Introduction
Choosing the right waterproof flooring is crucial for bars and restaurants that face spills, heavy foot traffic, and strict hygiene standards. Different suppliers offer unique solutions in durability, water resistance, installation speed, and design options.
To simplify your decision, I’ve reviewed the top 7 waterproof flooring suppliers, highlighting their key products, standout features, and real-world performance in busy hospitality environments. This guide will help you find the best flooring to protect your investment while keeping your space stylish and safe.
A detailed comparison table at the end of this guide summarizes the main features of the top 7 waterproof flooring suppliers, including durability, waterproofing, installation, cost, and warranty, giving you a clear overview before diving into the full reviews.
Baier Laminate Flooring: Waterproof Solutions for Bars & Restaurants
Baier Laminate Flooring is a reliable choice for bars and restaurants that need waterproof floors. The company offers a range of strong, commercial-grade products designed to withstand heavy traffic and frequent spills.
waterproof laminate flooring Options Laminate Planks: Baier offers durable laminate planks in multiple finishes and thicknesses. Typical thicknesses range from 8 mm to 12 mm, and wear layers from 12 mil to 20 mil, depending on traffic levels. These planks are designed for fast, simple installation in busy areas and provide excellent waterproof protection.
Other Laminate Options: Additional options include interlocking planks suitable for high-traffic spots and seamless designs for easy cleaning. Box coverage typically ranges from 25–40 sq. ft. per carton, making project planning straightforward.
Specific Commercial Flooring Features
Product Variety: Baier provides laminate flooring, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and rigid core flooring for Commercial Applications.
Protection Technology: Advanced surface protection resists scratches, stains, and scuffs—vital for bars and restaurants.
Waterproof & Scratch Resistance: All commercial laminate planks are 100% waterproof and resistant to dents and heavy use.
Wear Layers: Recommended wear layers range from 12 mil for moderate traffic to 20 mil for very busy venues.
Durability, Ratings & Pricing
Proven Performance: Baier floors are built to last, handling spills, harsh cleaning chemicals, and constant foot traffic with minimal maintenance.
User Feedback: Customers consistently praise the durability, design, and ease of maintenance of Baier laminate floors, with typical satisfaction ratings around 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Price Range: commercial laminate flooring is competitively priced, generally $100–$300 per carton, depending on thickness and finish.
Warranty: Many products come with long-term commercial warranties, typically 15–20 years, showing confidence in their quality.
Maintenance Solutions: Optional cleaning kits are available for easy upkeep and long-term performance, usually priced from $50–$60 per kit.
2. Shaw Contract: Great Waterproof Flooring for Bars & Restaurants
Key Product Features
Product Range: They offer luxury vinyl tile (LVT), rigid core, and sheet vinyl flooring. I see these used in commercial spaces with a lot of foot traffic.
100% Waterproof Technology: I like that their floors use special cores and locking systems. This provides complete waterproof protection from spills and cleaning. This is very important for bar areas and kitchens.
Extreme Durability: These floors are tough and can handle heavy impacts and wear. Their wear layers go up to 28 mil, which I find gives them a long service life.
Slip Resistance: Many Shaw Contract floors are certified R10 or higher for slip resistance. This makes them a safer choice for wet and busy areas.
Performance & Value in Real Bars and Restaurants
Cost Efficiency: I have seen case studies showing that installing Shaw Contract LVT can save money. Busy bar chains saved up to 30% a year on maintenance. This is because the floors are easier to clean and don’t need to be replaced as often.
Proven Longevity: Here’s a great example: a sports bar installed 4,000 sq. ft. of LVT. After three years of frequent drink spills, the floor had zero water damage.
Restaurant Franchise Example: A national coffee chain used Shaw Contract in more than 800 locations. They reported that installation was 35% faster than with ceramic tile. This meant less downtime and let them reopen their businesses quicker.
Commercial Pricing & Warranty
Cost Range: You can expect to pay $4.50–$8.50 per sq. ft. for these commercial-grade waterproof products.
Warranty Protection: Most products come with a 10–20 year commercial warranty. I think it’s great that this includes coverage for waterproof performance and wear.
3. Mannington Commercial: Waterproof Flooring for Busy Restaurants and Bars
Mannington Commercial is a top choice for the tough demands of bars and restaurants. Their waterproof flooring systems are very versatile. Their main products are Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) flooring. I have found both are great for handling high traffic, frequent spills, and daily cleaning.
