You can install certain floating or non-adhesive floors—such as Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), peel-and-stick vinyl tiles, or interlocking foam and carpet tiles—directly over existing laminate, provided the old floor is flat, solid, and dry.
Yes, you can install new flooring over existing laminate, but it depends on the type of flooring. Flooring experts generally recommend pulling up the old laminate first. Removing it prevents trapped moisture, squeaky boards, and uneven surfaces.
Top Cheap Flooring Options
Removing laminate flooring costs between $𝟏 𝐭𝐨 $𝟑 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭 for professional labor and disposal, or $𝟎.𝟓𝟎 𝐭𝐨 $𝟏.𝟓𝟎 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭 if you just pay for removal fees (excluding debris disposal). For a standard room, expect the job to cost between $𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐭𝐨 $𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
Flooring You Can Lay Over Laminate (Ranked from Least Safe to Safest)
For smaller repairs like scratches and chips, you won't need to replace any of the floorboards. This kind of damage can be dealt with using a flooring repair kit. A laminate flooring repair kit will include multiple colours that can be mixed to get a perfect match for your boards.
You cannot seal non-waterproof laminate. Even "waterproof" laminate is not really waterproof, but the non-waterproof stuff will swell up like crazy even when briefly exposed to water. It is garbage.
Sheet vinyl and peel-and-stick vinyl planks are the absolute cheapest flooring options, typically costing $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot. For a slightly higher-end look that is just as budget-friendly, click-lock laminate and basic Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) range from $2 to $4 per square foot.
Whether vinyl or laminate is better depends on your space. Vinyl is best for moisture-prone and high-traffic areas (bathrooms, kitchens, basements) because it is 100% waterproof. Laminate is best for living rooms and bedrooms because it feels warmer, thicker, and offers a more realistic wood look.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tiles are widely considered the easiest, most DIY-friendly flooring options. They require minimal tools, snap or stick together effortlessly, and can easily be cut with just a basic utility knife.
Technically, you can put vinyl flooring over laminate, but most flooring manufacturers do not recommend it. Laminate is highly susceptible to moisture, and placing a waterproof vinyl layer on top can trap moisture underneath, leading to mold and warped boards. Additionally, the soft underlayment of laminate can cause the locking joints of vinyl planks to separate.
Laminate flooring typically lasts 15 to 25 years. High-quality, properly maintained planks can even exceed 30 years, whereas lower-end or neglected options may only last 10 to 15 years.
Vinyl Plank Installation Cost
Materials: $2-3 PER SQ. FT. Labor: $2-3 PER SQ. FT.
Remove residue and buildup
Many household cleaners leave a dull film behind that builds up over time. Use an ammonia-free laminate cleaner: Look for one designed specifically for laminate flooring. Buff with a dry cloth: After mopping, use a soft, clean towel or microfiber cloth to buff the floor.
While vinegar is a popular DIY cleaning solution, it's not recommended for laminate floors. Its acidic nature can dull the laminate's finish over time. Instead, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for laminate flooring to ensure it remains vibrant and undamaged.
Yes, you can install new flooring over existing laminate, but it depends on the type of flooring. Flooring experts generally recommend pulling up the old laminate first. Removing it prevents trapped moisture, squeaky boards, and uneven surfaces.
Laying vinyl over laminate is not a long-term solution. Therefore, we recommend removing the laminate floor completely and laying the click or adhesive vinyl directly on the subfloor.
The "Rule of 3" in flooring is a design principle that recommends using no more than three distinct flooring materials or color variations throughout your entire home. Limiting your design to three elements creates visual cohesion, prevents a chopped-up layout, and ensures smooth, intentional transitions from room to room.
If it's laminate or a floating floor, install after cabinets. Permanent flooring always goes in before built ins. Temporary floating floors go after, with the built ins set at the finished floor height so the flooring can just slip the cut edge underneath the built in.
Home Depot's laminate flooring installation costs between $3.80 and $4.80 per square foot on average, including materials, basic underlayment, and labor. For a standard room, expect basic labor to run roughly $2.00 to $3.00 per sq. ft., with materials adding $1.50 to $2.00 per sq. ft.
First off, a 12×12 room is 144 square feet. Thinking about putting laminate flooring in your room? Expect to spend between $350 and $400. Remember that this doesn't include the costs of professional installation, flooring removal or subfloor prep—this is for materials only.
Does Laminate Flooring Increase Home Value? To go easy on the budget, laminate flooring is another option. It may have a lower resale value than solid or engineered wood, but high-quality laminate flooring can bring a higher resale value than cheaper vinyl flooring or leaving bad flooring in place.