Is laminate flooring waterproof?
In short, the answer is NO, laminate flooring is NOT waterproof. There is a common misperception out there that laminate is waterproof, and I believe this is due to the fact that many customers mistakenly confuse vinyl and laminate flooring.
Many types of vinyl flooring are waterproof and/or highly water resistant. Laminate, on the other hand, is made out of recycled hardwood, so it is not waterproof. Due to its melamine wear layer, it has a tough finish which resists against scratches and may have minor protection against minor water (quick spills). But, like hardwood, laminate does not do well with standing water…regardless of whether this water is topical (on top) or seeping into the sub-floor from below. Laminate also does not do well in areas with high humidity.
There are some laminates that claim to be “splash proof” (which is not an industry term) and they do still warn you not to leave any standing water on your laminate floor). If laminate floors become really wet, they will get ruined and buckle. Unlike hardwood flooring, laminate floors can not be sanded or refinished. If they get wet, they can not be repaired. (Whereas if hardwood gets wet in a few spots, you can usually replace those planks and refinish the floors and they will look good as new.)
If you feel that hardwood is not a good option for an area due to water or humidity, it is also a good idea to avoid laminate.
Is laminate flooring waterproof?
TheFlooringGirl
My name is Debbie Gartner, and I'm known as "The Flooring Girl." I own my own flooring store that serves Westchester NY and Fairfield CT counties. We install hardwood flooring, carpet, tile flooring, laminate, bamboo and cork flooring. We also refinish hardwood floors. We are a shop at home flooring store. You can call us at 914-937-2950 to schedule a free flooring consultation or email us at FCI.westchester@gmail.com. Let us "bring the store to your door." If you are calling outside of Westchester/Fairfield Counties, please contact us at 914-407-3899.
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You certainly know your flooring, Debbie. I wouldn’t think of making a move without consulting you.
Thx Jane. You are so sweet.
I came over from Tammy’s suggestion that you had a pretty nice word press blog here. It’s obvious you know just about everything there is to know about flooring as well. Wish we had somebody like you up here.
My husband is an installer and we have laminate flooring so I’m already aware that it is not waterproof. He explained to me that because it is a floating floor, the surface underneath it is not protected. He also will not let me use a steam mop on it but I’m not convinced that it would hurt it. What is your opinion on that Flooring Girl?
Delilah – The fact that laminate is floating has nothing to do with the fact that it is not waterproof. It’s the material that isn’t waterproof. Hardwood can be nailed, glued and floated…it’s not waterproof in any of those scenarios. Vinyl is usually waterproof or very water resistant and sometimes is floated too…again, the installation method has very effect on whether it is resilient to water. (although some adhesives do not do well with water). I think using a steam mop on wood or laminate is a bit risky, but I would encourage you to call the manufacturer to check.
We learned this the hard way when our dishwasher flooded the kitchen and the laminate swelled in spots. We eventually had to replace the whole thing.
Marcus – Yes, unfortunately, many learn after it’s too late.
[...] Laminate has come a long way and some of it looks really real. You will find that there are different grades of laminate – some even have individual planks (just like hardwood) for a more realistic effect. It is a photograph of wood, so it will not improve the value of your home like hardwood will. However, most prefer this hard surface over carpet. Because it’s made with recycle hardwood, laminate flooring is not waterproof. [...]
Great post and something people need to know. I found you on AR and heard you are the go-girl for flooring. Although I’m not in your area I can certainly use your tips when the time comes. Thanks Debbie.
Bruce – Thank you so much. You are so sweet. Thx for stopping by and I love Active Rain.
[...] of the issues, I would recommend that stay away from hardwood as well as laminate flooring. Many customers mistakenly believe that laminate is waterproof…it isn’t! Instead, if you have moisture issues, you are better off trying a waterproof or water resilient [...]
So, Debbie, what would you recommend in an area of high humidity?
Ruth – When it’s humid, I would try to stick to a product that is either waterproof or extremely water resilient. Usually, the best choices are either tile or some sort of vinyl (or lineoleum). The selection among these depend on the space, budget and how even the floor is. Tile will cost more than vinyl (usually), but often requires a lot of floor prep/leveling, especially if the floor is uneven. Vinyl comes in a variety of forms – some less expensive and some nicer (such as luxury vinyl). Linoleum is also a good option, but often costs more than vinyl as it is a green product (and thicker).
[...] Is laminate flooring waterproof? [...]
[...] into place. Because it is made of recycled hardwood, it is NOT waterproof (read more about Is laminate flooring waterproof). It is generally not a good idea to install laminate flooring in any place where you tend to get [...]
traffic master allure laminate is waterproof so your info in not accurate..there are waterproof laminates and have been for a couple of years now
Thanks for you comment Bob. Actually, no that’s not correct. Most of Traffic Master Allure is VINYL (not laminate). The vinyl is water resistant (the adhesive in it is not waterproof). The laminate is not.
I put down laminate flooring thinking I could SEAL it afterwards. Tell me it is possible! I have a leaky elderly dog.
Hi Karen – No, you can not seal laminate flooring. And, laminate is definitely not waterproof.
I’m sorry about your dog. Maybe try some of those dog pads. I’ve had a few customers that have used those.
Hi,
Great info!
Regarding your comment about the product Allure–since it’s vinyl, not laminate, and therefore waterproof (tho the adhesive is not), do you think it would be OK to install it in a Hybrid camper that lives in southern New England and is used June through Labor Day?
Terri – It would be okay to use the Home Depot product, but I don’t think it’s a good product. The edges peel up. Alternatively, try Armstrong’s Luxe floating planks. They are much better.