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Warning: Don’t Install Laminate Flooring in These Rooms

The Best And Worst Places To Install Laminate Flooring

When it comes to home improvement decisions, few are as deceptively tricky as choosing the right flooring.

Laminate flooring, with its attractive hardwood look and budget-friendly price, seems like a winner.

And in many ways, it is. But here’s a truth that too many homeowners learn the hard way: laminate flooring can fail fast when installed in the wrong spaces.

In this guide, we’re laying it all out—the best and worst places to install laminate flooring in your home.

If you’re planning a renovation or just want to avoid an expensive mistake, keep reading.

Warning: Don’t Install Laminate Flooring in These Rooms

The Best and Worst Places to Install Laminate Flooring

When it comes to home improvement decisions, few are as deceptively tricky as choosing the right flooring.

Laminate flooring, with its attractive hardwood look and budget-friendly price, seems like a winner.

And in many ways, it is. But here’s a truth that too many homeowners learn the hard way: laminate flooring can fail fast when installed in the wrong spaces.

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Table of Contents

Everything You Need to Know

Before Buying Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring

Learn Why Proper Installation is Crucial for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring in Arizona

Learn How to Keep Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors Looking New for Many Years

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is a Preferred Choice for Arizona’s Intense Heat

Click Here to Learn About The Top 4 LVP Flooring Mistakes to Avoid Before You Buy

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Why Homeowners Love Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has come a long way in the past decade.

It’s no longer the cheap, plastic-looking alternative it once was.

Modern laminate options offer realistic wood textures, improved durability, and even click-lock systems that make DIY installation a breeze.

Some of the most popular benefits include:

  • Affordable pricing compared to hardwood or tile

  • Scratch resistance—ideal for homes with pets and kids

  • A wide variety of colors, finishes, and plank sizes

  • Minimal maintenance needs

  • Easy cleaning with just a broom and damp mop

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So, why the warning?

Simple: laminate is not waterproof.

Despite its surface durability, laminate is made of multiple layers, including a fiberboard core that can swell or warp when exposed to moisture.

Once damaged by water, laminate cannot be refinished or repaired. It must be completely replaced.

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Understanding “Water-Resistant” vs “Waterproof”

Here’s a common point of confusion:

  • Water-resistant laminate can withstand minor splashes or spills—but only if cleaned up quickly.

  • Waterproof flooring (like luxury vinyl plank or tile) is designed to resist standing water for extended periods.

No laminate on the market today is truly 100% waterproof.

If you need peace of mind in moisture-prone areas, choose LVP (luxury vinyl plank) instead.

It offers the wood look you love without the vulnerability to water.

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Best Rooms for Laminate Flooring

Let’s start with the good news. There are many rooms in your home where laminate flooring is an excellent choice. These are areas with low moisture levels, steady temperatures, and minimal risk of water damage.

Top recommended rooms for laminate:

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are dry, quiet, and low-traffic—making them ideal for laminate. You get a cozy, stylish aesthetic without the coldness of tile or the price tag of hardwood.

Living Rooms

In living spaces, laminate stands up well to foot traffic, furniture movement, and the occasional spill—as long as it’s wiped up promptly. It brings warmth and a polished finish to the heart of the home.

Hallways and Entryways

Laminate is durable enough to handle heavy use in transitional areas. Just add a rug or runner to protect from scratches caused by dirt and debris.

Home Offices and Dens

Stylish and professional, laminate gives work-from-home spaces a refined look without the fuss of higher-maintenance materials.

Where Laminate Flooring Should NEVER Go

Now for the not-so-fun part. Installing laminate in the wrong room can destroy your investment.

Even small amounts of moisture can wreak havoc. Here are the areas where you should proceed with caution—or not at all.

Bathrooms

Between hot showers, steamy air, and frequent spills, bathrooms are a hostile environment for laminate flooring.

The high humidity and direct water contact make it one of the worst places to install laminate. Even water-resistant models can’t handle the conditions long-term.

Laundry Rooms

One leaky washing machine hose or accidental spill can seep through the seams and swell the laminate core. Worse still, water damage can spread under the planks where it’s impossible to dry out.

