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Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Really Waterproof? What Melbourne Homeowners Should Know

Vinyl plank is marketed as waterproof — here's what that actually means for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.

18 July 2026 · 4 min read

"Waterproof" is one of vinyl's biggest selling points, but it's worth understanding exactly what it protects against — and what it doesn't.

The plank itself won't absorb water

Quality luxury vinyl planks and hybrid boards have a waterproof core, so surface spills, mopping, and splashes won't swell or damage the board the way they can with timber or laminate.

The subfloor still matters

Waterproof planks don't make the whole floor system watertight. Water that gets through the joins can sit on the subfloor. That's why subfloor prep, moisture testing, and correct installation are just as important as the product.

Great for wet-prone rooms

  • Kitchens and laundries where spills are common
  • Bathrooms and powder rooms (with correct detailing)
  • Entryways that cop wet shoes and Melbourne weather

AB Flooring installs waterproof vinyl and hybrid flooring across Melbourne, with the subfloor preparation that makes it perform. Ask us for a free measure and quote.

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