Can You Put Laminate Over Linoleum?
QUICK ANSWER
Yes, you can install laminate flooring over linoleum in most cases. Laminate is a floating floor that does not require attachment to the surface underneath. Make sure the linoleum is flat, dry, well-bonded, and free of any soft or loose areas. Add a quality underlayment with moisture barrier.
Laminate over linoleum is one of the easier flooring updates because laminate floats over whatever is underneath without needing to bond to it. As long as the linoleum is in reasonable shape, the laminate goes right on top with an underlayment between. Here is what to check before starting and the few situations where you should remove the linoleum first.
Can you really put laminate over linoleum?
Yes, in almost all cases. Laminate floats above the subfloor with click-lock edges, separated by a thin foam underlayment. The linoleum underneath does not need to bond to anything. As long as the linoleum surface is flat, securely attached to the subfloor, and not actively failing, laminate goes right over it. This avoids the messy removal job and saves a day or two of work. Make sure to add a moisture barrier underlayment since older linoleum sometimes allows moisture transfer.
What about laminate over old laminate?
Generally not recommended. Two layers of floating floor stacked on each other can flex independently and cause the upper layer to pop joints over time. The thickness also adds up faster (laminate plus underlayment, twice) and creates significant height changes at doorways. Remove the old laminate first since it comes up easily (unclick and lift) and lets you start with a clean subfloor. The new laminate will install better and last longer.
What prep does the linoleum need?
Clean the linoleum thoroughly with a degreaser to remove any wax, polish, or built-up grime. Check the entire surface for soft spots, bubbles, lifted edges, or loose seams; address any of those by gluing back down or cutting out and patching. Run a long straight edge across the floor looking for high or low spots greater than 3/16 inch over 10 feet, and address those with self-leveler. For old linoleum with embossed texture, the laminate underlayment usually bridges the small texture without issue.
When should you remove the linoleum first?
Remove the linoleum if it has multiple loose or bubbled sections, if the linoleum is over 30 years old and may contain asbestos (test before disturbing), if there is any sign of moisture damage or subfloor failure underneath, or if you want to address subfloor issues at the same time. Remove if the existing linoleum is on top of an older vinyl or layer of cushioning that has compressed over time. When in doubt, removing the linoleum gives the cleanest starting point for new flooring.
Laminate goes over linoleum well in most cases because it floats and does not depend on the linoleum to do anything structural. Clean, check for soft spots, address any unevenness, add a quality underlayment with moisture barrier. Skip this approach if you have laminate already in place; just remove the old laminate first. For pre-1985 linoleum, test for asbestos before disturbing.
More Flooring Questions
Mystery Question?
Mystery Question?
Mystery Question?