Kitchens

This one’s controversial. Some homeowners have success using high-end, water-resistant laminate in kitchens.

However, it’s a risk. Spills, drips from dishwashers, and plumbing issues can create costly damage. If you go this route, choose quality materials, seal edges carefully, and clean spills immediately.

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Alternatives to Laminate for Wet Areas

If laminate is off the table, don’t worry—there are plenty of stylish, affordable alternatives.

Consider these options for high-moisture rooms:

  • Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Waterproof, durable, and visually similar to laminate.

  • Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: Perfect for bathrooms and laundry rooms.

  • Sheet Vinyl: A budget-friendly option for kitchens and mudrooms.

These materials provide long-term protection and peace of mind in areas where water is a regular guest.

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Signs of Water Damage in Laminate Flooring

Already installed laminate in a wet area? Look out for:

  • Buckling or warping planks

  • Seams that rise or curl

  • Soft or spongey feeling underfoot

  • Visible mold or mildew along baseboards

If you notice any of these issues, it’s often too late for repairs. Replacement is the only option.

Laminate Flooring versus Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

What If You’ve Already Installed Laminate in a Risky Room?

Don’t panic just yet. If your laminate is installed in a kitchen or powder room, you can:

  • Use area rugs and mats near water sources (sink, dishwasher)

  • Install baseboard caulking to block water entry

  • Use a dehumidifier in high-moisture environments

  • Clean up spills instantly—don’t wait

These steps won’t make the floor waterproof, but they can extend its lifespan in marginal areas.

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Final Thoughts: Choose Floors with Confidence

Laminate flooring is a fantastic product—in the right place.

Understanding its strengths and limitations is key to a long-lasting, beautiful result.

Bedrooms, offices, and living rooms? Go for it.

Bathrooms and laundry rooms? Choose something better suited to moisture.

At Floor Daddy, we believe in helping homeowners make smart, informed decisions about their space.

That means not just selling floors, but matching the right floor to the right room.

Because nothing is more frustrating—or expensive—than redoing a project that could’ve been done right the first time.

Ready to upgrade your floors?

Schedule a FREE consultation with our experts today. We’ll evaluate your space, explain your options, and help you choose the perfect flooring for every room.

👉 Visit https://FloorDaddy.com and book your free in-home visit now.

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People Also Ask 🤓

Yes, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is 100% waterproof. Unlike laminate, which is only water-resistant, LVP can withstand spills, mopping, and even pet accidents without swelling or warping, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Absolutely! Laminate flooring works well in Arizona’s dry climate, especially in low-moisture areas like bedrooms, home offices, and living rooms. However, it’s best to avoid installing laminate in rooms that may experience water exposure.

LVP is generally better for pet owners. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and more durable when it comes to paw traffic and occasional accidents. Laminate can still work, but only if it has a strong wear layer and is kept dry.

LVP flooring typically has a longer lifespan, ranging from 15 to 25 years, depending on the quality. Laminate usually lasts about 10 to 15 years. Proper care and installation will also affect longevity.

Yes, modern LVP has incredibly realistic wood and stone visuals, often with embossed textures that mimic grain patterns. It’s a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of hardwood with more durability.

In most cases, yes. Laminate flooring is usually more budget-friendly upfront. However, LVP can offer more value in the long run due to its waterproof properties and longer lifespan in moisture-prone areas.

Yes, many LVP products are designed for floating installations and can be laid over existing floors like tile or concrete, provided the surface is clean, dry, and level. This can save time and reduce labor costs.

Not typically. Laminate flooring can be damaged by water if it seeps into the seams. Even “water-resistant” laminate should be used cautiously in high-moisture zones. LVP is a safer and more durable choice for wet areas.

Laminate requires light sweeping and damp mopping with minimal water. LVP is easier to maintain — you can mop it regularly without worry. Both should be protected from abrasive cleaners and furniture scratches.

Both laminate and LVP can work well in Arizona, depending on the room. Laminate is ideal for dry areas, while LVP offers more flexibility across your entire home thanks to its waterproof and heat-tolerant nature.