Bestlaminate Blog A helpful resource for your laminate, vinyl and hardwood flooring projects.
Many homeowners wonder how to make laminate flooring joints more waterproof. Typically, laminate flooring is not meant to be glued – however, in applications with high risk of moisture exposure, it is okay to glue the joins. A good quality laminate glue and silicone caulk can help seal your laminate to help make it more resistant to moisture.
How To Do It Right
Glue the locking system of the planks to create a more water resistant connection, however do not glue your laminate to the subfloor as it needs to float. Always use a PVA Type II Glue when gluing laminate flooring planks. Choose one in a bottle so you can regulate the amount of glue that comes out; you’ll need very little glue to complete the job. You can also use silicone caulk in the expansion gaps to prevent any moisture from leaking underneath the planks. This can be done in areas at risk to moisture damage, while still allowing the floor to float properly.
Consider Vinyl Flooring
If you are installing in an area with high risk of moisture exposure, consider luxury vinyl plank flooring. This 100% water resistant flooring is ideal for kitchen, bathroom and commercial applications. Water can be simply wiped up, and even in the worst case scenario of flooding, the flooring can be uninstalled, dried and re-installed like new.
Be sure to always read your manufacturer’s warranty information to be sure your warranty won’t be voided by installing your laminate flooring in a moisture prone environment. If you have any more questions, write us in the comments below and we will help you!
Hi Linda, I would not recommend using any sort of putty to get rid of the bevel. This will void your warranty firstly and will cause damage to the floor. The floor will not be able to expand and contract which will cause cupping and buckling.
Hello. We are just installing Quickstep studio laminate flooring – only to discover the seams are BEVELED. Hence dirt will collect and look bad. And liquids will collect also and be difficult to wipe up.
Can I apply a thin bead of clear silicone or wood putty to each seam just to fill it and prevent this issue? I am really upset I did not see it when I purchased and to return it and find other flooring at this time is not going to worlk.
Hi Bee, thanks for your question. First, I am afraid that glueing the floor to the subfloor was the first big mistake. Do you know if he also glued the joints? Other than that, there is really no way to waterproof a laminate other than using caution. You may want to use rugs in places prone to water, such as by the sink or foyer. For cleaning, you can find all of our tips here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/help/how-to-clean-laminate-flooring/
Our contractor glued our non waterproof laminate to the subfloor. At this point is there anything we can do to waterproof the joints? Also does anyone know what will clean the floor. Bona doesn’t work, no matter how hard I work at it. From an angle every swipe of the mop, every footprint-everything shows up like a shadow from an angle.
Hi Wayne, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately there is nothing you can use on the surface to make the floor and joints more moisture resistant. If you have areas of concern, for example a kitchen or bathroom, we recommend using wood glue during installation. You can add some glue in the joints, and this will make the surface and joints more resistant to any spills. Since your floor is already installed, you would have to take it apart and reinstall using the glue. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
I have a laminate click plank floor. It was installed a couple of months ago. My question is can I use something on the joints to make it water proof like Thompson’s water seal, so water if spilled will not be absorbed and save my lamente floor.
Glad it was helpful Jade! Many of our customers opt for professional help with installation, but as long as you follow the manufacturer instructions, you will be fine.
I appreciate this information about how to make laminate flooring joints more waterproof. I was unaware that glue could be a successful solution for this project. It is good to know that one must pay attention and not glue the laminate to the sub floor. It would be good to consider professional help in carrying out this process to ensure quality work.