When it comes to renovating your home, few decisions matter as much as your flooring—especially in rooms where water is a daily presence. Kitchens and bathrooms see more spills, splashes, and steam than any other spaces in a Canadian home. That means choosing a flooring option that’s not just stylish, but fully waterproof or water-resistant is essential. The Best Waterproof Flooring for Kitchens and Bathrooms in Canada guide from Caledon Floors is designed to walk Canadian homeowners through the best waterproof flooring options available today. We’ll compare materials, explain the pros and cons of each, and help you make the right choice for your space and budget.
Why Waterproof Flooring Matters in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Moisture is the enemy of most flooring materials. Kitchens are full of water sources—from sinks and dishwashers to boiling pots and coffee makers. Bathrooms are even more prone to moisture, with hot showers, tubs, and wet feet adding water to every surface. Without waterproof flooring, you risk permanent damage like warping, buckling, mold, and costly repairs.
That’s why Canadian homeowners—especially those in provinces with high humidity like British Columbia or extreme cold like Manitoba—should prioritize moisture-resistant flooring that can handle the local climate.
Top Waterproof Flooring Options for Canadian Homes
1. WPC Vinyl Flooring (Waterproof Polymer Core)
At Caledon Floors, our WPC products are made from advanced, wood-free materials that offer greater stability, are fully waterproof, and do not swell, expand, or degrade when exposed to moisture. The term 'WPC' remains as a legacy label, but today's formula is engineered for superior performance in Canadian homes (WPC originally stood for Wood-Plastic Composite, but modern WPC no longer contains any wood).
WPC vinyl features a rigid waterproof core, a decorative image layer, and a durable wear layer that protects against scuffs, spills, and daily use.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof and wood-free construction
- Excellent underfoot comfort and warmth
- Thicker planks mean stronger locking systems and quieter performance
- Reduced sound transmission (great for multi-level homes)
- Wide variety of realistic wood-look finishes
- Compatible with radiant heating systems
Cons:
- Typically more expensive than SPC or laminate
- Slightly softer core than SPC, which may show indentations in very high-traffic zones
This makes modern WPC vinyl a perfect choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and main living areas where comfort, durability, and waterproof performance are essential.
2. Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring
Water-resistant laminate offers a budget-friendly way to get the look of hardwood with added moisture protection. Newer laminate technologies can resist spills for 24 to 72 hours.
While not technically waterproof, this type of laminate is often sufficient for kitchens and powder rooms, provided you clean up spills quickly and use proper underlayment.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Available in wide, trendy planks
- High scratch resistance (especially AC4-rated)
- Textured surface options (e.g., Embossed in Register)
- Easy to install over most subfloors
Cons:
- Not suitable for standing water or full bathrooms
- Edges can swell if moisture seeps through seams
Many Canadian homes use laminate in kitchens successfully—but be cautious in bathrooms unless the flooring is explicitly labeled for high-moisture environments.
3. SPC Vinyl Flooring (Stone-Plastic Composite)
SPC vinyl is similar to WPC in structure but has a stone-plastic composite core, making it denser and more rigid. It is fully waterproof, stable in temperature swings, and ideal for budget-conscious renovations.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof
- Dent-resistant core
- Affordable
- Works well in condos and basements
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- Less comfortable underfoot than WPC
- Feels cold
- Louder sound, sometimes can sound hollow if installed without high quality underlayment
SPC is perfect for rental units, laundry rooms, or high-traffic areas where performance matters more than feel.
4. Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tile remain the gold standard for bathroom flooring. They’re naturally waterproof and extremely durable—but can feel cold and hard underfoot, especially in winter.
Pros:
- 100% waterproof
- Resistant to stains and scratches
- Long lifespan
- Classic and modern styles available
Cons:
- Requires grout (which needs maintenance)
- Cold to walk on without radiant heating
- Expensive installation and repair costs
Flooring by Room: What to Use Where
Here’s a quick reference guide to help you choose the right flooring type based on the space in your home:
- Kitchen: WPC Vinyl or Water-Resistant Laminate
- Full Bathroom: WPC Vinyl or Porcelain Tile
- Powder Room: SPC or WPC Vinyl
- Laundry Room: SPC Vinyl or WPC Vinyl
- Basement: SPC Vinyl (especially over concrete)
- Condo: SPC Vinyl or WPC Vinyl (height-efficient and stable)
FAQs: Waterproof Flooring in Canadian Homes
Is vinyl flooring truly waterproof?
Yes. WPC and SPC vinyl planks are 100% waterproof and safe for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Remember these are click lock floating floor installations so the flooring is 100% waterproof but as it is a floating floor, there is always the risk of water / moisture getting trapped underneath the planks, and that is a problem that needs to be avoided.
Can I use laminate in the bathroom?
Only if it's labeled water-resistant and the room doesn’t have standing water. Use caution and ensure quick cleanup.
Which waterproof flooring is the most comfortable?
WPC vinyl offers the best combination of comfort, warmth, and durability.
Is tile the best waterproof flooring?
Tile is the most waterproof but also the hardest and coldest. It’s excellent for bathrooms but less ideal in living areas. Tile does not have the risk of moisture being trapped underneath like a click lock floating floor does. This is why it is the leader in bathroom floor options.
What is the best waterproof floor for pets?
WPC or SPC vinyl are great for pet owners—they resist scratches, water, and pet accidents. But the same rule applies again you want to be cleaning up spills because you do not want the risk of pet accidents getting underneath a floating floor plank. The floor planks are not the risk, getting this moisture trapped between the flooring plank and the subfloor is the risk.
What to Look for When Shopping
- Look for waterproof core materials (WPC or SPC)
- Choose thicker planks (8–12mm) for better comfort, warmth and durability
- Confirm wear layer rating (20 mil for heavy use)
- Select trusted locking systems (like Välinge 5G or Uniclic)
- Ask for certifications like Greenguard Gold to reduce VOCs
Final Thoughts: Invest in Floors That Last
The right waterproof flooring does more than prevent damage—it makes your kitchen and bathroom easier to live in. Whether you're cooking for your family, getting ready in the morning, or coming in with wet boots, your floors should work as hard as you do.
WPC and SPC vinyl floors offer excellent performance and beauty, while water-resistant laminate and tile give you flexibility depending on your style and budget.
Contact us for help choosing a floor — we’ll connect you with a Dealer in your region: info@caledonfloors.com or toll free 1-888-973-7967
Find a dealer near you — and explore our stunning waterproof and water-resistant collections in person at a Caledon Dealer location near you
