How to choose materials for bathroom floor reno?
by Bill Elliott
+1
I have a master bathroom which has some water damage to the floor near the tub. There are two layers of tile from the previous owner. I need to remove and replace the whole floor. So here are my questions - Can waterproof laminate floating flooring be used in a bathroom on just plywood and would it hold up with regular bathroom moisture? (its been great in our kitchen so far) Can an electric heated floor kit be used under that laminate flooring? Thanks
Suggested Project Book
No it can not for either of your questions. I did it in the bathroom even though it was done correctly it still formed mold. Our electrian told us we couldn't put any type of heating element under any laimate flooring due to the expansion.
There are electric heat mats made for laminate flooring. Personally I don't like laminate flooring. It's not 100% waterproof. Boards separate, moisture can swell the substrate, chips easily. I always recommend vinyl plank flooring in kitchens and baths. Looks like wood, ceramic, porcelain. They also make electric heat mats for vinyl.
What if there was a membrane placed first? Is that something that is available?
You could, but I wouldn't, but that's just me. In my opinion, that will be just as bad as 2 layers of tile by the previous owners. I am not a fan of laminate in the the first place, I just ripped it all out in favor of real hardwood. Laminate does not play well with water. If everyone in your house is very neat and tidy, go ahead. I am not here to stop you, just to think twice and know that it has a stronger potential to turn out poorly at some point in time. Vinyl floors would be a better way to go or even a nice porcelain tile. Choice is yours. Here is info on heated floors.
https://www.bestlaminate.com/blog/can-i-put-laminate-flooring-on-top-of-a-radiant-heated-floor/
https://www.thermosoft.com/en-US/radiant-under-floor-heating/for-laminate-engineered-wood/installation