Laminate flooring rises (buckles or tents) primarily due to expansion from trapped moisture or insufficient expansion gaps around the room's perimeter. When planks lack space to expand due to humidity or temperature changes, they push against walls and lift, or they absorb water, causing the core to swell.
Fixing a popping or lifting laminate floor depends on the cause:
Flattening swollen laminate flooring requires completely drying the boards, releasing trapped expansion tension, and applying heavy weight. Follow these specific steps to restore the planks:
Laminate flooring usually lifts or buckles due to trapped moisture, inadequate perimeter expansion gaps, or an uneven subfloor. These issues cause the planks to swell and push against walls or snap their interlocking joints, forcing the floor upward.
Our top recommendations for how to fix laminate flooring that's lifting are as follows:
To fix lifting laminate without replacing:
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.
You can fix warped laminate flooring by identifying the root cause. If the damage is caused by a lack of expansion gaps, trim the edges. If the warping is minor, you can try drying the floor and weighing it down, but if the boards are severely swollen from water damage, you must replace the damaged planks.
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.
Fixing lifting floors depends on the type of material and the root cause—most commonly moisture, lack of expansion gaps, or adhesive failure.
Make sure the swollen laminate is completely dry (use a dehumidifier if needed) Cover any minor laminate bubbles with a damp cloth and use a knife to cut a slit in the area. Apply wood glue into the slit and press the veneer down - use a heavy object to weigh it down and leave it for 8-12 hours to dry.
To flatten buckled or swollen laminate flooring, first address the underlying moisture and relieve trapped expansion pressure. For minor bubbling, dry out the room and apply targeted weight. If the planks are wedged tight against a wall, you will need to trim the edges to allow the floor to settle.
Laminate floor swelling sometimes recedes if the damage is minor or caught early. However, because standard laminate has a fiberboard core, severe water damage often causes permanent deformation.
Buckled floors can sometimes go back down if the damage is minor and moisture issues are addressed immediately. However, depending on the severity of the swelling and the flooring material, the boards may permanently warp, cup, or require replacement.
Yes, you can replace a single piece of laminate flooring without tearing up the entire floor. The process depends on whether the damaged board is near a wall or in the middle of the room.
Floors typically rise, buckle, or tent because of material expansion caused by excess moisture, lack of expansion gaps, or structural shifting. When flooring absorbs moisture or expands due to heat, and has nowhere to go, it pushes upward.
Some green cleaners are specifically formulated for laminate floors and are effective in removing dirt without leaving harmful residues. Alternatively, you can create a homemade cleaner using ingredients like white vinegar, water, and mild dish soap.
Never use wet mops, steam cleaners, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemical cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and oil-based soaps on laminate floors. Laminate’s core is made of pressed wood, which absorbs moisture and can easily warp, swell, or bubble if exposed to excess water or heat.
An easy way to fill in microscratches and shine wood floors is to polish your floors after mopping. After dusting and spray mopping, use a designated microfiber mop pad to apply polish to wood floors to add shine. Bona floor polish is easy to use and adds a protection and shine with every application.
Addressing Moisture Issues
If too much moisture is why your laminate floor is lifting, the first thing you need to do is stop the water from getting to your floor. Fix any leaks, improve ventilation or use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture levels in your home.
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.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
The healthiest flooring options for your home are those that are low-emitting, hypoallergenic, and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic adhesives. The absolute best choices for indoor air quality and chemical sensitivity are solid hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tile, and natural linoleum.
Vinyl flooring is perfect for high-traffic, moisture-prone areas. Its water-resistant, stain-resistant surface and easy maintenance make it ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Laminate works better in dry spaces, offering durability and a realistic wood look at a great price.