My Thoughts on Mannington’s Key Waterproof Products
ADURA®Max LVT
This product has a WPC waterproof core. It uses the exclusive HydroLoc™ locking system, which I like because it stops liquids from getting between the planks.
It reduces sound by up to 30%. I think this is a huge plus for loud bar and dining areas.
It also uses ScratchResist® surface protection. This is perfect for places with constant chair and table movement.
You can use a steam mop to clean it, which makes daily upkeep simple.
The flooring is certified as kid- and pet-friendly. It resists scratches, stains, and fading.
I also appreciate that it meets low-VOC FloorScore® standards, which means better indoor air quality.
Amtico Signature LVT
This product has been used in major hospitality projects, like The Clubhouse, Hox Haus in Manchester. This shows me it’s a great fit for renovating buildings and for high-end venues.
Quantum Guard Elite Wear Layer
This is Mannington’s own scratch-resistant coating. I recommend it for high-impact areas with lots of furniture movement and foot traffic.
For bars and restaurants, I suggest a wear layer of 20mil or higher to make sure it lasts.
Performance & Practical Benefits
All their flooring is made for busy spots like entrances, dining rooms, bar areas, breakrooms, and stockrooms. These are all places that get wet and see a lot of wear each day.
For restroom areas, I usually recommend using non-vinyl options. Porcelain or ceramic tile will give you the best water resistance.
Mannington flooring includes Microban® surface protection. This helps keep the floors cleaner and improves hygiene, which is a big deal in a food service environment.
Cost, Thickness, and Sustainability
Commercial LVT pricing generally ranges from $1–$5 per sq. ft. In my opinion, this offers good value for hospitality businesses. Sheet vinyl is also an option if you need a lower-cost choice.
Flooring thickness can be anywhere from 2.5mm to 15mm. However, I believe the wear layer thickness is the most critical factor for how long your floor will last.
They focus on sustainable design. Their products are FloorScore® certified and come in coordinated colors to create a unified look. I’ve seen these options work well for senior living and modular spaces too.
Highlighted Case Study
The Clubhouse, Hox Haus (Manchester): This project is a great example of Mannington’s LVT. It shows how the flooring can look stylish in a historic building while still delivering modern performance for a bar or restaurant.
4. Mohawk Group: Waterproof & Resilient Flooring for Bars and Restaurants
Mohawk’s Key Commercial Flooring Features
Wide Product Range: Mohawk offers a great selection. You can choose from luxury vinyl tile (LVT), modern laminate, ceramic tile, sheet vinyl, waterproof engineered wood, and new carpet tiles. I’ve seen that all are tested for bar and restaurant needs.
Waterproof Technology: I really like their SplashDefense® feature for 100% waterproof protection. The Uniclic® joint system creates a water-tight seal with fast, tool-free installation. These floors perform well in places where spills and moisture are common.
Heavy-Duty Wear Layers: From my experience, many Mohawk LVT floors include a 20 mil commercial wear layer. This makes them strong enough for heavy foot traffic, frequent cleaning, and helps them resist stains and damage.
Antimicrobial Hygiene: Some product lines have CleanProtect® antimicrobial protection. This feature helps bars and restaurants meet strict hygiene rules, which I find very important.
Noise Management: The EcoFlex™ Echo backing on their carpet tiles provides excellent sound insulation. This helps create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Sustainability: I appreciate that Mohawk uses recycled and renewable materials in many products. Their laminates have over 90% recycled wood. The company’s wood panel business recycles about 700,000 tons each year, which helps lower the carbon footprint of the sector.
Customizable Design: The brand provides a large palette of colors, patterns, and surface textures. I think this is great because it allows owners to match the flooring to their brand or create a unique look in their dining and bar areas.
Quick Installation & Maintenance: You can get fast installations without needing extra underlayment, and they have matching moldings. This helps keep your business downtime low. The floors are made for simple, effective cleaning, which I feel is a must-have.
Product Example: Waterproof LVT for Bars & Restaurants
Mohawk Home 6MM Thick, 7.5″ x 48″ LVT Planks
Specs: 20 mil wear layer, antimicrobial properties, and a rating for light commercial use (10-year warranty).
Practical Benefits: This flooring resists stains and is easy to clean. It gives you solid water protection and a design that looks good in restaurants and bars.
Application & Industry Recognition
I’ve seen that Mohawk’s Imperfection, Immersion, and Rudiments carpet tile collections are made for areas with high traffic and frequent cleaning, like bar and dining floors.
Across their product lines, their flooring designed for hospitality makes it easy for managers to keep spaces clean, attractive, and safe, even with busy crowds and constant spills.
