Laminate flooring is among the least expensive flooring options. As such, for cost saving reasons, many homeowners want to install laminate floors across their entire home, including their bathroom.
However, the question then is, is it a good idea to use laminate flooring in a bathroom? For the most part, the simple answer is generally no.
However, there are some caveats and situations in which laminate is ok to use in a bathroom. Read on to learn more.
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Why do you generally want to avoid using laminate in a bathroom?
Bathrooms are spaces that endure a high amount of moisture and humidity. As a result, it’s best advised to choose a type that is water resistant or waterproof when selecting floors for the bathroom.
Laminate floors generally do not perform well in spaces with increased moisture or humidity. The core layer of laminate flooring is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF), which can expand and warp when exposed to moisture. As a result, laminate floors are not recommended for areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements where moisture levels tend to be higher.
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What are better flooring alternatives for a bathroom?
There are better flooring alternatives to consider. Here are some popular bathroom flooring options:
Ceramic or porcelain tiles: These tiles are water-resistant and easy to clean, making them an ideal choice for bathrooms.
Natural stone tiles: Stone tiles such as marble or granite add a luxurious and elegant look to a bathroom. They are also durable and water-resistant.
Luxury vinyl flooring: Some luxury vinyl flooring options are waterproof, making them suitable for bathrooms. They come in a variety of styles, including ones that mimic the look of hardwood or natural stone.
Engineered hardwood flooring: Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of layers of wood, making it more water-resistant than solid hardwood flooring. It offers the look of hardwood flooring while being more suitable for bathrooms.
When choosing a flooring option for your bathroom, it’s important to consider factors such as moisture resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning.
Waterproof Laminate
If you are keen on installing laminate floors in your bathroom, you are still in luck.
There are types of laminate flooring that are waterproof or water-resistant. These types of laminate flooring are designed to withstand exposure to moisture and spills better than traditional laminate flooring. They are made with a waterproof core or backing and feature a special coating or sealant that helps to repel water.
Some waterproof or water-resistant laminate flooring options also have special locking systems that create a tighter seal between the planks, further reducing the risk of water damage.Â
Waterproof Laminate Collection: SONO Eclipse
The SONO Eclipse collection from Canadian Standard is a laminate floor collection that uses an innovative mineral composite core, which makes it fully waterproof.
Floor Type: Laminate
Width: 7.9″, 12.2″
Length: 25.12″, 50.79″
Thickness: 4.5mm
Bathroom Flooring Guide
Learn about all of the intricacies of buying floors for your bathroom with our bathroom flooring guide.
