Laminate flooring has gained mass popularity for being a flexible type of flooring that can be installed over almost every surface/subfloors. That can make you want to upgrade your bathroom’s flooring by installing laminating flooring.
But as you know bathroom flooring needs to be water-resistant as water may spill around the flooring under the toilet and sink. Therefore, you possibly will think can you put laminate flooring under the toilet and sink or not?”
However, this article is going to point out all the factors, pros and cons, and explain this topic for you.
Can You Put Laminate Flooring Under Toilet And Sink?
You can put laminate flooring under the toilet and sink. If you are installing a new flooring with a new toilet and sink, first install the laminate flooring. And if you want to install laminate flooring over an existing subfloor, remove the toilet and sink first then install the laminate flooring.
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Laminate flooring can be put under the toilet and sink in the bathroom. But, the laminate flooring planks must be installed in the first place, if both a new flooring, toilet, and sink are going to be installed together.
Or, if the laminate flooring is about to be installed on an existing subfloor in the bathroom, then the sink and toilet should be removed first. Then install the laminate flooring under the toilet and sink and reinstall them once the installment of flooring is complete.
Always laminate flooring should be installed first under the toilet and sink. Otherwise, caulking around the toilet/sink can crack because of extension and contraction of laminate flooring.
Can Laminate Floor Go In The Bathroom?
Laminate flooring can go along with the bathroom’s subfloor or existing flooring surface. But you may choose the water-resistant laminate floor planks or tile if you want to install laminate flooring in your bathroom.
Because there are higher chances that water may dribble from the toilet and sink and it can damage the flooring. Therefore, always choose the water-resistant laminate planks/tile.
Read more, Can laminate flooring be installed over tile?
Also, laminate flooring is easy to install, more durable than hardwood flooring, and requires fairly easy maintenance so laminate flooring is suitable for the bathroom. But remember to install the flooring planks before installing a new or reinstalling toilet and sink.
Laminate Flooring In Bathroom, Pros And Cons
As, you would definitely want to decide after knowing all advantages and disadvantages you may get after installing laminate flooring, therefore, here are all the pros and cons of laminate flooring in the bathroom.
Pros
Installation Process:
The installation process of laminate flooring is quite a lot easier than installing traditional hardwood flooring. You can even easily install about 300ft. all by yourself.
Now the planks/tile come in a fold and lock or press and lock system to interlock the planks/tiles with each other. You can even easily separate the planks just by using a utility knife.
Easy To Clean:
All you need to do is vacuum broom the flooring to remove dust/dirt and mop the floor with a microfiber mop. So it’s low maintenance and easy to clean.
Durability:
Laminate flooring is more durable than hardwood flooring. It’s not prone to scratches and dent and has a protecting layer that saves the underneath layer.
And usually, the defensive layer is very strong. So, the laminate flooring in your bathroom will last for a long time.
Functionality:
As laminate flooring is manufactured with an underlayment(most of them) that offers to walk comfortably on the flooring. Also, keeps the flooring locking strong and sturdy.
Appearance:
Laminate flooring just uplifts the appearance of any place. It looks quite better than hardwood flooring.
Cons
Water Seeps In Between The Planks/Tiles:
Water can go into the small gaps between the planks/tiles. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to use water-resistant laminate flooring. As seeping water can damage the floor
Cannot Be Refinished And Sanded:
The main flaw of laminate flooring is it cannot be refinished or sanded like hardwood.
Only resurfacing, stripping, staining are the processes of restoring/refinishing the flooring. And if any plank is damaged, there is no other way but replacing it with a new plank.
Slippery:
Some laminate flooring is slippery which is dangerous as accidents can occur on slippery bathroom flooring. However, don’t worry! There are various kinds of laminate flooring available. And some of them have a slipping-resistant feature.
Floats:
An uneven floor can cause problems under your laminate flooring. If there is no underlayment or the subfloor/surface is not even and flat, laminate flooring can float. And it can weaken the locking system.
Do You Have To Remove Toilet To Install Flooring?
You have to remove the toilet first before you decide to install flooring over an already existing surface or subfloor.
As if you install the flooring first, it will get time for expanding and contracting with the humidity and conditions of the bathroom. As a result, caulking will not crack around the toilet base.
