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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,164
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

I'll try and make this as brief as possible.  I have my washer and dryer in an enclosed area of my large, country style kitchen.  My husband was a cabinetmaker and custom built all the wood kitchen cabinets along with matching cabinets to enclose the washer and dryer area.  I love having the two appliances there; no walking up/down basement stairs and when the doors are closed, no sign of either appliances. 

 

Now the problem:  In 30 some years, I've had a few different types of flooring in the kitchen; regular peel and stick tile (which we did due to a tight budget when we built the house; then some years later installed ceramic tiles (which eventually got chipped and spider cracks); finally about 10 years ago we put in a laminate floor.  

 

Last week while doing a load of laundry, the pressure switch in the washer (it shuts off the water flow when the correct amount of water is established.)  Well, it didn't shut off!  Needless to say, I had a lot of water on the kitchen floor before it was realized. (Thank goodness I was not far off in the house before I realized what happened.) 

 

The remediation company came out and ripped up the flooring and used the giant blowers to dry the floor out.  The insurance adjuster is coming out on Tuesday, but I have been looking online to get an idea what's out there to replace the floor.  I've noticed they have something called waterproof vinyl which is recommended to 'wet' areas, such as bathrooms, basements and kitchens.  From what I've read, it looks very much like either wood planks or stone, whichever style you choose. Many reputable manufacturers such as Armstrong make it.  Have not seen it in person yet.  

 

Anyone have this type of flooring and can maybe give me pros and cons on it? 

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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,326
Registered: ‎10-21-2011

Re: Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

Some of the waterproof vinyl looks exactly like wood. You really can't tell. Regular vinyl can be slippery when wet--not the thing for kitchens. 

 

Laminate--same thing, many are dangerous when wet.

 

Hardwood: I have that. I don't think it's practical in a kitchen. It gets marred and it fades.

 

Tile: I like tile but it is expensive. However, if I were building a house, there is tile that looks like slate--and that's what I would choose. 

 

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,416
Registered: ‎09-24-2011

Re: Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

I've got tile - wasn't my first choice but price was right.  Slippery.  Wanted hardwood flooring to match rest of house, too expensive, however, imho, well worth it if you can do it.  I stayed away from laminate, even though cheaper than porcelain 'cause can't have  refinished if needed - paws and some heels can destroy the finish.  If I were you. I'd go for bamboo - believe it's waterproof and stands up to about anything.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,894
Registered: ‎01-27-2014

Re: Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

I recommend porcelain tile. Attractive and durable.

Regular Contributor
Posts: 191
Registered: ‎09-26-2010

Re: Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

I just had Shaw Vinyl Plank installed. It comes in a variety of patterns mine has 10 year commercial warranty, lifetime home warranty.  Also waterproof.  I live in California and this was offered through Costco..I love it.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 25,929
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

I think if it were me I would go with ceramic tile or something similar. I have vinyl wood plank flooring in my camper and it's very nice for this application but I think I would use tile in the OP's situation because the vinyl wood plank has a wood base so water would damage it just like the laminate.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,515
Registered: ‎06-26-2011

Re: Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

[ Edited ]

Congoleum's Dura-Ceramic. We have it in our wet bar, laundry room, and all bathrooms. Wonderful stuff and available in a variety of patterns/colors. Looks like tile but cleanup and durability are a breeze! It's slightly textured so it's not slippery. We sealed around the edges with a waterproof caulk, and when we had a flood in another part of our house the water didn't damage or get under that flooring! Would have used it in our kitchen, too, but the layout doesn't allow for a mix of flooring materials - too open to the other rooms.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,014
Registered: ‎05-24-2016

Re: Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

ten years ago had a ad fridge leak overnight and it damaged the oak wood flooring.  I replaced it with travertine 12" x 12" tiles.  Looks beautiful to this day. Very durable, easy to clean and waterproof.  Only thing is if you drop any type of glass (Pyrex, corningware) mark it sold!  But then most glass won't survive when dropped.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,758
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

My aunt and uncle recently had the whole house done with that waterproof vinyl, wooden print slats/planks like real wood. It looks really good and clean up is a breeze with a steam mop. It is great!! I want to get it for my next flooring when I ditch this carpet!
Honored Contributor
Posts: 74,406
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Recommendation New Kitchen Flooring After Water Damage

I've always thought that vinyl was the only practical material for kitchen floors and that's all I've ever had.  Anything ceramic is hard and hard on the legs.  Wood products risk the damage you're seeing now.  The new wood-look vinyl is indistinguishable from real wood...that the only way I'd go.

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