Because they offer fast installation and smooth transitions, you can upgrade your place without shutting down for a long time. I find this essential for preventing lost revenue.
5. COREtec (by Shaw): 100% Waterproof Flooring for Bars & Restaurants
Key Product Features and Construction
Heavy-Duty Wear Layers: You can choose from 12 mil wear layers for lighter commercial use or move up to 30 mil for heavy-duty areas. This provides excellent scratch resistance and a longer life for the floor.
Plank Sizes & Thickness: Standard planks are 7″ x 48″, and luxury styles go up to 7.13″ x 72.05″. The total 12 mm thickness adds a comfortable and solid feel underfoot. I like that it’s enhanced by a pre-attached 3 mm cork underlayment that helps with noise and warmth.
Box Coverage: A typical box covers 21.39–27.73 sq. ft. and has 6 planks, which makes planning your project straightforward.
Performance & Core Technologies
True Waterproof Design: COREtec uses special WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) or SPC (Stone-Plastic Composite) cores. Because of this, the planks won’t bend, swell, or buckle. This holds true even with constant spills or heavy cleaning.
No Downtime Installation: With the Angle Tap system, you can install the flooring and use it right away. No acclimation time is needed. This is a huge plus if you can’t afford to close your business for installation.
Flexible Install Options: You can choose a click-lock or glue-down method. This gives you options based on your subfloor and how fast you need the job done.
Pre-attached Cork Backing: In my opinion, this feature is very practical for noisy places like bars. It softens the sound of footsteps and makes the floor more comfortable for both your customers and your staff.
Durability, Safety & Green Standards
Stain, Dent & Impact Resistance: A UV acrylic coating protects the commercial-grade surfaces. This means you will worry less about stains, scuffs, and dents from things like bar stools or dropped drinks.
Assurance with Warranty: I’m impressed that many collections come with a 15-year heavy commercial warranty. Some even offer a lifetime residential warranty, which shows me the quality is built to last.
GreenGuard Gold Certification: Some flooring lines are GreenGuard Gold Certified. They meet tough indoor air quality standards and help your business pass safety and health inspections.
Design Variety & Brand Image
Over 150 Visuals: You have a huge amount of freedom to match your restaurant’s style. They offer wood and tile looks, textures that feel real, and high-quality embossing.
Popular Restaurant Looks: You can use styles like Valor Oak, Wheldon Oak, and Spirit Oak. These help create the exact classic or modern atmosphere you want for your brand.
Real-World Case Example
COREtec Pro Series: The Pro Series was made for light commercial spots. I find it holds up very well to a lot of foot traffic. I think it’s a perfect match for the busiest bar or restaurant floors.
6. Karndean Designflooring: Waterproof Luxury Vinyl for Bars & Restaurants
Commercial Performance & Technical Highlights
Total Waterproof Construction: This LVT flooring won’t swell, warp, or crack, even with lots of spills and moisture. From my experience, it works well in dining rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Slip Resistance Excellence: I’m impressed that the surfaces are safer than industry standards. They score a dry slip resistance of 0.89 (ASTM D2047). This gives great peace of mind in busy areas where spills are common.
Heavy-duty Wear Protection: Their commercial products have wear layers up to 30 mil (0.7 mm). You’ll often see the 12 mil and 20 mil layers used for bar and restaurant projects.
Abrasion & Impact Resistance: The Opus Range is very tough. It handles up to 124,000 abrasion cycles and passes dent tests (ASTM F1914). I’ve seen it hold up to damage from bar stools, heavy furniture, and daily cleaning.
Thermal Conductivity: It’s also certified for underfloor heating. The rating is 0.0120 m²K/W (ISO 8302).
Stain Defense: This flooring resists stains from food, drinks, and chemicals (ASTM F925). This makes cleaning and upkeep much simpler.
Product Collections & Specifications
Opus Range Tiles
Size: 18 x 18 inches (457 x 457 mm)
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Wear Layer: 20 mil
Sample SKUs: WP411 NIVEUS, WP413 MAGNA
Knight Tile Rigid Core Chevron
Size: 48 x 9 inches (1219 x 228 mm)
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Wear Layer: 12 mil
Acoustic insulation: IIC 68—which I find makes it quieter for guests
Knight Tile Range Planks
Size: 36 x 6 inches (915 x 152 mm)
Wear Layer: 12 mil
I like the seamless, non-beveled finish. It creates a smooth, continuous look in your design.
