Waterproof Flooring for Beautiful, High-Performance Spaces
Design-forward flooring with the durability and water protection today's spaces demand.
Waterproof flooring has come a long way. Today's luxury vinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile and waterproof flooring collections can deliver remarkably realistic wood and stone aesthetics while standing up to everyday spills, moisture, pets, traffic and demanding commercial environments.
At Central Rug and Floors, we help homeowners, interior designers, architects and commercial clients throughout Evanston and Chicago's North Shore select waterproof flooring that balances design, performance and long-term value.
From a sophisticated kitchen or finished basement to a boutique retail space, healthcare environment or multi-unit property, our team can help you find a floor that performs beautifully—and looks the part.
Visit our Evanston showroom to explore samples in person and work with our flooring and design specialists.
Waterproof Flooring, Elevated by Design
Waterproof doesn't have to mean ordinary.
Today's waterproof flooring offers a wide range of colors, textures, plank widths, patterns and finishes designed to complement sophisticated interiors. Many collections recreate the character of hardwood, natural stone and other premium materials while offering the practical benefits of resilient flooring.
Our approach starts with the overall design—not simply the flooring product. We consider how your flooring will work with:
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Cabinetry and millwork
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Countertops and tile
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Wall colors and finishes
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Furniture and furnishings
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Area rugs
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Architectural details
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Lighting
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The way the space will actually be used
The goal isn't simply to find a waterproof floor. It's to find the right floor for the entire space.
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What Is Waterproof Flooring?
Waterproof flooring is engineered to resist water penetration through the flooring material under the conditions specified by the manufacturer. Product construction, installation requirements and warranties vary, so our specialists can help you compare the details—not just the samples.
Popular options include:
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Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) for realistic wood looks
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Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) for stone and tile-inspired designs
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Waterproof laminate collections engineered for enhanced moisture performance
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Rigid-core flooring for dimensional stability and durability
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Commercial resilient flooring designed for higher-traffic environments
Waterproof Doesn't Mean the Subfloor Doesn't Matter
Waterproof flooring can help protect the flooring itself from moisture, but it does not correct an underlying water or moisture problem. Proper subfloor preparation, moisture evaluation and installation according to the manufacturer's specifications remain important, particularly in basements, over concrete and in commercial environments.
Residential Waterproof Flooring for the North Shore
Beautiful Enough for the Main Living Spaces. Practical Enough for Everyday Life.
Waterproof flooring isn't limited to utility rooms anymore.
Design-forward waterproof flooring can be an excellent solution for homeowners who want the appearance of natural materials with easier maintenance and added protection against everyday spills.
Kitchens
Create a cohesive look that flows from the kitchen into adjoining living spaces while providing a practical surface for one of the hardest-working rooms in the home
Bathrooms
Waterproof flooring can complement sophisticated bathroom designs while providing practical performance in a moisture-prone environment.
Finished Basements
Transform a basement into a comfortable living space, home office, gym, entertainment area or guest suite with flooring selected for the conditions below grade.
Mudrooms & Entryways
Beautiful flooring meets real life in these high-traffic transition spaces.
Laundry Rooms
A practical place for waterproof performance without sacrificing the design aesthetic.
Homes With Pets & Active Families
Look beyond waterproof construction. Wear layer, scratch resistance, stain resistance, maintenance requirements and warranty should all factor into the decision.
Commercial Waterproof Flooring for Design-Driven Spaces
Performance Matters. So Does the First Impression.
Commercial flooring has to work harder—but that doesn't mean it has to look institutional.
Central Rug and Floors works with interior designers, architects, general contractors, facility managers and corporate end users on commercial flooring projects where performance and aesthetics both matter.
Waterproof and resilient flooring can be appropriate for:
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Boutique retail
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Corporate offices
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Medical and dental environments
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Hospitality
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Restaurants
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Multi-family and condominium properties
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Senior living
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Fitness and wellness spaces
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Schools and educational environments
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Community and cultural spaces
What We Consider for Commercial Projects
The right commercial floor depends on more than appearance.
