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| Photo 2 |
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Contrary
to what you might have heard in the past, a laminate floor can be a great and
stylish choice for bathrooms and wet areas, such as laundry rooms (see Photo
1). As with all special installations, however, there are a few things you will
want to take into account first.
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| Photo 3 |
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The
first thing to consider is the home and the family’s lifestyle. Not all rooms
are used the same and standing water is the primary culprit in laminate floor
damage. For example, does the homeowner give their 90 lb dog baths in the tub?
(see Photo 2) Or in my case, I raised 5 sons (all with questionable aim) and
keeping a clean and dry bathroom was nearly impossible. In both cases, a
laminate floor is probably not the best choice. So always ask yourself if the
environment is suitable.
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| Photo 4 |
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The
second thing to consider is the floor’s quality. Laminate can be a great choice
if the correct floor is chosen. Not all laminates are created equal. Check with
the manufacturer to see if the floor is suitable for installation in wet areas.
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| Photo 5 |
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Once
the floor is chosen, it’s important to read the instructions and adhere to all
the guidelines.
Laminate is installed as a “floating floor”, a minimum of ¼” expansion space
must be left around the entire perimeter of the room and at all vertical
obstructions including all supply and drain lines and at the tub. Some
manufactures require gluing the floor together in this type of
installation.
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| Photo 6 |
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Remove
the toilet before installing the floor and place a rag in the drain to prevent
gas from escaping (see Photo 3). I also prefer to remove pedestal sinks. Be
sure to follow all local plumbing codes, which may require hiring a plumber.
Level the floor and use underlayment as with any installation. You may want to
consider an underlayment that has antimicrobial properties or prevents
bacteria.
When the floor is installed, fill all expansion spaces with 100% mildew
resistant silicone sealant including around the toilet flange and all pipes
(see Photos 4 & 5). Do not use latex caulk. It will dry hard and restrict
movement. The silicone seal helps prevent water damage below the floor.
All expansion spaces in bathrooms and laundry rooms must be filled with
silicone including doorways.
The expansion space around the perimeter must be sealed prior to installing the
trim (see Photo 6).
When installing in an adjoining room or hall, a t-molding must be used in the
doorway between the rooms and the expansion space filled with
silicone.
Do not install laminate in rooms with a floor drain or sump pump.
