What this covers
Laminate is a dense fiberboard plank with a printed wood or stone image under a hard wear layer. It is installed as a floating floor: planks click together over a foam or cork underlayment, with a gap at the walls covered by trim. It resists scratches and fading well, and newer products tolerate some moisture. It is not sanded or refinished; damaged planks are replaced.
When to call
- Bedrooms, living rooms, halls and offices where a durable wood look is wanted.
- A floor that will see pets, kids and furniture moving.
- A quick replacement after a loss once the subfloor is dry and flat.
What to expect
- Check and prepareThe subfloor is checked for flatness and moisture and leveled where needed.
- UnderlaymentUnderlayment is rolled out, with a vapor barrier over concrete.
- Click and floatPlanks are laid from a straight line with staggered joints and the required expansion gap.
- TrimBaseboard, shoe molding and transitions cover the gap, then a walk-through.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Is laminate waterproof?
Standard laminate swells if water sits on it. Some products are rated water-resistant for spills. For bathrooms and laundry rooms, vinyl or tile is the safer choice.
Why does the floor need to be flat?
A floating floor flexes over dips, which stresses the click joints and causes gaps and noise. Leveling first prevents that.
Can a damaged plank be replaced?
Yes. The floor is unclicked back to the damaged plank or the plank is cut out and a replacement glued in.
Related: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring · Engineered wood flooring · Floor leveling · All flooring
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.