Laminate Flooring Is Not Waterproof
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it is a durable, budget-friendly, and easy-to-maintain flooring option. One question that often comes up when considering laminate flooring is whether it is waterproof. The answer is NO!
In general, laminate flooring is not considered to be completely waterproof. While it is resistant to water and can handle some moisture, it is not designed to be fully submerged in water or to have standing water on its surface for an extended period of time.
That being said, many laminate flooring products on the market today are designed with water-resistant features that can help to protect against spills and accidental moisture. These features may include a water-resistant top layer or a moisture-resistant backing layer.
If you are concerned about moisture in your space and want to use laminate flooring, there are a few steps you can take to protect your flooring and reduce the risk of water damage.
First, it is important to clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent water from seeping into the flooring. You should also place mats or rugs in areas where spills are more likely to occur, such as in front of sinks and appliances.
Additionally, you can use a waterproof underlayment under your laminate flooring to help protect it from moisture. This underlayment is installed between the laminate flooring and the subfloor and can help to prevent water from seeping into the flooring.
Overall, while laminate flooring is not completely waterproof, it can be a good choice for many spaces if proper precautions are taken to protect it from moisture.
Laminate flooring has been around since early 1990. I can remember installing them in the first townhome that I purchased back in MD. I was a typical DIYer and wanted to install the sleek laminate floors in my basement. At the time, the flooring was inexpensive and easy to install and you could literally put them in by yourself. Little did I know that these DIY floors had a fatal flaw. They did not work well in wet spaces. Though the manufacturers advertised them as being suitable for damp locations, that was far from the truth. Vinyl flooring and ceramic tile are better suited for damp environments. You can find a ton of laminate flooring online at the Home Depot
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I said all of that above to simply say NO and NO again. Laminate flooring is not waterproof. Let me also state that laminate flooring is not the same as vinyl flooring. They may look similar, however, they are two uniquely different products so do not confuse them.
Numerous brands, such as Armstrong, Shaw, and Mannington offer a water-resistant type floor for up to 72+ hours or permanently. This simply means, that cleaning the spill up as quickly as possible will mitigate the possibility of damage.
7 Reasons Why Laminate Flooring Is Popular
- Durability: Laminate flooring is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is made of layers of wood byproducts or other materials that are pressed together and finished with a top layer of the decorative laminate. This construction makes it resistant to scratches, dents, and fading, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
- Easy maintenance: Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain. It can be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and debris, and it can be wiped down with a damp cloth or mop to remove stains and spills.
- Cost-effective: Laminate flooring is generally more budget-friendly than other flooring options, such as hardwood or stone. It is a good choice for those who want the look of a more expensive flooring material without the high price tag.
- Wide range of styles and colors: Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of styles and colors, including wood-look, stone-look, and tile-look options. This makes it easy to find a style that fits your personal preferences and the design of your space.
- Easy to install: Laminate flooring is typically easier to install than other types of flooring, such as hardwood or tile. It is available in a floating floor format, which means it can be installed over most existing flooring surfaces without the need for glue or nails.
- Versatility: Laminate flooring can be used in a variety of spaces, including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. It is also a good choice for those who live in humid or damp climates, as it is more resistant to moisture than some other types of flooring.
- Eco-friendly: Many laminate flooring products are made with recycled materials and are more environmentally friendly than other types of flooring. This makes them a good choice for those who are looking for a more sustainable flooring option.
Laminate Flooring vs. Vinyl Flooring
In today’s market, there are thousands of choices when it comes to laminate flooring. The current laminate looks very close to hardwood and sometimes it’s hard to tell that it isn’t real wood. Laminate flooring tends to be made from a wood fiber which will swell if water is left to sit on it. A great deal of vinyl flooring is marketed as being waterproof and/or water-resistant. Most vinyl flooring is made out of a 100 percent synthetic material, typically consisting of fiberglass that is then coated in a PCV vinyl and a plasticizer.
Laminate Flooring Is Cost-Effective
Dollar for dollar, laminate flooring is less expensive than hardwoods and vinyl. The cost of the installation which includes the material and labor is typically cheaper. Hence if you are on a tight budget, then laminate may be the best option. Laminate flooring is more costly than carpet on the front end, it could save you money in the long run as carpet is replaced every 6-8 years based on usage of normal wear and tear not to mention kid spills and dogs doing their do. If you have investment properties, rentals, Airbnb, or vacation homes, then laminate will save you money as you will find yourself needing to replace your carpet every 2 to 3 years. As a real estate broker, I’ve seen my investors need to replace carpets after every tenant due to damage.
Just to reiterate, laminate flooring is a great option, but I do not recommend installing it in kitchens, bathrooms, or areas that may be prone to moisture and spills. I’ve also seen insurance companies deny replacement costs for laminate that was in these non-waterproofed areas.
Care and Cleaning Of Laminate Flooring
Most manufacturers recommend using a dry mop to clean your laminate flooring. Using wet cleaning is not recommended. If you absolutely need to wet-clean your laminate flooring then take the precaution to use a damp mop that is almost dry to the touch.
Top Laminate Floor Brands
- Pergo
- Tarkett
- Shaw
- Armstrong
- Quick-Step
- Lumber Liquidators
- Bruce
Installation Laminate Flooring Cost (Home Depot Pricing)
Average Total Project Cost: $3.80 – $4.80 per sq. ft.
Installation: $2.00 – $3.00 per sq. ft.
Materials: $1.50 per sq. ft.
Underlayment: $0.30 per sq. ft.
Laminate Flooring Price Ranges
Laminate flooring can vary significantly in price. The national averages are as follows:
Laminate: $0.79 to $3.00 per sq. ft.
Underlayment: $0.29 to $0.79 per sq. ft.
Please note: Laminate flooring always requires an underlayment. It’s important not to skip over that cost when estimating the total price of installation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to clean – just use a dry mop
- Scratch-resistant
- Great for Pets & Kids
- Inexpensive compared to carpet replacement over time
- Longevity- laminate floors can last 20+ years with proper care and maintenance
Cons
- Shouldn’t be used in bathrooms, laundry rooms or kitchens
- Moisture can swell the laminate floor base
- Chips easily
- repairing may be difficult as new pieces may not match with older pieces
The top laminate flooring companies are household names, Shaw, Pergo and Armstrong to Name a few. Pergo is so popular, that many consumers simply refer to “pergo” to imply laminate flooring. I’d put my money on any one of these top brands.
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