For vinyl, the wear layer (in mil) protects the surface. An attached pad adds comfort and sound control.
How we chose these floors: every product below was picked only from what its manufacturer documents in the specs on its product page (for example a waterproof listing, a water-resistance rating, wear layer, scratch or stain resistance). If a spec is not documented, the product is not listed here, even if it may perform well. Always check the manufacturer’s current warranty and installation guide for your exact room.
Waterproof floors (manufacturer-listed)
- Manufacturer: “100% waterproof”
- 12 mil wear layer
- Listed for below-grade use
- Manufacturer: “100% waterproof”
- 20 mil wear layer
- Listed for below-grade use
- Manufacturer: “100% waterproof”
- 20 mil wear layer
- Listed for below-grade use
- Manufacturer: “100% Waterproof”
- 20 mil wear layer
Essential (6.5mm) — Twin Creeks
- Manufacturer: “100% Waterproof”
- 20 mil wear layer
- Manufacturer: “100% Waterproof”
- 20 mil wear layer
Wide Plank (7mm) — Morning Mist
- Manufacturer: “100% Waterproof”
- 20 mil wear layer
- Manufacturer: “100% Waterproof”
- 20 mil wear layer
- Manufacturer: “100% waterproof”
- 20 mil wear layer
Signature Acoustic Click — York
- Manufacturer: “waterproof floating floor”
- 22 mil wear layer
- Listed for below-grade use
- Manufacturer: “100% waterproof”
- 20 mil wear layer
- Manufacturer: “waterproof stone core”
- 20 mil wear layer
Water-resistant laminate and wood-core boards
These are rated by the manufacturer for a set time of surface water exposure, or described in the manufacturer’s own words as shown on each card. They are not sold here as waterproof.
KronoOriginal Organic Clever Silent — Rutherford Oak
- 100-hour water-resistance rating
Eurostyle Organic — Summer Breeze Oak
- Manufacturer: “waterproof O.R.C.A. board floor (organic wood cor”
KronoOriginal Organic Clever Long Silent — Sepia Tegernsee Oak
- Manufacturer: “waterproof O.R.C.A. board floor (organic wood cor”
See these floors in person
Bring your questions (and a photo of the room) to our showroom at 4500 W Saanich Rd #100, Victoria, or book a free in-home estimate and we will bring samples to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is waterproof flooring a good choice for a Victoria basement?
It is often a practical choice, because rigid-core vinyl is not damaged by moisture the way wood-based floors can be. The subfloor still matters: concrete must meet the manufacturer’s moisture limits and the product must be approved for below-grade use. We look at the space during your free in-home estimate and tell you what the manufacturer requires.
What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant laminate?
On this page, “waterproof” is used only where the manufacturer lists the product as waterproof. Water-resistant laminate has a time-based rating (for example 72, 100 or 500 hours) for surface water under the manufacturer’s conditions. Both handle everyday spills, but standing water should always be cleaned up quickly.
Can I put laminate in a bathroom?
It depends on the exact product. Some manufacturers allow their water-resistant laminate in bathrooms and some limit it to kitchens and living areas. Check the product’s installation guide and warranty, or ask us and we will confirm what the manufacturer allows.
Keep reading: Best waterproof flooring for BC homes · Best basement flooring · SPC vs WPC vinyl · Vinyl plank vs laminate. Not sure yet? Try our Find the right floor quiz.
More ways to shop: Pet-friendly flooring · Family-friendly & low-maintenance flooring · Flooring for radiant in-floor heat.