What Is The Best Flooring For My Laundry Room?

Published on: 23/05/2024 Author: Babette

The laundry room is a highly functional space in any home, yet is often overlooked when it comes to interior design. While there is a lot to consider within the overall decor, selecting the right flooring for laundry rooms is crucial due to the various unique requirements of the space.

Simply put, your laundry room floor will be subject to the likes of humidity, wet clothes, detergent spills and heavy foot traffic. So while aesthetics count, so too does practicality.

At Washtower, we want to ensure that your laundry room renovation is successful including beyond any laundry cabinets you may purchase from us. That’s why our experts have put together the following guide to help you avoid common mistakes when it comes to laundry room flooring.

We encourage you to read our guide carefully prior to choosing a floor surface for your laundry room. If you also need any help selecting the best laundry cabinets for your space, please contact us to discuss your needs.

Top picks

Tiled Flooring

Tiles offer one of the most practical options for a laundry room.

As with other types of flooring, it’s essential to use tiles that are labelled as being suitable for bathrooms and kitchens, meaning that the tiles possess waterproof or water-resistant properties. 

Also be mindful that the grout also needs to be suited towards wet environments, with epoxy grout being a notable example. Hiring a professional tiler can help avoid problems both with the choice of tile and grout to ensure your tiled laundry room floor performs as well as it looks. 

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a top choice for laundry rooms due to its exceptional combination of moisture resistance, stain resistance, durability and affordability. Vinyl is available in a wide range of designs and styles, including waterproof vinyl plank flooring and vinyl sheet flooring. All of which means vinyl offers versatility to suit various aesthetic preferences. Additionally, vinyl flooring is easy to install, making it a practical option for DIY enthusiasts.

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring is another excellent option for laundry rooms, particularly in households with high foot traffic or heavy-duty usage. Its inherent resilience and shock-absorbing properties make it ideal for environments where impact resistance is paramount. Furthermore, rubber flooring is available in various textures and colours, allowing you to customise the look of your laundry room while prioritising functionality.

However, one caveat with rubber flooring is when the flooring has texture or indentations as part of the design. That’s because the floor must be completely flush against the laundry units which sit on top.

Unsuitable Flooring Choices For A Laundry Room

Carpet

While carpet may add warmth and comfort to living spaces, it is not suitable for laundry rooms. Carpet fibres are prone to trapping moisture and stains, making them unsuitable for the high-moisture environment of a laundry room. Additionally, cleaning and maintaining carpets can be challenging, especially in areas prone to spills and splashes.

Laminate

When purchasing laminate flooring, it will normally have a guide on the product listing to instruct usage suitability. 

Laminate flooring is typically designed for bedrooms and living rooms. It is less common to find laminate that is suitable for kitchens, bathrooms or utility rooms as this would require the flooring to have special properties which make it resistant to water. 

So unless the flooring is labelled specifically as ‘waterproof laminate flooring’, laminate is generally best avoided as a laundry room flooring option. 

Wood

With the exception of sealed wood or using a waterproof alternative to wood (i.e. waterproof MDF), wood in general is not a good choice for laundry room flooring. 

Specifically, waterproof flooring is required directly under and around your laundry appliances. 

Traditional wood flooring may be visually appealing, although is susceptible to moisture damage. Exposure to water can cause wood to warp, swell, or rot over time, compromising its structural integrity. This makes wood impractical for use in laundry rooms where spills are inevitable. It’s also not possible to use a steam mop on an unsealed wooden floor to be able to clean up any stains either. 

What makes Washtower® cupboards 100% safe?

The cupboard cannot fall/ tip over

The wall anchors supplied ensure secure wall mounting.

The cupboard absorbs vibrations

Thanks to the innovative construction model, the cupboard (WSCS146(2)) absorbs all vibrations.

The cupboard will not sag

The cupboard is suitable for heavier machines. It will not sag due to heavy machines.

No warranty loss on appliances

The warranty and product liability are maintained, also when the washing machine is raised.

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Things To Take Into Consideration When Choosing Laundry Room Flooring

Moisture Resistance

One of the primary considerations when choosing laundry room flooring is its resistance to moisture. Given the nature of the tasks performed in this space, spills, leaks and dampness are common occurrences. 

Opting for moisture-resistant flooring is essential to prevent damage and maintain the integrity of the floor over time. 

Tiles, vinyl and rubber flooring are excellent choices in this regard. These materials offer superior moisture resistance, ensuring your laundry room remains functional and free from water-related issues.

Did you know?: Washtower laundry cabinets have a metal bottom plate integrated into the design to collect water and help prevent leaks. 

Stain Resistance

Laundry rooms are prone to spills from detergents, bleach and other cleaning agents. Therefore, selecting flooring that is resistant to stains is paramount. Vinyl flooring is a standout option, as it is not only moisture-resistant but also highly resistant to stains. Its non-porous surface makes cleaning spills a breeze, allowing you to maintain a pristine laundry room with minimal effort.

Impact Resistance

Laundry rooms often double as utility spaces, where heavy items such as laundry baskets, detergent containers and appliances are frequently moved around. As such, choosing flooring with good impact resistance is crucial to prevent damage from heavy objects. Rubber flooring is an excellent choice in this regard, as it provides a cushioned surface that absorbs impact, reducing the likelihood of scratches, dents or cracks.

Easy to Clean

Maintaining a clean and hygienic laundry room is essential for optimal functionality and comfort. Therefore, selecting flooring that is easy to clean is a must. Vinyl flooring ticks this box effortlessly, thanks to its smooth, non-porous surface. Spills and stains can be quickly wiped away with a damp cloth or mop, keeping your laundry room looking fresh and tidy with minimal effort.

Long-lasting

Investing in durable flooring is key to ensuring the longevity of your laundry room floor. Vinyl flooring and rubber flooring are both renowned for their durability and resilience. With proper care and maintenance, these materials can withstand the rigours of daily use, retaining their aesthetic appeal and functionality for years to come. By choosing long-lasting flooring options, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your investment will stand the test of time.

Affordable

Budget considerations play a significant role in any home improvement project, including selecting flooring for the laundry room. Fortunately, vinyl flooring and rubber flooring are not only practical and durable but also affordable options. Their relatively low cost per square foot makes them accessible choices for homeowners seeking quality flooring solutions without breaking the bank.

Washtower - Discover Our Laundry Cabinets

Overall, when it comes to choosing flooring for your laundry room, prioritising functionality, durability and affordability is key. Vinyl flooring and rubber flooring emerge as standout options, offering superior moisture resistance, stain resistance, impact resistance and ease of maintenance. By steering clear of unsuitable options such as carpet and wood flooring, you can ensure that your laundry room remains a functional and inviting space for years to come.

With a good idea of what makes for a suitable laundry room floor along with what to avoid, all that’s left is to furnish your laundry space with the right features!

Use the Washtower configurator to browse the different configurations available to suit all laundry spaces and overall preferences. 

Pair your chosen units with the right floor surface and your dream laundry room will be realised in no time!  

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