Hartco HydroBlok™ Waterproof Flooring

Hartco HydroBlok™: Waterproof Engineered Hardwood Specifications for Modern Interiors

For interior designers, ASID members, and space planners, the intersection of aesthetic purity and functional resilience is often where the most challenging specification decisions lie. The client desires the organic warmth of authentic timber in the primary bath or the mudroom, yet the practical constraints of moisture and humidity typically dictate a compromise to porcelain or LVT. Hartco, a heritage brand with manufacturing roots dating back to 1946, has resolved this tension with HydroBlok™ Waterproof Engineered Hardwood. This product line empowers design professionals to carry the continuity of real hardwood into zones previously deemed uninhabitable for wood flooring.

Merging Heritage with Hydrophobic Innovation

Hartco has long been established as a "Customer Driven Manufacturer," a philosophy that prioritizes the evolving needs of the modern home and commercial space. HydroBlok™ is the manifestation of this mission, engineered to dismantle the "fear factor" associated with wood floors. Unlike traditional solid planks that are hygroscopic and prone to cupping, HydroBlok™ utilizes a composite engineering process that renders the floor 100% waterproof. This allows designers to specify a single, cohesive floor covering that flows seamlessly from living areas into kitchens, laundry rooms, and full bathrooms without transition strips breaking the visual narrative.

Product Range and Aesthetic Versatility

The HydroBlok™ collection is curated to align with current "resimercial" and high-end residential trends, offering a palette that supports both minimalist and rustic design languages.

• Authentic Species: The top layer consists of genuine sliced or rotary-peeled veneers in White Oak and Hickory—species selected for their grain definition and cultural resonance in American interior design.
• Dimensional Stability & Visuals: Planks feature a contemporary 6-1/2" width and random lengths extending up to 70.8 inches. This formatting creates linear elegance and spatial expansion, critical for open-concept layouts.
• Texture & Finish: Design versatility is achieved through varied surface treatments, including Wire-Brushed textures that highlight the grain and Hand-Scraped options that add artisanal character. Colors range from the light, airy notes of "Abundance of Light" to the rich, grounding hues of "Forager Brown."

Technical Specifications: The 3-Part Protection System

For the specifier, the value of HydroBlok™ lies in its proprietary engineering. Hartco employs a comprehensive 3-Part Waterproof System designed to ensure structural integrity under moisture stress.

1. Tight Locking Mechanism: A precision-milled profile creates a hydro-phobic seal between planks, preventing liquids from penetrating the seams and reaching the subfloor.
2. Proprietary Edge Coating: A specialized sealant is applied to all plank ends and edges, reinforcing the most vulnerable points of the floor against moisture ingress.
3. Hyper-Dense Core: The structural core is infused with resin and compressed to extreme density. This ensures the plank remains impervious to swelling, even when exposed to standing water for up to 36 hours.

Durability and Performance Metrics

Beyond water resistance, HydroBlok™ is engineered for high-traffic resilience. The flooring boasts a Janka hardness rating of up to 2,500, which is nearly double the hardness of traditional White Oak (1,360). This density provides exceptional resistance to indentations from heavy furniture or dropped objects.

The surface is protected by HartGuard® Ultrashield, a finish that offers superior scratch and stain resistance. Furthermore, the finish incorporates Cleantivity™ Antimicrobial Protection, an embedded technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Installation and Sustainability Credentials

Efficiency in installation is a key consideration for project timelines. HydroBlok™ requires no acclimation period, allowing for immediate installation upon delivery. The planks feature an attached 1.5mm IXPE pad, which eliminates the need for separate underlayment while providing acoustic dampening—a crucial factor in multi-story residential projects.

From a sustainability perspective, HydroBlok™ is FloorScore® Certified (SCS-FS-05601), verifying that it meets strict indoor air quality (IAQ) standards for low VOC emissions. This certification supports LEED v4 and WELL Building Standard credits, making it a viable option for eco-conscious specifications.

Conclusion

Hartco HydroBlok™ Waterproof Engineered Hardwood represents a significant tool in the designer's material library. It allows for the specification of real wood without the traditional limitations, ensuring that aesthetic vision does not have to be sacrificed for functional durability. Whether for a bustling family kitchen or a high-traffic boutique hotel lobby, HydroBlok™ delivers the authenticity of timber with the performance of a waterproof surface.

Next Step: To explore the full spectrum of HydroBlok™ finishes or to request architectural samples for your mood boards, visit the Hartco Official Website.