Installation & Maintenance Benefits
Flexible Installation: I suggest you choose the best installation method for your space. Options include gluedown, loose lay, or rigid core to match your subfloor and daily needs.
Easy Repairs: If a plank or tile gets damaged, you can replace just that one piece. This means less downtime for your business and lower repair costs.
Low Upkeep: The floor is easy to clean. You don’t need waxes or harsh chemicals. It’s perfect for quick cleanups in busy kitchens and dining areas.
Design, Compliance & Brand Credentials
Design Versatility: They offer over 100 unique designs that look like real wood and stone. I find this is great for matching your brand’s theme or creating different zones.
Certifications:
It meets several key standards. These include ASTM F1700 (resilient flooring), ISO 23999 (dimensional stability), and ASTM E648-06 Class 1 (fire rating).
Warranties: You get a lifetime warranty for homes and up to a 20-year commercial warranty. This gives me confidence that it’s a solid long-term investment.
Enhanced Quietness: The floor also helps reduce noise. This creates a more comfortable and quiet space for your guests.
7. Lumber Liquidators (LL Flooring): Waterproof Flooring for Bars & Restaurants
Key Commercial Flooring Features
100% Waterproof Performance:
CoreLuxe and Tranquility Ultra for places with lots of spills and moisture. This includes kitchens, dining rooms, and behind the bar. They have a special SPC (stone-polymer composite) core. This means the planks will not swell, buckle, or warp.
Professional-Grade Durability: These floors hold up well against dents and scratches. They can handle heavy foot traffic with no problem. I’ve found you do not have to worry about damage from chairs, tables, or dropped items.
Easy & Fast Installation:
I like that most waterproof options have a click-lock system. This system reduces the number of seams and helps block water. They also have peel-and-stick versions for simple DIY projects. These choices allow for quick renovations and reduce the time your business is closed.
Commercial Pricing, Sizing, and Underlayment
Cost Efficiency:
The pricing is very competitive, from $1 to $5 per sq. ft. for waterproof vinyl. This makes LL Flooring a great choice if you have a strict budget or a large area to cover. Sale specials can even drop some prices below $1 per sq. ft.
Underlayment Options:
Some product lines come with the underlayment already attached. This adds comfort and absorbs sound. For floors without it, I suggest you use a moisture-resistant underlayment. It will improve sound insulation and make the floor more comfortable to walk on.
Top 7 Waterproof Flooring Suppliers for Bars & Restaurants — Comparison Table
| Supplier | Product Types | Waterproof | Wear Layer | Thickness | Installation | Key Features | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baier Laminate Flooring | Laminate, LVT, Rigid Core | 100% | 12–20 mil | 8–12 mm | Click-lock / Interlocking | Scratch/stain resistant, commercial-grade, fast install, easy maintenance | $100–$300/carton | 15–20 yrs commercial |
| Shaw Contract | LVT, Rigid Core, Sheet Vinyl | 100% | Up to 28 mil | 5–12 mm | Click-lock / Glue | Slip-resistant R10+, extreme durability, fast install | $4.50–$8.50/sq.ft. | 10–20 yrs commercial |
| Mannington Commercial | LVT, WPC | 100% | 20 mil+ | 2.5–15 mm | Click-lock / Glue | HydroLoc™ system, ScratchResist®, Microban®, low-VOC | $1–$5/sq.ft. | Varies by product |
| Mohawk Group | LVT, Laminate, Sheet Vinyl, Tile | 100% | 20 mil | 6–15 mm | Click-lock / Glue | SplashDefense®, antimicrobial, noise reduction, sustainable | $1–$5/sq.ft. | 10 yrs light commercial |
| COREtec (by Shaw) | WPC / SPC LVT | 100% | 12–30 mil | 12 mm | Angle Tap / Glue | Pre-attached cork underlayment, dent/stain resistant, fast install | $3–$8/sq.ft. | 15 yrs heavy commercial |
| Karndean Designflooring | LVT | 100% | 12–30 mil | 2.5–4.5 mm | Glue-down / Loose lay / Rigid Core | Slip-resistant, abrasion & impact resistant, thermal-friendly, easy maintenance | $4–$8/sq.ft. | Lifetime residential / 20 yrs commercial |
| Lumber Liquidators (LL Flooring) | SPC, LVT | 100% | 12–20 mil | 4–12 mm | Click-lock / Peel & Stick | Professional-grade, fast install, authentic looks, customizable | $1–$5/sq.ft. | 10–20 yrs commercial |