Best waterproof flooring for kitchens, laundries & bathrooms
3 min read · Written by the WFA flooring team · Updated June 2026
Quick answer
For wet areas choose a floor that's genuinely waterproof, not just water-resistant: hybrid, vinyl plank or porcelain tiles. Hybrid and vinyl give a warm timber look and are quick to install; porcelain tiles are the go-to for showers and fully wet bathrooms. Laminate and engineered timber are fine in kitchens with care but shouldn't go in laundries or bathrooms.
Hybrid
Kitchen: Yes
Laundry: Yes
Bathroom: Yes (not inside shower)
Shower: No
Vinyl plank
Kitchen: Yes
Laundry: Yes
Bathroom: Yes (not inside shower)
Shower: No
Porcelain tiles
Kitchen: Yes
Laundry: Yes
Bathroom: Yes
Shower: Yes (with waterproofing)
Laminate
Kitchen: With care
Laundry: No
Bathroom: No
Shower: No
Engineered timber
Kitchen: With care
Laundry: No
Bathroom: No
Shower: No
| Floor | Kitchen | Laundry | Bathroom | Shower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Yes | Yes | Yes (not inside shower) | No |
| Vinyl plank | Yes | Yes | Yes (not inside shower) | No |
| Porcelain tiles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (with waterproofing) |
| Laminate | With care | No | No | No |
| Engineered timber | With care | No | No | No |
Waterproof vs water-resistant
Waterproof boards won't swell if water sits on them. Water-resistant boards resist splashes for a limited time. The edges and gaps still need sealing with silicone around wet-area perimeters, whichever you choose.
Don't forget the subfloor
Bathrooms and laundries in Australia need a compliant waterproof membrane under the floor — that's a job for your licensed waterproofer.