Is Laminated floors good for the bathroom?

Question

I am having my bathroom renovated and now have to decide on the flooring. Have decided against cermaic tile.

Answer 1

We have kids who can't understand the idea that you dry off in the tub before you step out. The Pergo laminate in their bathroom is just shot. If you can guarantee everyone will be good about keeping the floor clean and dry, you might try it. But if you've got boys, forget it and go for something with a lot less maintenance.

BTW, there's a new vinyl flooring that looks like wood flooring and comes in "planks", but is solid vinyl so it's a great match for bathrooms. We're going to put it in our laundry room and the cost is really effective...under $70 for a 10x10 room. It might be a good product for your needs. It also looks pretty realistic...moreso than the Pergo.

Answer 2

Maybe some brands, but not Mohawk. I put it in kitchen and powder room, and ANY water that gets onto a seam will bubble up the seam. We had a drip from the toilet tank, very minor, ruined the floor under the toilet before we even noticed the leak. I'm pretty disappointed with it. Prefinished hardwood might be a better choice. I also have a friend who had WilsonArt laminate in her kitchen, and from day 1 the seams were smoother than mine. I don't know how it lasted, as she's moved, but Mohawk just doesn't stand up to 2 kids and a dog.

Answer 3

Red,
Laminate floors are not recommended by any manufacturer for use in bathrooms. They have a fiberboard core. It will swell and peak or buckle with the water and humidity of a bath. Don't like ceramic. Perhaps too cold? I recommend one of the new vinyl products for your bath. They are soft underfoot. They are much more durable today then they have ever been. The wear layer surface on the top have aluminum oxide (second hardest substance to a diamond) in the finnish. You can choose the length of time you like the wear layer surface to last
5 -20 years. Vinyl repels water.
The beauty of natural stone is a nice choice for the bath but requires resealing approximately annually. It's also a bigger investment for the materials.
Good Luck with your project.

Answer 4

You can buy a glue to "seal" the laminate planks against soaking up water between the planks. You run a bead of this sealant along the edges of the laminate planks as you install it. I'm still not sure I'd use laminate in a bathroom - even with the sealant. We are getting ready to redo our bathroom floor (our builder put carpet in our master bathroom - yuck!) and we are going with tile.

Answer 5

Laminate flooring is probrably the worst thing you can put on a bathroom floor. If your tub or toilet overflows, the laminate will soak up the water like a sponge. Which means the floor will expand and it won't stick in the grooves properly...

Have you considered cork tiles for the floor? They are stunning and won't cause a problem if they get wet.

Answer 6

laminat is not proper for any kind of floor.If you don't like ceramic tile I prefer a sanded marble non skid type or granit. I have installed laminate in bathrooms but remember they are floating floors.This means there is a gap between it and the wall and common sence will tell you whats going to be filled up in time by water&grime,even though theres a trim board grose stuff always get's behind it.Trust me,If dug the stuff out many of times. Be carful of what you decide. [e-mail]. I have tons of Ideas. #.#.B..... Const. at your service.

Answer 7

ok you can use the wood laminate make sure to dry yourself in shower and use a area carpet for stepping out and wipe any water off floor in case of accident itll be fine

Answer 8

Why have you decided against Ceramic Tile? Cost? That's probably it, it's a great floor, but it costs a lot.

How about finished wood?

Answer 9

I have worked in the flood restoration business and i can tell you that laminate flooring does not take to moisture very well.try linoleum

Answer 10

laminate or wood floors are very attractive...no steadfast rules go with what you love