Best Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Options for Bathrooms and Laundries

Moisture, spills, and humidity are a daily reality in bathrooms and laundries, so your floors need to handle all of that without warping, lifting, or becoming a slip hazard. In this guide, we break down the best waterproof flooring options that combine practicality, durability, and style.

Why Waterproof Flooring Matters in Wet Areas

Bathrooms and laundries are high-moisture zones. Water from showers, steam, splashes from sinks, or even an overflowing washing machine can cause serious damage if your flooring isn't up to the task. That's why it's essential to install flooring that is truly waterproof, not just water-resistant.

What's the difference? Water-resistant flooring can handle minor spills if you wipe them up quickly. Waterproof flooring won't absorb moisture at all—even if water sits on it for hours. For wet areas, you need the real deal.

Waterproof flooring gives you peace of mind, knowing your floors won't swell, rot, or harbour mould. It's also easier to clean and maintain, making it a smart long-term investment for any Australian home.

Top Waterproof Flooring Choices for Bathrooms and Laundries

1. Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

One of the best options available today is waterproof vinyl flooring. It's 100% waterproof, comfortable underfoot, and available in a wide range of finishes that mimic the look of real timber or stone.

Why vinyl works in wet areas:

  • 100% waterproof—won't swell or warp
  • Easy to clean with a damp mop
  • Perfect for DIY installation with click-lock systems
  • Budget-friendly compared to tiles
  • Scratch and stain resistant
  • Softer and warmer underfoot than tiles

If you're after a cost-effective yet stylish solution, vinyl is hard to beat. Explore our Luxury Vinyl Plank collection for premium timber-look options.

2. Hybrid Flooring (SPC)

Hybrid flooring is a newer option that blends the best parts of vinyl and laminate. It's built with a rigid SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) core, making it strong, stable, and completely waterproof.

Why hybrid is great for wet areas:

  • Rigid core won't dent or flex like standard vinyl
  • 100% waterproof throughout
  • More realistic timber look and feel
  • Pre-attached underlay for better acoustics
  • Handles temperature changes without expanding or contracting

Hybrid is especially good for open-plan homes where your kitchen or laundry flows into living areas—you can run the same floor throughout without transitions. It's also ideal for homes with kids and pets who tend to bring a bit of mess with them. See our pet-friendly flooring options for the most durable choices.

Check out our full SPC flooring range for hybrid options perfect for wet areas.

3. Tiles (The Traditional Option)

While not something we sell, ceramic or porcelain tiles are traditionally used in wet areas. They're highly water-resistant and can look great, but they come with some downsides:

  • Cold and hard underfoot
  • Grout lines can stain and harbour mould
  • More expensive and difficult to install
  • Can crack if heavy objects are dropped
  • Slippery when wet unless you choose textured finishes

If you already have tiles in good condition, you can actually install vinyl or hybrid flooring directly over them—saving time and money on removal. Our under 5mm flooring options are perfect for this, keeping floor height minimal.

What About Laminate and Timber?

We often get asked about laminate flooring and engineered timber for bathrooms. Here's our honest advice:

  • Laminate: Not recommended for wet areas. It's water-resistant at best, and the fibreboard core will swell if moisture gets in.
  • Engineered Timber: Beautiful, but not waterproof. Best kept in living areas, bedrooms, and hallways away from constant moisture.

For bathrooms and laundries, stick with vinyl or hybrid—they're purpose-built for wet conditions.

What Makes Flooring DIY-Friendly?

DIY-friendly flooring means you can skip the tradie and do it yourself over a weekend. Many waterproof vinyl and hybrid products come with a simple click-lock system. This makes them easy to install without glue or nails, and you can even lay them over existing floors.

Key features that make installation easier:

  • Click-lock joining system—planks snap together
  • Floating floor design—no adhesive needed
  • Pre-attached underlay—one less step
  • Can be cut with a utility knife or basic saw

See our DIY-Friendly Flooring collection if you're planning a weekend reno project. We also have a detailed installation guide to walk you through the process step by step.

Tips for Choosing Waterproof Flooring

  • Check the warranty: Make sure it's specifically rated for bathroom or laundry use, not just "water-resistant."
  • Consider slip resistance: Look for textured finishes, especially for bathrooms where wet feet are common.
  • Look for low-maintenance options: Busy homes benefit from floors you can mop and forget.
  • Pick the right finish: Timber-look for warmth, stone-look for a modern feel, light tones to make small bathrooms feel bigger.
  • Seal the perimeter: Even with waterproof flooring, apply silicone sealant where the floor meets bathtubs, showers, and cabinets to prevent water getting underneath.

Popular Colours for Wet Areas

Not sure what colour works best? Here are some popular choices:

  • Light tones – Make small bathrooms feel larger and brighter
  • Grey tones – Contemporary and versatile, hide water marks well
  • Dark tones – Dramatic and elegant, great for larger spaces
  • Natural timber tones – Warm and inviting, perfect for creating a spa-like feel

Our Recommendation

If you're looking for the best flooring for wet areas, you can't go wrong with waterproof vinyl or hybrid options. They're reliable, affordable, and designed to handle life's messiest moments. Whether you're renovating your family bathroom or giving the laundry a facelift, investing in quality waterproof flooring is a decision your future self will thank you for.

Our top picks:

Ready to Find Your Perfect Waterproof Floor?

Explore our full waterproof flooring collection to find the right match for your bathroom, laundry, or kitchen.

Want to see the colours and textures in person? Order free samples delivered to your door—it's the best way to make sure you love it before you commit.

Still unsure which option suits your space? Get in touch with our team for personalised advice and a free quote. Check out our customer gallery to see how other Aussie homeowners have transformed their wet areas with waterproof flooring.