Laundry Room Flooring | Best Types Guide

Laundry rooms see more than their fair share of mess – spills, steam, heavy machines, and the odd detergent explosion. 

So when it comes to flooring, looks aren’t enough. It needs to be tough, low-maintenance, and ready for moisture. 

We’ll break down the best laundry room flooring options so you can choose what works for your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.

What Makes Great Laundry Room Flooring?

Not all floors are built for the splash zone. Laundry rooms are prone to leaks, steam, heavy appliances, and more. 

Here’s what to look for when choosing the right flooring:

• Water Resistance: Moisture is a given in laundry areas. Your floors need to resist spills, humidity, and even the occasional flood.
• Durability: Can it handle the weight of a washer and dryer without denting or cracking? Is it scratch-resistant?
• Easy Maintenance: Soap spills, pet hair, muddy clothes – laundry floors should be a breeze to clean.
• Slip Resistance: Safety first. Wet floors are slippery floors. Go for textured or non-slip options.
• Comfort: If you’re folding and sorting for long stretches, you’ll want something kinder to your feet.

Best Flooring Types for Laundry Rooms

1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) & Tile (LVT)

LVP and LVT are fan favorites for a reason. They combine realistic wood or tile looks with full waterproof protection – a win-win for laundry rooms where style meets utility.

LVP mimics hardwood through textured planks, while LVT gives you stone or ceramic looks in tile format. Both have a layered construction that includes a wear layer, design print, and rigid core. 

They’re tough, stylish, and surprisingly comfortable underfoot.

Features:

• 100% waterproof or highly water-resistant
• Multi-layer build with rigid core and protective wear layer
• Click-lock installation for DIYers
• Realistic wood or stone visuals
• Compatible with radiant heat

2. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

Porcelain tile is the heavy-duty contender of the flooring world. Made from dense, fine clay and fired at super high temps, it resists water, scratches, and just about everything else. It’s basically indestructible.

Porcelain is a subtype of ceramic but denser and less porous. That makes it especially ideal for moisture-heavy laundry rooms. 

Just be warned: it’s not the cushiest surface to stand on.

Features:

• Water absorption <0.5% (porcelain)
• Available in matte, glossy, textured, and patterned styles
• Can mimic wood or stone
• Ideal for radiant floor heating

3. Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Traditional laminate and water don’t mix, but waterproof laminate changes the game. It features a moisture-resistant core and a click-lock system that keeps water from seeping through the seams.

It gives you the look of hardwood with more water resistance and a friendlier price tag.

Features:

• Water-resistant HDF core with sealed edges
• Wear layer resists scratches and stains
• Click-lock floating floor system
• Wood and stone-look options

4. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

If you’re after the natural beauty of hardwood but need more moisture protection, engineered wood is your middle ground. It features a real wood top layer over a stable core that resists warping from moisture and temperature changes.

While it’s not waterproof, it can handle moderate humidity better than solid wood.

Features:

• Real hardwood veneer over plywood/HDF core
• Available in many species and finishes
• Can be glued, nailed, or floated

5. Rubber Flooring

Rubber floors in a laundry room? It might sound odd, but hear us out. Rubber is waterproof, non-slip (even when wet), and super comfortable to stand on – ideal for utility rooms where safety and comfort are a priority.

It also absorbs noise, which is a plus if your laundry machine tends to sound like a rocket launch.

Features:

• Water and slip resistant
• Soft and cushioned underfoot
• Available in tiles or rolls
• Often made from recycled materials

6. Cork Flooring

Cork is warm, soft, quiet, and naturally resistant to mold and mildew. It’s also eco-friendly, harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without cutting them down.

While cork isn’t waterproof, sealing it properly can make it water-resistant enough for laundry rooms with mild humidity.

Features:

• Renewable material with cushioning and insulation
• Anti-microbial and hypoallergenic
• Requires sealing for moisture protection

7. Plastic or PVC Tiles

Plastic or PVC tiles are a no-nonsense solution. They’re waterproof, low-cost, and surprisingly durable. Some even come with textured finishes for grip and safety.

They’re not the fanciest, but they do the job well, especially in utility-focused laundry spaces.

Features:

• Interlocking or peel-and-stick tiles
• Water, stain, and scratch resistant
• Lightweight and easy to install

Comparison: Laundry Room Flooring

Considerations Before You Choose

Here’s what to think about before locking in a material:

• Risk of Moisture Exposure: Do you have a sink or stacked washer that sometimes leaks? Go waterproof.
• Your Comfort Needs: Doing laundry for a family of five? Rubber or cork might be your back’s best friend.
• Subfloor Type: Concrete vs. wood can limit or expand your install options.
• Budget vs. Longevity: Will you be in the house long-term, or is this a short-term fix?
• Installation Plans: Want to DIY or leave it to the pros?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peel-and-stick flooring in a laundry room?

Yes, but with caution. While some peel-and-stick options are water-resistant, they may not hold up well to high humidity or heavy appliance weight unless specifically rated for wet areas.

What’s the best flooring if my laundry room is in the basement?

Go with something fully waterproof like LVP or porcelain tile. Basements are prone to higher moisture levels, so you’ll want a material that won’t warp, swell, or trap mold.

How do I protect my laundry room floor from washer leaks?

Use an appliance tray or water-sensing leak detector. For added peace of mind, choose a floor with a waterproof core and tight seams (like LVP or rubber) to minimize water damage.

Can radiant heating be installed under laundry room floors?

Yes – especially under tile, LVP, and engineered hardwood. Just make sure the flooring type is rated for use with underfloor heating to avoid warping or adhesive issues.

Conclusion

Laundry rooms are tough on floors – between moisture, mess, and machines, you need something that holds up without holding you back. 

LVP and tile are the clear winners for all-out waterproof protection, but options like waterproof laminate, rubber, and even engineered hardwood bring something different to the table depending on what you value most: comfort, style, budget, or low maintenance. 

The key is knowing what trade-offs you’re willing to make, and making sure your floor can handle real life, not just look good in a brochure.

Want help narrowing it down? Book a free in-home appointment to compare flooring types, see what works in your lighting, and get expert input without the pressure.