Any homeowner who has gone down the DIY flooring route know that the tiles you use for the bathroom have to be chosen with care.
And why not? Of all the areas in the house, the bathroom has got to be the most difficult to work with, thanks (or no thanks) to moisture.
But what of laminate flooring? Can you use it for the bathroom? The answer is both a yes and a no.
Can you use laminate flooring for your bathroom? Of course! But is it the best material for that area? No.
I'm sorry about being so blunt, but there's no way to sugarcoat facts.
Next to carpets and solid hardwood, laminates are the worst options for your bathroom floor.
You see, laminate has a wood chip base.
True, it has a wear layer that is tough and amazingly resistant.
But that does not change the fact that the moment moisture is able to work its way downward, it will eventually come into contact with the wood chip base.
When this happens, the said base will expand and then bubble up.
The only way to fix the problem afterward would be to have the material torn out.
Now, make no mistake.
I'm a fan of laminates.
Laminates are sturdy, cheap, and beautiful.
They look like real cherry, slate, oak, or marble, too.
Moreover, they will serve you well for a long time.
I just don't think it's the best floor option for your bathroom.
If you ask me, that title goes to ceramic tiles, but I'll have to come up with another article to explain why.
In the meantime, I suggest you explore your tiling options in depth before committing to a material you might later on regret.
There is nothing inexpensive about home improvement projects.