I see your point about vinyl plank flooring—it's definitely a solid choice for moisture resistance. But I've had cork flooring in my laundry room for about five years now, and honestly, it's held up surprisingly well. Granted, I haven't had any major flooding incidents (knock on wood...), but we've definitely had our share of spills and minor leaks from the washer. As long as you go with a high-quality cork that's specifically rated for wet areas and keep it properly sealed, it can handle more moisture than most people think.
Plus, there's something to be said for the comfort factor, especially if you're standing around folding laundry or sorting clothes regularly. My feet and back appreciate the extra cushioning, that's for sure.
Of course, if flooding is a frequent concern rather than just an occasional worry, then yeah...vinyl might be the safer bet overall. But don't completely rule out cork—it might surprise you!
Good points on cork, but from an investment perspective, I'd still lean toward vinyl plank for flood-prone areas:
- Easier to replace individual planks if damaged.
- Generally lower maintenance—no resealing needed.
- Better resale appeal due to perceived durability.
Cork's comfort is nice, though...definitely worth considering for less risky spaces.
Vinyl plank definitely has its perks, especially for flood-prone spots. But I've found that in older homes, moisture can sometimes get trapped underneath vinyl, causing hidden mold issues. Ever run into that problem or have tips to prevent it?
Ran into that exact issue last year. Best fix I've found is laying down a good vapor barrier first, sealing seams carefully, and making sure the subfloor is bone-dry before installation. A bit tedious, but worth the effort to avoid mold headaches later on.
That's solid advice right there. I usually go the vapor barrier route too, but honestly, I've seen some houses where even that wasn't enough—especially if the flooding is frequent. Have you ever tried elevating the subfloor slightly with sleepers or something similar? I did it once on a basement reno after a client had repeated water issues... worked surprisingly well, and gave them a little extra peace of mind. Curious if anyone else has experimented with that.