Moreover, if you install flooring after removing the toilet first, you can easily change or fix the bathroom cabinet without having a rift on the floor.
Read more, Should Laminate Flooring Be Installed Under Cabinets?
So, it doesn’t matter whether you are installing flooring along with a new toilet or in a bathroom with existing flooring, you are always required to remove the toilet first or install the flooring first.
What Do You Put Under Laminate Flooring In A Bathroom?
You need to put laminate underlayment underneath laminate flooring in the bathroom. Having an underlayment is highly required and suggested to be installed underneath a laminate flooring regardless of the place.
Because underlayment is a smooth and soft pad that helps the laminate planks to have a flat, level, and smooth surface to be installed over. The underlayment underneath laminate flooring also helps to get a bump and lump free surface/subfloor as it covers all areas.
Therefore, the planks will sit closely, connecting better, and will have a strong locking system. Also, the planks will not float. Underlayment also works as a moisture barrier. And in the bathroom, having moisture protection is needed. Underlayment also gives a soft feeling underfoot.
So you have to put underlayment separately or purchase flooring planks with an attached underlayment to put under laminate flooring in a bathroom.
How Can I Protect My Laminate Flooring In The Bathroom?
Laminate flooring is not fully waterproof, it only can resist water for some time. And sometimes the top surface of laminate planks can be water-resistant but the underneath of planks are not. So water ultimately will destroy it. Therefore, it is necessary to protect your laminate flooring in the bathroom. So here are a few effective tips given for you.
Mop/ Vacuum The Floor Instantly
If water spills on the upper surface of the laminate flooring, mop it as quickly as possible. Because water can go into the seams of laminate. And if the water has already reached the gaps between planks then use a wet-dry vacuum to extract that water.
Fix The Areas Prone To Water Damage
If there is any area with a loose, broken plank in the bathroom. Replace it and fix it with new planks. Because those areas prone to water damaged must be replaced only with new planks, no restoration, resurfacing cannot fix it.
Install Laminate Flooring Before Installing Toilet/Sink
This is a must thing to follow if you want to protect your laminate flooring in the bathroom. Always install the flooring planks before you install any new toilet or sink in the bathroom.
Installing it before will allow the planks to get used to the temperature and humidity of the bathroom. And install the laminate flooring under the toilet and sink not around.
If you are installing the laminate flooring under the toilet, sink, bathtub, fill those areas with silicone caulk. Keep 1/4 inches gap and fill the edges of that area with silicone caulk.
You can adopt these tips to protect only, these tips don’t make the flooring waterproof or damage proof.
Is Waterproof Laminate Flooring Good For Bathrooms?
Waterproof laminate is considered as a better option for bathrooms. As it can hold up moisture and water for a prolonged time than traditional wooden flooring, so they are a little less prone to damage by water.
And it’s known that bathroom flooring needs to be waterproof or water-resistant as there the temperature of the bathroom is more humid.
Moreover, installing waterproof laminate flooring is easier so you can install it by yourself to upgrade the appearance of your bathroom. It’s easier to clean and maintain as well.
What Do You Do If You Get Water Under Laminate Flooring?
When you get water underneath the laminate flooring, instantly wipe out any standing water on the laminate flooring surface.
Then mop the floor’s surface if there’s less than 1-inch water. And if there is more water use a wet-dry vacuum to extract the water.
Next, pull out the trim and the flooring, remove every floorboard as well. And let them dry fully. Remember to keep the floorboards flat while drying to avoid wrap.
Meanwhile, clean and dry the subflooring and disinfect with bleach and water mixture to avoid mold.
Disinfect the floorboards too once they are dried. And lastly, reinstall your laminate flooring.
What Flooring Is Best For Bathrooms?
Laminate flooring is considerably one of the best flooring options for your bathroom. As, laminate flooring planks are durable than hardfloor, easy to install and clean, and can be found with a water-resistant feature.
Besides, vinyl plank flooring has gained the same popularity as laminating flooring. So, it can be used for bathrooms too.
You can install laminate flooring under your toilet and sink in the bathroom. Just take some precautions before installing and maintain the flooring in the right way.