We help evaluate:
Traffic and durability
How much daily use will the floor receive?
Maintenance
What cleaning products, frequency and maintenance cycles will the space require?
Moisture exposure
Where will water, spills or frequent cleaning be a factor?
Installation requirements
What installation method and subfloor preparation are appropriate?
Design intent
How should the flooring work with the architecture, furnishings and overall brand experience?
Project coordination
What needs to happen to keep the project on schedule and minimize disruption?
Our commercial flooring services extend from product selection and specification through professional installation and project coordination.
Choosing the Right Waterproof Flooring
Waterproof flooring can help protect the flooring itself from moisture, but it does not correct an underlying water or moisture problem. Proper subfloor preparation, moisture evaluation and installation according to the manufacturer's specifications remain important, particularly in basements, over concrete and in commercial environments.
Start With the Space—Not the Product
There is no single "best" waterproof floor for every project. The right choice depends on the intersection of performance, aesthetics, installation requirements and budget.
Consider the Look
Do you want the warmth of natural oak? The variation of reclaimed wood? A sophisticated stone look? A wide-plank contemporary aesthetic? Today's waterproof collections offer far more design flexibility than the vinyl flooring of the past.
Consider the Performance
Look at:
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Wear layer
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Scratch and stain resistance
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Core construction
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Water performance
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Warranty
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Expected traffic
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Cleaning and maintenance requirements
Consider the Installation
Floating, glue-down and other installation methods each have applications and requirements.
The condition of the subfloor, moisture levels, transitions and layout can all affect the installation approach.
Consider the Entire Interior
Bring your cabinet sample, paint color, countertop selection, fabric or design inspiration to the showroom. Our team can help you see the floor as part of the room—not as an isolated product.
Waterproof LVP & LVT: What's the Difference?
Two Popular Options. Very Different Design Possibilities.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is designed to replicate the appearance of hardwood with plank formats, realistic textures and a wide range of colors and wood species-inspired visuals.
It's particularly popular for:
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Kitchens
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Living areas
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Basements
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Mudrooms
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Multi-room installations
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Active households
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT))
LVT can replicate the appearance of stone, ceramic tile and other hard surfaces while offering the practical characteristics of resilient flooring.
It's often considered for:
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Bathrooms
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Commercial spaces
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Offices
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Retail
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Healthcare
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Hospitality
Not sure which direction makes sense for your project? Bring your inspiration to the showroom and we'll help you compare the options.
In-Stock Waterproof Flooring
Beautiful Floors Without the Long Wait
Planning a project on a tighter timeline?
Central Rug and Floors stocks a curated selection of popular waterproof flooring styles for the Chicago market, with options available for immediate installation depending on current inventory.
Our in-stock selections include a range of colors and styles, from contemporary to traditional looks.
See current in-stock waterproof flooring
Have a longer planning window?
We can also help you explore our expanded online catalog through our Flooring America partnership.
Great Deals and Ready to Install!
Visit Our Expanded Online Catalog
Waterproof Flooring Brands & Collections
We offer a curated selection of waterproof and resilient flooring from leading manufacturers and collections, including options from:
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Casabella Laminate, Casabella Luxury Vinyl, Centaur Rubber Tiles, COREtec, Everlife Vinyl, Karastan Vinyl, Mannington Adura Luxury Vinyl, Mannington Laminate, Novocore Firmfit, Paramount Vinyl, Pergo Vinyl, Provenza, Raintree, Shaw vinyl, Stanton LVP, Trends by Jaeckle, Trucore by Dixie Home
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Product availability and specifications vary. For clients looking for a specific aesthetic or performance requirement, our flooring specialists can help narrow the field rather than leaving you to sort through hundreds of options.
See Waterproof Flooring in Real Spaces
We’ll let our recent installations do the talking.
