Can You Put Laminate Flooring Over Laminate Flooring?

Laminates are made of resin, and high-density fiberboard pressed together under high pressure and heat. They are durable, which is why damages are rare. However, impacts can cause damage that can be repaired or replaced. Another solution considered is to put laminate flooring over the laminate flooring. 

Laying laminate over the laminate floor is not the best practice, but it is possible. Though there are potential risks, the right way of installation can eliminate them. Putting a layer in between the laminate sheets can ensure the longevity of the new and old laminate. 

Moving forward, let’s have a look at whether it is viable to have laminate on the laminate surface or not. 

3 Reasons Why Putting Laminate Flooring Over Laminate Flooring Is A Good Idea

 A few reasons validate laying laminate over an existing laminate surface. Despite further fixing issues, people still prefer it due to some reasons. Have a look at these reasons as under:

1. Cover Irreversible Damage:

Laminate is solid and durable, indeed. But once there are scratches and cracks, they are primarily irreparable ⁽²⁾. When repairing is not an option, it either needs to be replaced or covered. Laying a laminate layer on the existing floor is a good idea to cover the damages that can’t be fixed. 

2. Less Labor:

Most people prefer laminating the present laminate to reduce the labor. Removing the old laminate and installing a new one is way more labor-intensive than just putting a layer of laminate on the present one. This is one common reason to choose not to remove the previous laminate. 

3. Saves Time:

Again, a standard calculation. You save time when you don’t need to pry up the old floor and install the new one. Installing a new laminate sheet on the existing layer is less time-consuming. There seems to be a straightforward way out for many. 

7 Steps To Install Laminate Flooring Over Old Laminate: Simple Process

Installing the laminate floor over the old laminate is a bit tricky. Since it is not recommended due to various issues, caution is mandatory if you choose to do so. Here is the step-by-step guide for installing a laminate sheet. 

Step 1: Sand The Existing Laminate

The present laminate needs to be plain but rough for the new laminate to settle. Therefore, sand the laminate floor with an orbital sander. It removes the uneven areas and brings out fresh layers.

Moreover, this also makes the floor sturdy and rough. Clean up the dust and wipe the floor once. Sit for dry completely. This video tutorial will show you more.

Step 2: Measure The Laminate Floor

Using a measuring tape, measure the dimensions of the floor. Measure the length and width. As per that, note down the numbers. Add a few extra inches for safety. You must buy the laminate sheet according to the measurement. 

Step 3: Cut The Laminate Sheet

Transfer the measurement to the laminate panel. Draw a chalk line to mark the edges in the cutting area. Now, dividing the material into several strips makes installation easier. Next, cut the laminate sheet with a circular saw to divide the sheet into sections. 

Step 4: Apply Contact Cement

Contact cement is effective to let the laminate adhere to the underlayment and the new laminate. The project will be a fuss without a layer in between. Apply a thin layer of contact cement on the existing floor and the back part of the new laminate with a painting brush. If you use an underlayment, brush both sides with contact cement. 

Step 5: Adhere To The Underlayment

Research says that a foam or rubber underlayment improves the sound and thermal insulation of the laminate ⁽³⁾. Kevin Liu, a flooring expert, shared that an underlayment is needed to make the laminate floor stable and sturdy. 

Put the underlayment on the previous laminate. Roll it hard on the floor with a roller. Brush the cement on the top part of the underlayment. 

Step 6: Put The New Laminate

Start from one corner of the floor. One by one, adhere to the laminate sheets with a suitable laminate floor adhesive. Brush a layer of glue on the backside of the laminate strips and lay them. Roll the layer properly to let the new laminate adhere to the underlayment. 

Step 7: Finish Your Work

Wipe away the extra adhesive. Trim the edges if any of the layers stick out from the sides. Clean the corners and the surface. Make sure that the laminate is flat on the underlayment. 

Caution: Keep a gap of ¼ or ⅛ inches at the end of the floor. This gap is necessary as laminate expands and contracts under extreme temperature and moisture⁽⁴⁾. 

