Bestlaminate Blog Expect More Form Your Floor®
Laminate flooring is typically not waterproof. Although many floors have moisture protective cores and surfaces, it is not 100% waterproof. When planning an installation in kitchens, foyers and laundry rooms, many people ask, can I use laminate flooring sealant to make it waterproof?
What You Should NOT Do
Laminate flooring has an aluminum oxide surface that should never be tampered with. This meaning, applying a sealant or any types of stains or finishes is a bad idea and should never be applied to the surface of the flooring. Adding a “protective” sealant, such as a polyurethane sealant, can actually cause more harm than good by voiding your warranty!
What You Should Do
If you are looking to make your laminate flooring more moisture resistant it is okay to apply laminate flooring sealant to the joints only, do not extend to anywhere else on the flooring. You can’t glue laminate flooring to the subfloor as it limits the floor’s ability to expand and contract effectively. You can find general wood glue at any home improvement store. Be sure to wipe off any excess glue as you install.
Try Vinyl Flooring Instead
If you are looking for a 100% completely waterproof flooring option, we recommend investing in vinyl plank flooring. Bestlaminate has a variety vinyl plank floors to choose from – all of them giving you a waterproof resource. If you are still interested in purchasing laminate flooring, check out Quick-Step laminate flooring as it is a more moisture resistant flooring option compared to others.
If you are not looking to switch up your flooring just remember, laminate flooring sealant is only applicable to the joints – not the surface. If you have any other questions, write them in the comment section below!
Hi Sharon, thanks for the question. You should only apply sealant after the laminate is installed.
can I apply a sealant to the edges of the laminate flooring and let it dry before installing
Hi Edward, thanks for reaching out. We have seen laminate flooring used in many creative ways over the years! Although we have not done it before and it is not a traditional way to use laminate, we imagine that you could use laminate flooring planks to make a Lazy Susan! We would love to see photos of your final project! 🙂
Can I use laminate flooring to make a Lazy Susan?
Hi Terrilyn, thanks for your question. This can be a big problem for your laminate! Now that your floor is installed, there is not much you can do to seal the joints. Your best bet is to clean this up right away, although we know that can be hard. You could try to use doggie pads or keep your dog in an area without laminate. Once an accident gets into the wood, you can have buckling or bubbling of the top coat, which are not easily fixed.
we just had lament flooring installed, in our home.. I have found that our dog ( he is getting very old ) is peeing on our new flooring how can I make sure and what should I use to clean it up,?
Hi Sherwood, thanks for your comment. We do not carry the Traffic Master Allure floor, we recommend you reach out to the manufacturer or store where you purchased this floor to discuss your concerns, the waterproof features of this floor and warranty information. Thank you!
Vinyl is NOT a solution. I put Traffic Master Allure based on it’s claim to be totally waterproof. Not so. There are two corners on each tile that have gaps. I had it on a particle board subfloor. Now I have a hilly subfloor. I don’t see how any interlocking tile system can be completely waterproof at the points where the long edge and short edges meet.