use in kitchen around the sink and dogs feed bowls

I wouldn't recommend this flooring or any wood product for use in a kitchen. No matter how well manufactured, any significant spill will penetrate the seams and cause the wood to swell. Stick with a vinyl or ceramic product.

I installed in our kitchen a year ago and has held up just fine to spills. I did not add any tar paper, only the thin pad that is attached to the planks when purchased. We also have this in our den where the dog dishes are and it has not shown any signs of water damage whatsoever.