Waterproof flooring is an important addition to any room in the house that is going to have to stand up to heavy water or moisture exposure. Most people will automatically peg the bathroom as the part of the home most in need of waterproof flooring, but the protection offered can also be vital in the kitchen.
We should start with the most important question – what is waterproof flooring? That part is pretty easy. It is a flooring surface which is impervious to damage or change through contact with liquids. That means that any fluid spilt or splashed onto a waterproof floor, even in large quantities, will have no lasting impact. The fluid is not able to permeate beneath the surface and cause any permanent damage. One source of constant confusion is the distinction between waterproof flooring and water-resistant flooring. There are three basic types of flooring available – non-resistant, water resistant and waterproof. An example of a completely non-resistant surface is carpet. A spilt liquid will soak into a carpet, with the material becoming saturated and perhaps sustaining permanent damage as a result.
“Dura-Chef 1/2-inch” Rubber Comfort Mats
There is also potential for mold or mildew to develop. That said, the number of people rushing to put carpet in their kitchens is probably pretty low. The next level of protection – water-resistant floors – might have been designed or treated to make sure they can stand up to a little fluid exposure. Wood is one example of a material which can be vulnerable to liquid, but is often treated to give it some protection and prevent water soaking into it. This is very useful, but does not offer a comprehensive level of safety against water spills. A water-resistant flooring can still be damaged. But the top level of resistance is provided by waterproof flooring, which offers absolute protection and will not deteriorate, even in the face of prolonged exposure.
As previously mentioned, one area that can see the most benefits from waterproof flooring is the kitchen. Some people may be able to keep their kitchen in pristine shape, but for most amateur chefs it is a room that has to stand up to a lot of use and abuse. From high foot traffic to constant wear and tear, a kitchen has to be robust – especially the floor. Aside from the almost-inevitable cooking catastrophes, on any given day you’re probably looking at a little food and drink spillage, not to mention some splash-back from the dishwasher or sink. You probably don’t need us to tell you that the probability of spillage is likely to dramatically increase if you have kids or pets. Beyond the basics, there is also potential for some serious water damage.
A leaking or broken pipe under the sink could flood the entire room. From time to time most people also defrost their freezer, and that is another process liable to cause a mini flood on the floor. These everyday events make waterproof kitchen flooring a necessity for most people. There are plenty of waterproof flooring options that are commonly used, including everything from vinyl to ceramic tile, but it is important to remember that all surfaces have pros and cons. One of the most effective forms of waterproofing is with a rubber kitchen floor. Waterproof rubber flooring is perfect for the kitchen, as it provides a surface which is completely non-absorbent and does not allow any liquid leaks.
“Dura-Chef Octagon” Rubber Kitchen Mats
“Dura-Chef Octagon” Rubber Kitchen Mats
- Eco-friendly reclaimed floors
- Underside of mats has a surface texture that grips base flooring
- Perfect for commercial applications such as kitchen chef’s mats, poolside areas, locker rooms, restaurant bar mats, and more
Easy Drainage: These are best used as chef’s mats, bar mats, poolside mats, or any other place that sees a lot of wetness. Water and other miscellaneous liquids will easily seep through the octagonal holes, leaving the surface of these anti-fatigue mats free of excess liquids that can cause a hazardous slip. Additionally, since liquid does not stay on these rubber mats, moisture-caused byproducts like mold and mildew will never form.
Increased Safety: One of the biggest benefits of having rubber mats is that they increase safety. No one wants to suffer from a nasty fall that could have easily been prevented. With these eco-friendly reclaimed floors in place, your feet will be granted a degree of extra traction that will help them stay secured. Having a non-skid mat around will help keep you and your guests upright on your two feet.
Be More Comfortable: Whenever you stand around in one place for too long, your feet become tired. When they get tired, inevitably the rest of you will get tired. Anti-fatigue mats are an easy solution for relieving the pressure that builds up in your feet. The rubber material in these reclaimed floors absorbs weight and dissipates pressure.
When we talk about the need for waterproof flooring in the kitchen, there are a couple of different considerations that make it necessary. As previously mentioned, a kitchen is likely to be covered by a substantial amount of water every now and then. Without waterproof flooring, that can take its toll on the floor and lead to the need for repairs. But another serious consideration is safety. A kitchen can contain a lot of hazards, from sharp knives to open flames, and a slick and slippery floor can be extremely dangerous.
An added benefit of a rubber kitchen floor is the grip and traction it offers, even when water is on the surface. A rubber kitchen floor will also be very durable, making it work well for an area of the house that gets a lot of foot traffic. In addition, the inherent buoyancy of a rubber kitchen floor will be a little easier on the feet than a material like ceramic tile. Smaller waterproof rubber mats can also provide quality waterproofing options for the kitchen. No matter which variation you go for, waterproof flooring is vital in the kitchen and a rubber surface is a strong choice for protecting the most important room in the house.
“Diamond Plate” Roll Rubber Matting
“Diamond Plate” Roll Rubber Matting
- Quality protection at an affordable rate
- Easiest to install when you use double-sided tape
- Features a textured backside that grips base surfaces
- Excellent for use as an equipment floor mat garage flooring, warehouse flooring, factory mats, kennel mats for dogs, waterproof flooring, gym mats, shop mat, and much more
Designed for Traction: From the very beginning, the diamond plate mats are designed with safety in mind. The diamond pattern on these mats helps produce traction for the feet walking around on it. More traction means a far lower likelihood of slipping and falling. Each raised line of the pattern has a way of “gripping” feet. Diamond plate floor mats will provide enough resistance on all sides of the feet so as to keep them secure and upright.
Excellent Protection: Base flooring can be very vulnerable. Wood and tile can be degraded over time due to a high volume of foot traffic and/or the continued presence of heavy equipment. When these diamond plate floor mats are in place, they absorb the shock and pressure of heavy weights. They take the full force while preventing the surface beneath them from feeling it. If your area contains heavy equipment, floor mat options such as the “Diamond Plate” is essential to have around.
