Life happens. Kids spill juice on the kitchen floor. Dogs track mud through the hallway. A washing machine leaks overnight. And if your flooring can’t handle it, you’re looking at warping, staining, and expensive repairs.
Waterproof flooring is built to handle all of it. Unlike traditional hardwood or standard laminate, waterproof options won’t swell, buckle, or warp when exposed to moisture. That makes them the go-to choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and any space where water is part of daily life.
At Flooring Atlanta, we carry a full selection of waterproof vinyl plank (LVP), SPC, WPC, and waterproof laminate from brands including Mohawk, Shaw, Mannington, TRUCOR, and Dreamweaver. Our team can help you find the right product for your space, your lifestyle, and your budget – no pressure, just honest advice from people who’ve been doing this for 19+ years.
Waterproof flooring refers to any flooring product with a core that will not absorb water. Even if water sits on the surface for hours or seeps through the seams, the plank itself won’t swell or break down.
This is different from water-resistant flooring, which can handle brief exposure but may still be damaged by standing water or prolonged moisture. Standard laminate and some engineered hardwoods fall into the water-resistant category – they’ll hold up to a quick spill, but not a basement flood or a pet accident that goes unnoticed.
True waterproof flooring gives you the look of hardwood or stone with the peace of mind that moisture won’t ruin your investment.
WPC planks have a foam-based core that’s 100% waterproof, warm underfoot, and naturally sound-absorbing. The thicker core makes WPC a great choice for homes with uneven subfloors or rooms where comfort matters, like living rooms and bedrooms. WPC is also one of the quieter waterproof options, which homeowners with multi-story homes appreciate.
SPC planks have a rigid, stone-based core that’s thinner and denser than WPC. That extra rigidity makes SPC extremely durable and resistant to dents and temperature changes. It’s a strong pick for high-traffic areas, kitchens, commercial spaces, and rooms with direct sunlight. SPC can also be installed over most existing hard-surface floors without additional underlayment.
Modern waterproof laminate uses a sealed core and tight-locking system to keep moisture out. It offers the realistic wood-grain look of traditional laminate with waterproof protection. A solid mid-range option for homeowners who want style and durability without going full luxury vinyl.
| WPC vs. SPC vs. Waterproof Laminate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | WPC Vinyl | SPC Vinyl | Waterproof Laminate |
| Core Material | Wood plastic composite (foam-based) | Stone plastic composite (rigid) | Sealed HDF with waterproof locking |
| Waterproof? | ✅ Yes – 100% waterproof core | ✅ Yes – 100% waterproof core | ✅ Yes – sealed core and locking system |
| Thickness | Thicker (5-8mm+) | Thinner (3.5-7mm) | Medium (8-12mm) |
| Comfort Underfoot | ⭐ Softer and warmer | Firmer | Moderate |
| Durability | High | ⭐ Highest – dent and impact resistant | High |
| Sound Absorption | ⭐ Best – foam core absorbs sound | Good with underlaymen | Good |
| Best For | Bedrooms, living rooms, basements, uneven subfloors | Kitchens, high-traffic, commercial, sunlit rooms | Budget-friendly whole-home installs |
| Pet-Friendly? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes – most scratch-resistant | ✅ Yes |
| Price Range | $$-$$$ | $$-$$$ | $-$$ |
Not sure where waterproof flooring makes sense? Here’s a room-by-room breakdown:

At Flooring Atlanta, we pair the right installer with your specific project. Waterproof flooring is one of the fastest installs we do, but doing it right still matters. Here’s what the process looks like:
We guarantee the installation for the first year. If the install was done incorrectly, we make it right. Our installers don’t want to jeopardize their standing with us, and we hold them accountable – that’s the difference between working with Flooring Atlanta and rolling the dice with an unknown contractor.
We carry waterproof flooring at all four Flooring Atlanta locations. Stop by, browse the samples, and talk to our team about what’s right for your project.
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Find answers to common questions about our flooring services and installation
Yes – WPC and SPC vinyl planks have cores that will not absorb water, even with prolonged exposure. Waterproof laminate uses a sealed core and locking system to prevent moisture penetration. That said, while the planks themselves are waterproof, standing water can still seep through seams if left for extended periods. Proper installation with tight seam locks minimizes this risk. For areas with frequent standing water (like bathroom showers), LVP is still the better choice.
SPC vinyl plank is the top recommendation for pet owners. It’s the most scratch-resistant waterproof option, won’t absorb odors from accidents, and cleans up easily. For larger dogs, look for SPC with a thick wear layer (20 mil+). WPC also works well for pets but is slightly less scratch-resistant. Our team can help you compare options in person at any of our four showroom locations.
Absolutely. Basements are one of the most popular rooms for waterproof flooring. SPC is especially well suited because it handles temperature fluctuations and can be installed directly over concrete subfloors. WPC is a great choice if you want a warmer, softer feel underfoot. Both handle the moisture that naturally comes with below-grade spaces.
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) has a foam-based core that’s softer, warmer, and better at absorbing sound. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) has a rigid, stone-based core that’s thinner, denser, and more resistant to dents and temperature changes. WPC is better for comfort-focused rooms like bedrooms and living rooms. SPC is better for high-traffic, high-moisture areas like kitchens and commercial spaces. Both are 100% waterproof.
With proper installation and normal maintenance, quality waterproof vinyl plank flooring typically lasts 15-25+ years. The wear layer thickness is the biggest factor – thicker wear layers (20 mil+) resist scratches and wear longer. Waterproof laminate generally lasts 15-20 years. All of this depends on foot traffic, pets, and maintenance. Our team can help you choose a product that matches your expected wear.
Yes. We offer 12-month interest-free financing through Synchrony at all four locations. This applies to any flooring purchase, including waterproof vinyl and laminate. Visit our financing page for details or ask any team member during your showroom visit.
Visit a showroom near you to explore flooring options, take home samples, and get expert advice for your project.
Schedule a Consultation Request a free Estimate Call (404) 994-6443The best way to choose waterproof flooring is to see it, feel it, and talk through your project with someone who knows the products inside and out. Our team is here to help you find the right floor for your home - no pressure, just honest guidance.
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