The best way to understand what a floor can do is to see it in a finished space. Explore our gallery for examples of waterproof and resilient flooring used throughout residential and commercial environments across Evanston and the North Shore.
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Waterproof Flooring Installation FAQs
How much does waterproof flooring installation cost?
Waterproof flooring installation costs vary based on the flooring selected, project size, subfloor condition, existing flooring removal and installation requirements. An in-home measurement and evaluation provides the most accurate project estimate.
Can waterproof flooring be installed over existing flooring?
Sometimes. Installation over existing flooring depends on the material, condition, flatness, moisture levels and manufacturer requirements. Some floors can remain in place, while others require removal and subfloor preparation.
Can waterproof flooring be installed in a basement?
Yes. Waterproof luxury vinyl flooring is a popular basement option because it is durable and easy to maintain. However, waterproof flooring does not correct underlying moisture problems, so the subfloor should be evaluated before installation.
Is waterproof flooring a good choice for bathrooms and laundry rooms?
Yes. Waterproof flooring can be an excellent choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas where moisture and everyday spills are common. Proper installation is important, especially around fixtures, edges and transitions.
Does the subfloor need to be prepared before waterproof flooring is installed?
Usually, yes. The subfloor may need to be cleaned, repaired, leveled or otherwise prepared before installation. Moisture conditions are also important, particularly over concrete slabs and in below-grade spaces.
How long does waterproof flooring installation take?
Installation time varies based on project size, flooring selection, preparation requirements and whether existing flooring must be removed. A flooring specialist can provide a more accurate timeline after evaluating the specific project.
Is professional installation better than installing waterproof flooring yourself?
Professional installation can be especially beneficial for projects involving multiple rooms, uneven subfloors, transitions, stairs or moisture concerns. An experienced installer can also identify preparation issues before installation begins.
What is the best waterproof flooring for homes with pets and kids?
For active households, consider waterproof construction along with wear layer, scratch resistance, maintenance requirements and warranty. Waterproof luxury vinyl plank is a popular option for busy homes because it combines durability with easy everyday maintenance.
Does waterproof flooring work well in commercial spaces?
Yes. Waterproof and resilient flooring can work well in many commercial environments, including offices, retail, fitness, healthcare, hospitality and community spaces. Commercial flooring should be selected based on traffic, maintenance, moisture exposure and product specifications.
How do I choose the right waterproof flooring for my home or business?
Start with how the space will be used. Consider moisture exposure, traffic, pets or children, cleaning requirements, subfloor conditions, appearance and budget. Commercial projects may also require additional consideration of durability, maintenance and safety requirements.
Why Choose Central Rug and Floors?
Flooring Expertise With a Design Perspective
Selecting a floor is one decision within a much larger design.
That's why Central Rug and Floors brings together flooring expertise, professional installation and design guidance under one roof.
Boutique Showroom Experience
Visit our expanded and renovated Evanston showroom to see, touch and compare flooring rather than trying to make a final decision from a screen.
In-House Interior Design Expertise
Our in-house ASID interior designer can help connect your flooring selection to the larger design of your space—from colors and materials to the way individual finishes work together.
Curated Product Selection
We help narrow the choices based on your aesthetic, performance requirements and budget so you can spend less time sorting through endless flooring options.
Professional Installation
Our experienced installation team handles the details that determine how your new flooring looks and performs once it leaves the showroom.
Residential & Commercial Expertise
From a single-room renovation to a larger commercial project, our team understands that every space has different design and performance requirements.
North Shore Experience
We're a family-owned Evanston flooring business with deep roots in the community and experience working across the North Shore and Greater Chicago area.
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Let's Find Your Floor
Bring Your Vision. We'll Help With the Details.
Whether you're renovating one room, planning a whole-home project or specifying flooring for a commercial space, start with a conversation.
Visit Our Evanston Showroom! Bring your inspiration images, material samples, floor plans or simply your ideas. We'll help you explore waterproof flooring that delivers the look you want and the performance your space requires.
Schedule a Flooring Consultation