Laminate Flooring Frequently Asked Questions
Can laminate floors be installed in damp areas?
Laminate flooring is not recommended in any area of the home that will be consistently subjected to high levels of moisture. Exposure to moisture for extended periods can cause boards to swell and warp. You can install laminate flooring in dry finished basements and full bathrooms where water is not allowed to stand.
Is an underlayment required?
Using underlayment between the subfloor and the laminate boards is not required, but it is highly recommended. An underlayment will help smooth out an uneven subfloor and cushion boards to reduce noise and premature wear.
Does board thickness matter when choosing laminate flooring?
Laminate board typically range from 7 millimeters (0.27 in.) to 12 millimeters (0.43 in.) thick. Thicker boards help prevent bends in the floor that can occur if the subfloor is not completely level. They also help reduce noise.
Can I DIY laminate flooring?
Tongue-and-groove laminate boards simply snap together with no messy glue, nails or special tools. Even beginner DIYers can install a beautiful new floor in as little as a day. Planks can be cut with a hand saw or circular saw to fit.
If I damage my laminate floor, can it be repaired?
Your laminate floor is extremely durable but it’s not indestructible. You can easily make minor nicks or scratches disappear with a color matched touch-up kit available at your flooring retailer. If the damaged area is larger, you can replace the individual boards either by cutting and removing, or disassembling a section of the affected floor and then installing new boards.