3 Problems With Putting Laminate Flooring Over Laminate Flooring

There are significant issues with laminating a laminate surface. Addressing the problems can help you decide wisely. Here, I am mentioning some common difficulties that you may face. 

1. Height Elevation:

The height of the floor increases automatically as there is an extra layer of laminate on the floor. This causes adjustment issues with the doors and baseboards. The appearance and convenience of usage are hampered. 

2. Shrinking And Expansion:

Laminate contracts and expands due to moisture and temperature fluctuation. When two laminate layers are there, they both expand and shrink, causing further distortion and damage.

3. Costly To Fix:

Any damage on the laminate layer becomes challenging to fix when there are double layers. The cost of restoring the laminate between the layers is high. Cleaning and maintaining become difficult and pricey too. 

Related Question

Is It Easy Or Hard To Put Laminate Flooring Over Laminate Flooring?

Installing laminate flooring on a rigid underlayment is not challenging. Installing over a laminate floor, however, can be a little tricky. A lot of preparation is needed. The process is a bit complicated, from painting the laminate with contact cement and installing an underlayment to applying adhesive. 

Is It Ok To Lay Carpet Between New Laminate Flooring And Old Laminate?

Laying carpet between new flooring and old flooring is permissible. Before installing the laminate, it must be sanded, cleaned, and smoothened. However, you can install another layer of laminate on the rug only if the carpet is a low pile. As laminate needs a flat underlayment, only a thin and low pile carpet should be used. 

Laminate Flooring Or Tile Flooring: Which Is A Sophisticated Choice?

Though costlier than laminate, tile flooring is preferred by most people. Regarding design and versatility ⁽⁵⁾, tiles are better than laminate. Tile is more sophisticated as it comes in different looks like wood and stone. On the other hand, laminate commonly has a wood look. Though beautiful, the tile floor is better than laminate in all aspects, including aesthetics. 

What Things Should A Folk Consider To Choose The Best Laminate Flooring?

A few considerations can help. One gets the best quality of laminate, for instance, the thicker the laminate, the more long-lasting it is. Its moisture and heat resistance are other essential factors to consider. Last but not least, the look and style of the laminate should match the interior. Try buying laminate with a warranty for assurance. 

How Much Does It Cost To Install Laminate Flooring?

Including the cost of laminate and labor, per square foot of laminate floor installation would cost from $6 to $14. On average, a 150 sq. ft house or room would need $890 to $1500 for laminate installation. This cost fluctuates as per the quality of laminate, area, underlayment, and floor finishing. 

The Bottom Line:

To conclude, you can put laminate flooring over the old laminate with caution and care. Follow the steps I have mentioned and minimize the potential risks. That can ensure a good outcome and give a fine finish as if there is no layer beneath! Nevertheless, if there is an option of removing the old one, do that to be on the safe side.

References

(1)Arenas, J. P. (2022, January). Impact sound insulation of a lightweight laminate floor resting on a thin underlayment material above a concrete slab. Journal of Building Engineering, 45. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710221013954

(4)Authentic XXL & Dynamic XXL. (n.d.). Belgotex. https://belgotex.co.nz/assets/Uploads/Installation-Instructions/Authentic-XXL-Dynamic-XXL-Installation-Recommendations.pdf

(2)Collinson, P. (2006, February 3). Wood flooring | Money. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/money/2006/feb/04/lifeandhealth.consumerandethicalliving

(3)GADEA, M. (2010). STUDY OF THE REFLECTION OF SOUND IN LAMINATED FLOORS. 2D NUMERICAL MODEL. ANNALS of the ORADEA UNIVERSITY., IX (XIX). http://imt.uoradea.ro/auo.fmte/files-2010-v2/MECANICA/JosT%20Marfa%20Gadea%20Borrell%20L.pdf

(5) Reader’s Digest Editors. (2016, May 23). 5 Ideas for pet-friendly homes. Reader’s Digest.