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Wood laminate in the bathroom?

2K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  firsttimeremode 
#1 ·
My fiance wants to put Cordova Cherry laminate wood flooring in our master bathroom. I am hesitant because i have seen what happens to laminate when water hits it. What would we need to do to ensure that the wood is sealed against water and moisture? I know polyurethane would protect the top surface, but it would not protect the edges.
 
#5 ·
No such thing as a wood laminite, do you mean engineered flooring?
Really does not matter both should not be used in a bathroom.
Sheet limolium, tile with a wood grain look, but no floating, or wood flooring.
 
#6 ·
There are ceramic tiles that mimic wood. I don't recall where I saw them but I was impressed. No wood floor including laminate and engineered will hold up to water just as everyone has indicated. Check out ceramic and if budget is an issue go with vinyl.
 
#8 ·
Danny T, just a quick question.
Using outdoor rated wood inside sounds like it would fit the bill except for water that might seep through to the subfloor. To prevent that wouln't there need to be some sort of sealant between each board?
 
#9 ·
By the way Joecaption, there is such a thing. Look it up on Lowes.com. Its called laminate flooring, made to look like hardwood. That is what we are putting in the rest of the house, its just worrisome to try to put it in the bathroom because of the moisture and the fact that neither of us seem to be able to take a shower without getting water on the floor.
 
#10 ·
firsttimeremode,

Both laminate and hardwood are temperamental to moisture and bathrooms. If you want to do it, you can seal the perimeter of the floor (especially next to shower/bath tub, and around the toilet) with pure silicone sealant. Make sure to use a high quality sealant because you will be putting into the expansion gap, and it needs to remain flexible so the flooring can continue to expand and contract. This will help keep water spills on top of the flooring and help prevent the water from getting under the floor which is troublesome.

Alternatively, a locking vinyl plank floor will give you the same look and be less prone to water damage.

Best,
onflooring
 
#12 ·
I don't want to rain on your parade, but have you really considered the consequences of putting laminate in a bathroom? What if the tub overflows? What if the toilet overflows? The underlayment will get soggy and wet. You would have to seal all along the wall, tub and toilet perfectly to prevent a mess. Newer systems claim to be waterproof, but are they really? That stuff is basically particle board. Have you ever seen wet particle board? It swells and crumbles. If you go ahead with this, buy the most expensive underlayment. It will compress less under the toilet. Make a pattern out of craft paper for around the tub. Cut those pieces precisely, then fill the the gap with 100% silicone. The floor also has to move freely. If you have large area, and the toilet impedes movement, it may buckle. I would not use laminate flooring in a bathroom. A kitchen, maybe.
 
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