What is Aqua Flooring, Exactly?

If you’ve been researching waterproof flooring or just the best laminate options in general, you may have come across the Aqua Flooring brand. But what is Aqua Flooring exactly? Who manufactures it? And is it worth buying for your home?

Aqua Flooring offers several different flooring products, but its laminate line is one of the most popular. This article will cover everything you need to know about Aqua Flooring, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your home.

What is Aqua Flooring?

Aqua Flooring is a line of water-resistant flooring products designed to mimic real wood and stone. Its offerings are affordable, durable, and highly reviewed. One of the major attractions of Aqua Flooring is that every product in its range is at least water-resistant.

Types of Aqua Flooring

There are three main types of flooring sold under the Aqua Flooring brand:

• Aqua Laminate
• Aqua Engineered Hardwood
• Aqua Engineered Bamboo

Aqua Laminate Flooring

Of the three, Aqua Laminate is the most popular. Aqua Laminate comes in nearly 90 different styles, offering a wide range of wood floor colors and designs, from light to dark shades mimicking materials like ebony. Aqua Laminate is often referred to as AquaGuard Flooring.

What is Laminate Flooring Made Of?

Laminate flooring is generally seen as a composite alternative to real wood flooring. Its base layer is made from high-density fiberboard, with a photo-realistic design layer on top to replicate hardwood or other materials. A protective wear layer shields the surface, creating a finished product that looks similar to prefinished hardwood flooring.

Laminate vs. Engineered Hardwood

Aqua Flooring offers both laminate and engineered hardwood options. The main difference between the two is that engineered hardwood is real wood, while laminate is not. Laminate flooring is harder and less expensive, but it can’t be refinished like real wood. Once the wear layer of laminate is worn out, the floor is done. On the other hand, laminate costs a fraction of what wood flooring costs.

Aqua Laminate Flooring: Two Main Lines

Aqua Laminate comes in two distinct lines:

• Standard Aqua Laminate
• Aqua Performance

Both lines come with a lifetime residential warranty and are 12mm thick, which is a feature of many high-quality laminate flooring brands. Both are also available in four collections, based on texture and finish.

1. Textured (Standard): Resembles natural hardwood but may reveal it’s a composite upon closer inspection.
2. Authentic Texture: Offers a more realistic hardwood look.
3. Handscraped: Features a hand-finished look for a rustic feel.

Water Resistance: How Waterproof is Aqua Flooring?

All Aqua Flooring products are water-resistant. Standard Aqua Laminate offers protection against standing water for up to 30 hours, while Aqua Performance is marketed as fully waterproof. However, for waterproofing to work effectively, proper installation is key.

What Makes Aqua Laminate Waterproof?

Aqua Laminate features melamine coating on the sides and bottom of each plank. Melamine is a type of plastic that protects the fiberboard base, which can warp if exposed to water. The top layer also has an AC5-rated aluminum oxide coating, which is highly durable and prevents water and scratches.

Key Features of Aqua Flooring

Here are some features that set Aqua Flooring apart from other brands:

AC5 Rating

Aqua Flooring’s AC5 rating indicates that it has one of the highest levels of durability available in laminate flooring, making it resistant to scratches and suitable for high-traffic areas.

Easy Installation

Aqua Laminate uses a click-lock floating system for easy installation. You can snap planks together without glue or nails, creating a seamless surface that keeps water out.

Solid Warranty

Aqua Flooring comes with a solid warranty, but proper installation is required for the warranty to be valid.

Wide Range of Styles

Aqua Laminate is available in a variety of styles, from ash flooring to pine flooring, with options that mimic the look of expensive wood species like teak. It also offers different plank widths, ranging from narrow to wide, depending on your preference.

Aqua Laminate FAQs

• Is Aqua Laminate Waterproof or Water Resistant? Aqua Standard is water-resistant, while Aqua Performanceis fully waterproof. Both offer excellent protection against spills in kitchens or bathrooms.

• Does Aqua Laminate Require Underlayment? Yes, underlayment helps seal out moisture from the subfloor and provides additional comfort and soundproofing.

• Can I Install Aqua Flooring on Walls? Technically, yes. However, Aqua Laminate is not specifically designed for wall installation.

• Can It Be Steam Mopped? Yes, Aqua Laminate can be safely cleaned with a residential steam mop.

• Does Aqua Flooring Emit VOCs? Aqua Flooring has a Green Gold certification, meaning it meets standards for low VOC emissions, making it an eco-friendly option.

• What Sizes Does Aqua Flooring Come In? All Aqua Laminate is 12mm thick, with plank widths varying from 3” to 8” and beyond.

Conclusion: Is Aqua Flooring Worth It?

Yes, Aqua Flooring is a great choice for anyone looking for durable, water-resistant, and affordable laminate flooring. Despite being a big-box store brand, Aqua Flooring offers features that rival more expensive products, such as the AC5 rating and excellent water resistance. Whether you need flooring for a kitchen, bathroom, or high-traffic area, Aqua Laminate is worth considering.

However, local flooring stores might offer better deals and more personalized options. While Aqua Flooring is an excellent choice, it’s always worth checking out other local options as well.