Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?

The Brutal Truth Every Homeowner Should Know

When you’re shopping for new floors, laminate is often praised as a stylish, affordable alternative to hardwood.

But there’s a critical question homeowners overlook before clicking “add to cart”: Is laminate flooring waterproof?

Here’s the brutal truth—it’s not. Not even close.

And if you’re considering laminate for your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, this article might just save you thousands of dollars in damage and frustration.

Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?

The Brutal Truth Every Homeowner Should Know

When you’re shopping for new floors, laminate is often praised as a stylish, affordable alternative to hardwood.

But there’s a critical question homeowners overlook before clicking “add to cart”: Is laminate flooring waterproof?

Here’s the brutal truth—it’s not. Not even close.

And if you’re considering laminate for your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, this article might just save you thousands of dollars in damage and frustration. Let’s dive into why.

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What Makes Laminate Look Like a Great Choice?

Laminate flooring is known for:

Its wood-like appearance
Affordable pricing
Simple click-lock installation
Scratch resistance

At first glance, it seems like a no-brainer. But beneath its attractive surface lies a hidden weakness: moisture.

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Water Resistance vs. Waterproof: Don’t Be Fooled

Some manufacturers label their laminate flooring as “water-resistant.”

While that sounds like a safeguard, it’s a bit misleading.

Water-resistant does not mean waterproof. In fact, it only gives you a limited window to clean up spills—often just 30 minutes or less.

Once water gets under the planks or into the seams, the core—typically made of high-density fiberboard (HDF)—acts like a sponge.

That leads to swelling, warping, and eventually, total floor failure.

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What Happens When Water Damages Laminate Flooring?

Let’s walk through a real-life scenario.

Say your washing machine has a slow leak. You don’t notice it for a day or two.

Meanwhile, that water seeps under your laminate, saturating the core. Soon, you’ll notice:

Bubbles forming under the surface
Seams lifting and splitting
Planks curling at the edges

At that point, the damage is irreversible.

You can’t dry it out. You can’t sand it. Your only option? Rip it all up and replace it.

Where Laminate Flooring Makes Sense

Where You Should Never Install Laminate Flooring

Laminate simply isn’t built for rooms that regularly encounter moisture. If you’re planning a flooring project in any of the following areas, skip laminate:

Bathroom: Between steamy showers and wet towels, bathrooms are a moisture minefield.
Kitchen: Spills are inevitable, especially around sinks, dishwashers, and fridges.
Laundry Room: Washing machine leaks are common—and laminate won’t survive them.
Basement: Even with dehumidifiers, underground spaces are prone to dampness.

In all these cases, laminate is a risky investment.