Does Porch Flooring Need To Be Waterproof?

By Lisa Hobbie Created: April, 2021 - Modified: April, 2021

If you are fortunate enough to have or to be thinking about adding a porch to your home, you may be wondering if the flooring needs to be waterproof. The short answer is yes. Unless your porch is 100 percent enclosed, the flooring needs to be waterproof. Even if it is a 3 season porch that is screened in or covered, if the chance of moisture entering in exists, the porch flooring must be waterproof.

Greatmats offers a fabulous selection of - from carpet and composite to deck tile - that look and perform fabulously. Among those products, the following 5 options tend to be the most popular:
  1. Western Wave Engineered Hardwood Flooring
  2. LonDeck Commercial Vinyl Rolls
  3. Royal Interlocking Carpet Tile
  4. Patio Outdoor Tile
  5. Perforated Black StayLock Tile

The Best Flooring for an Enclosed Porch

Western Wave Engineered Hardwood FlooringWestern Wave Engineered Hardwood Flooring is a beautiful option if you do have a porch that is completely enclosed, as it is not waterproof. It is, however, one of the best and most attractive engineered hardwood products available with its random length, hand honed planks that are available in many different colors and shades. It boasts an 11 step semi gloss finish, tongue and groove design, hand scraped textures, beveled edges, splits, and mineral streaks to enhance the character and appeal of the flooring. It is also Lacey Act Compliant.

The Best Waterproof Porch Flooring

LonDeck Commercial Vinyl RollsLonDeck Commercial Vinyl Rolls are resilient rolls suitable for multiple applications, as they are waterproof, lightweight, sound absorbing, and slip resistant. This single-ply, high performing product is commercial grade and designed and guaranteed to endure all weather situations and heavy foot traffic. It is suitable for indoors or outdoors, and it looks and performs extremely well.



Royal Interlocking Carpet TileRoyal Interlocking Carpet Tile is a unique product that is actually designed to thrive in any and all environments - including those that are moisture prone and weather exposed. The tops of the loopless carpet tiles are laid with a robust carpeting that is bonded to a cushioned foam base, which results in a strong floor that will stand up to foot traffic, patio and porch furniture, and lots of entertaining time. It can easily be placed over concrete or wood without using adhesive, and the carpet tiles are waterproof, odor proof, and non-absorbent, preventing the growth of mold and bacteria!

Greatmats Customer, Mary Lou, raves about this product in her online review. She has used the carpet tiles outside on her open porch, and she has recommended them to friends who have used them in beach cottages, and she shares that they, too, have been pleased.

“They keep the floor warm in the winter, prevent slips on water spill, and are super easy to keep clean,” she says.



Patio Outdoor TilePatio Outdoor Tile is another great option for a porch or patio. This tile features a non-slip surface texture that dries really fast and provides excellent comfort. It is a lightweight, PVC product that is very

fast and easy to install with its snap together construction, and the result is a safe wet space. This tile is simple to clean with a damp mop and common household floor cleaner, and it prevents the growth of mold and mildew on your porch.

Greatmats customer, Jim, writes in his online review that they installed these tiles on an outside porch with a roof but no walls. They live in rainy Florida, and even though the mats get wet, they don’t get slick and they dry quickly. He writes that the tiles have far exceeded his expectations.



Perforated Black StayLock TilePerforated Black StayLock Tile is a PVC floating floor option that is made in the USA and offers anti-fatigue benefits, traction, and comfort - even with bare feet when the surface is wet. The tile is UV stable, and looks fabulous, offering a non-slip surface texture and ASTM fall height rating of 20 inches. The tiles are waterproof, oil resistant, acid resistant, and designed to allow for drainage. They will easily endure heavy foot traffic and the weight of porch furniture.

Greatmats customer, Sal, reviewed the tile online and shared that he used it on a second floor porch over a roof membrane. He says the pieces were easy to work with, and the finished product looks professional and long lasting.

“I installed approximately 100 of these one foot square tiles, and the appropriate border pieces to complete the edges,” he said. “The tiles were delivered ahead of schedule and it took less than 3 hours to complete the full installation.”

Greatmats - For The Best Porch Flooring

The flooring solutions highlighted here are among the best available anywhere. They are designed to thrive in unheated, exterior environments, or, porches or decks that are partially covered and protected. Whether your porch is attached to the back of your house, or, if it is a freestanding structure in a different area of your yard, the waterproof solutions highlighted would look and perform well for your space.

Regardless of the product you choose for your porch, you can’t go wrong with any of the highlighted options. To help you decide which one is best for you, just reach out to the helpful customer service team at Greatmats, and together, you can find the option that is perfect for your porch.