Laminate Flooring in the Bathroom

In the past, installing hardwood flooring in particular wet areas of the house like the bathroom and kitchen was a complete no-no. Today, thanks to outstanding innovations and technology, you can install virtually any style of floor, anywhere you want. Although using hardwood in bathrooms does not sound like a good idea, a wise and elegant alternative to this problem is the use of laminate flooring.

Laminate floors offer the durability of a commercial floor, but with the look of hardwood, tiles, stone, and just about anything else you can think of. Although laminate floors still contain some wood in its construction, the newest innovations in its manufacturing have indeed made laminate floors perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas of the house. The use of laminate flooring in the bathroom is becoming increasingly popular, and interior designers are incorporating these types of floors into their designs. Laminate is an affordable product, comes in many different qualities, and is available in 1000’s of elegant design choices. Also, laminate floors are generally simple to installation and maintenance is easy.

How to Install Laminate Flooring in the Bathroom

• First install any bathroom shelves or cabinets first before laying the laminate flooring.
• Clean the area where the laminate flooring is going to be installed thoroughly.
• Glue the joints in bathrooms and kitchens to seal them properly and remember to apply the glue on top of the tongue only.
• To prevent humidity and moisture from entering the core of the laminate planks, apply a manufacturer-recommended sealant or 100% mildew resistant silicone caulk.

Tips for Installing Laminate Flooring in the Bathroom

• You can install laminate flooring inside the bathroom but never in an area that gets consistently wet like the shower floor.
• Don’t leave any standing water for too long on your laminate flooring. It can lead to blistering and buckling. Quickly dry the floor if there is any overflow or spillage.
• Don’t use an abrasive brush when cleaning your laminate bathroom flooring. A damp mop will do.

How to Install Laminate Flooring in the Bathroom

• First, layout your laminate flooring before actually gluing it down. Allow a ¼ inch adjustment from each wall as spacing for expansion of the laminate planks. Lay the planks side by side.
• Cut the pieces that are appropriately needed around fixtures using a power saw. You can see which pieces you need to cut as you make your dry run.
• A rubber flooring underlay is recommended. Usually, the installation instructions for this underlay are written on the package. It’s just like cutting paper and shaping it to fit the fixtures.
• Lay the laminate floor planks making sure that they snap together. When you click the joints together, you will see that a thin strip of glue may show on the surface. Wipe with a damp cloth immediately before the glue dries. The glue will prevent moisture from seeping into the planks.
• Caulk around the edges of the flooring (including the ¼ inch space) and fixtures. Ensure that there are no holes near the bath tub and toilet as you caulk to prevent water from entering.

Top Picks for Laminate Bathroom Flooring

• Oak laminate flooring

This is the most popular style of wood laminate flooring in bathrooms. It is especially popular in spas as it makes them look classy and executive.

• Pine laminate flooring

Pine laminates provide a clean and bright look inside the bathroom, thus making it a favorite pick among decorators.

• Tuscan stone laminate

For a richer look, the Tuscan stone laminate definitely stands out. It provides a sophisticated and warm aura to the bathroom.

• Travertine laminate flooring

A lighter colored stone, the travertine laminate flooring leaves a refreshing and warm look to the bathroom.

Visit our Los Angeles Flooring showrooms for more information about Flooring.