Laminate flooring can transform the look of a bathroom by providing the visual appeal of materials like wood, tile, and stone at a more affordable price point. However, moisture is the enemy of standard laminates, causing damage over time.
Thankfully, advances in laminate technology have produced waterproof flooring options specifically designed for bathrooms and other damp areas. When installed properly with moisture protection layers, waterproof laminate can withstand splashes, spills, and wet bare feet.
This guide will cover how to select a waterproof laminate, slip-resistance ratings to consider, subfloor prep work, expansion gaps, post-install care, and popular design trends that mimic wood planks, stone, and tile patterns. With the right product choice and installation techniques, laminate can be a stylish, durable, and cost-effective flooring solution for modern and traditional bathrooms.
Is Laminate Suitable for Wet Areas?
Standard laminate flooring without water-resistance should be avoided in bathrooms or other areas prone to moisture. However, waterproof laminate options are engineered to prevent water infiltration under normal use cases.
To achieve waterproof performance, the inner core layers contain dense moisture-blocking materials, while the surface utilizes a water-tight finish. This prevents spills, splashes from the tub/shower, or wet bare feet from seeping through the joints and edges to damage the internal structure.
So, while traditional laminates and wet rooms don’t mix, modern waterproof variants open up stylish new flooring possibilities for bathrooms.
Waterproof vs Water‐Resistant Laminates
When shopping for bathroom laminate, you’ll see terms like “water-resistant” and “waterproof”. But what’s the actual difference in performance?
Water-resistant laminate has internal materials that resist moisture absorption compared to standard options. However, water can still penetrate the seams and edges over time under bathroom conditions.
True waterproof laminate is engineered with a surface barrier fused to the core layers to completely prevent water loss. This provides superior performance for wet areas by stopping moisture from getting underneath to the subfloor.
For a bathroom installation, proper building practices still require a moisture membrane between the floor and subfloor as an added safeguard. But opting for a fully waterproof laminate provides complete water protection within the product itself.
Slip‐Resistant Surface Ratings Along with waterproofing, the other key specification to check for bathroom laminate flooring is the slip resistance rating. This measures how effectively the texture and finish grip to provide traction for bare feet, especially when wet.
In the UK, flooring surfaces are tested and rated on a scale from 0 to 3 for slip resistance. For a bathroom, it’s recommended to choose a grade of 2 or higher. This confirms the floor has passed specific slip-test criteria to perform adequately as a wet room surface.
Higher numbers indicate better traction and confidence that the texture will provide sufficient grip, even when stepping out of the bath or shower. So, review the slip rating specs before purchasing laminate planks intended for bathroom spaces.
Preparing the Bathroom Subfloor
A smooth, clean, and dry subfloor is essential for proper laminate floor installation in a bathroom. This provides a stable base to prevent movement, flexing, or moisture migration issues over time.
Concrete subfloors must be fully cured and prepped to the manufacturer’s specifications for acceptable moisture levels. In older homes, asbestos flooring may need abatement for safe removal.
The key is creating a perfectly level, structurally-sound, and moisture-protected foundation before laying planks. Any uneven spots or debris can telegraph through and ruin the finished look of the laminate floor above it.
This may involve grinding down high spots, applying self-leveling compound, sealing the concrete, or other rehabilitation work. The better the subfloor prep, the better your bathroom laminate floor will perform long-term.
Moisture Barriers & Sealants Waterproof laminate is designed to stop spills and moisture from penetrating the flooring itself. However, building codes still require supplemental moisture protection layers between the laminate and subfloor as added insurance.
Peel-and-stick membrane films create a waterproof barrier to direct moisture to the perimeter and not up into the flooring. Alternatively, roll-on sealants formulated for wet areas can achieve similar protection.
Cut strips seal around the bathroom’s perimeter and floor drains for full coverage. Once cured, these underlayment waterproof the subsurface while still allowing vapor transmission. Combined with waterproof laminate planks on top, you create a redundant moisture sandwich that keeps dampness out of the floor assembly.
Step‐by‐Step Installation Process
Installing laminate flooring utilizes a floating system of click-lock planks without nails, screws, or adhesive. Here are the key steps for a proper bathroom installation:
- Acclimate materials: Let flooring adjust to room humidity/temp levels first.
- Roll out foam underlayment: Adds cushion and smooths over subfloor imperfections.
- Lay first row: Interlock short and long side joints tight against the wall studs.
- Stagger end joints: Overlap plank ends between each sequential row by 6-8”.
- Allow 1/4” gaps: Provide expansion space along all walls and fixed objects.
- Tap planks together: Light taps join the click-lock system tightly until the floor is finished.
Follow all included manufacturer instructions for your specific laminate product’s installation procedures and moisture protection requirements.
Sealing Expansion Gaps & Edges
The click-together floating action of laminate planks requires small expansion gaps along the perimeter and fixed objects to prevent buckling or separation issues. As bathroom humidity fluctuates, the flooring needs room to expand and contract freely.
Gaps are sealed after installation using flexible siliconized acrylic caulk to allow movement while preventing spills or moisture from penetrating underneath. This seals the edges but remains pliable, achieving a watertight floor perimeter against the bathroom walls. Durable silicone caulk works well for ongoing flexibility and water resistance.
Quarter-round trim pieces can also skirt around border edges if you wish to cover expansion spaces. But caulk or sealant is still required underneath to maintain moisture protection and meet building standards.
Cleaning & Care for Bathroom Laminate
Waterproof laminate is lower-maintenance than traditional wood or tile floors. A few basic cleaning precautions will help the bathroom flooring last for years:
- Immediately wipe spills: Don’t allow excess water to pool on the surface.
- Use damp mop: Avoid flooding the floor with an overly-wet mop.
- pH-Neutral cleaners: Vinegar, ammonia, bleach can damage protective coatings over time.
- Microfiber pad: Gentler scrubbing avoids fine scuff marks and scratches.
- Furniture glides: Plastic caps under chair and table legs prevent indentation pressure points.
- Door mats: Collect water and debris at entries to keep most moisture off the floor.
Avoid abrasive chemicals and wet steam mops. Read the manufacturer’s care and warranty info for their specific guidelines to prevent damage.
Design Trends: Wood, Stone & Tile Effects
What colors, textures, and plank sizes are trending for bathroom laminate floors? Homeowners today favor the natural visual warmth of wood or the sleek contemporary appeal of ceramic and stone. New digital printing replicates the most realistic surface designs in waterproof laminate planks.
Wood Look Planks – Classic oak, maple, and exotic teak wood grains remain go-to choices for all rooms. Distressed, hand-scraped barn wood designs offer a charmingly rustic vibe. Extra wide and longer planks create seamless hardwood visuals perfect for small spaces.
Stone & Slate Tile – From polished marbles and travertines to textured slate arrangements, stone aesthetic floors provide an upscale yet timeless feel. Large format tile patterns impress, while mosaics lend boutique charm.
Ceramic & Porcelain Tile – Subway tiles, Moroccan motifs, brick layouts, and geometric designs showcase tile laminate’s realism and design flexibility. Keep the look light and neutral or make a statement with bold colors and patterns.
Conclusion
With waterproof grades that withstand bathroom humidity and splashes, laminate unlocks stylish possibilities like never before. Modern wood, tile, and stone designs offer on-trend looks for far less cost than the real thing. Just ensure moisture barriers are installed properly, leave room for expansion, and care for the surface to achieve enduring performance and enjoyment.
ith so many on-trend, realistic designs now available in waterproof laminate construction, it’s an ideal flooring solution for contemporary bathrooms and beyond.