Help! Water damage on a laminate wood floor?

Question

My basement flooded and the laminate wood flooring in the room has swolen at all the seams. Is there any way to repair this?

Answer 1

Unlike wood, laminate floors can't be refinished if you have severe water damage like you describe. Unfortunately, the particles in your flooring have been damaged and you will have to replace your laminate wood flooring.

Answer 2

After serious consideration of what your trying to accomplish, here are my thoughts. 1st, is it possible that you have a sample of the existing floor? Most likely you don't. Taking the sample to a flooring specialist would be ideal. They make lam's in 2" to 2-1/4" plank simulation that was typical for older homes with an oak floor. My guess is that your floor was site sanded and finished rather than pre-fabbed, then installed. With all do respect, if the money is available installing a real wood floor next to your existing would be ideal. Again, depending on the depth of your pocket, this cost would be, site sanded and finished, from $7.50 a square foot and up. If money is limited, placing a lam floor next to existing certainly is possible. You may have other issues, sight unseen, that should be considered. Would there be a thickness difference? If your only option is a transition, can you live with that? My advice is to have a hardwood specialist come take a look at what you have and go from there. I'll not comment on the durability of a lam floor so as not to offend others who have answered your question. You will ultimately have to be the judge, based on my years of experience, I recommend lam floors often. Have Fun

Answer 3

The laminate is fixed to MDF board (pressed wood fibers) and doesn't react well with water. You'll probably have to replace the floor. You might consider going to a vinyl flooring product for this space.

Answer 4

It would be cheaper to replace it. Not to mention probalbly the only thing you can do about laminate floors. They are horrible.