Liquids and moisture are among the greatest threats to your wood flooring. This is because they can penetrate your wood flooring and destroy it. Common issues on wood flooring include warping, stains, fading, and buckling. If unchecked, these could irreparably damage your floor. Too much moisture also encourages mold growth, which is a health hazard. Below is a guide to help you choose the appropriate waterproof wood flooring.

Select the Appropriate Solid Wood Species

The truth is that no floor is indefinitely water-resistant. However, some types of wood species hold off water better than others. For instance, white oak is so good at resisting water that it's usually used on boats and floors. Besides being water-resistant, it's also highly durable, making it a perfect choice for your floor.

Another great wood species is teak, which is perfect for exotic wood flooring. In fact, boat and deck builders swear by its efficacy and durability. Besides, it's also a great water-resistant flooring choice. The only downside with teak wood is that it's somewhat pricey, thanks to its exotic nature, but it's still a great value for your money. The Brazilian walnut is another water-resistant wood flooring. Also known as Ipe, this wood flooring material is one of the strongest hardwood floors on the market.

Consider Engineered Wood Flooring

You can also choose engineered waterproof wood flooring besides solid wood. Don't let the word “engineered” trick you into thinking it's not real wood. It's 100% wood, just like solid wood. It features high-strength OSB or plywood overlain with solid wood veneer. OSB stands for oriented-strand board.

Engineered wood is quite popular with homeowners. In recent years, it led the market with a 52% total revenue share, according to Grand View Research. This is attributed to its high-strength base layers, making it less susceptible to warping and swelling from moisture and heat. Engineered water-resistant wood flooring comes in many options, and it's also cheaper and easier to install than solid wood.

When choosing the right waterproof wood flooring, you have a range of hardwood flooring options to choose from. In the end, it's all a matter of budget and personal taste when it comes to choosing the right flooring for you. Contact Hardwood Headquarters for more information.