Choosing a new floor should be exciting not confusing. With so many flooring terms, styles, and technical details, it’s completely normal to have questions before committing to laminate flooring. Known for its durability, affordability, and wide design range, laminate is a popular choice for Canadian homes.

To help you decide with confidence, we’ve answered the 10 most common laminate flooring questions, covering everything from installation and pricing to maintenance and repairs.

1. What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic floor designed to be strong, stable, and stylish. The layers are fused together through a lamination process, creating a tough surface that resists everyday wear.

It’s especially popular because it can replicate the look of real wood, stone, or tile, while remaining more affordable and easier to maintain. Laminate works well in most rooms, making it a reliable all-round flooring option.

2. How Much Does Laminate Flooring Cost?

Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of price points, depending on durability and water resistance.

• Budget laminate: Ideal for everyday living areas

• Mid-range options: Offer thicker boards and enhanced durability

• Water-resistant laminate: Designed for kitchens and busy households

Premium laminate options may include extended water resistance and attached underlay, saving time and installation costs.

3. How Is Laminate Flooring Installed?

Laminate flooring is known for its quick and simple installation. Most products use a click-lock system, allowing planks to lock together securely and float over underlay.

This makes laminate a popular DIY-friendly option. Proper acclimation and accurate cutting are essential for a successful installation.

4. How Do You Measure a Room for Laminate Flooring?

Measuring correctly helps avoid unnecessary costs or shortages.

• Measure the room’s length and width

• Multiply to calculate the total square meters

• Add 10% extra for waste and cutting

For irregular-shaped rooms, divide the space into sections and calculate each one separately.

5. How Do You Cut Laminate Flooring?

Cutting laminate is straightforward with the right tools:

• Hacksaw: For straight plank cuts

• Jigsaw: Ideal for curves or obstacles like sinks

• Table or crosscut saw: Best for angled or precision cuts

Always measure carefully and cut slowly to avoid chipping.

6. How Do You Clean Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is low maintenance and easy to clean.

• Sweep or vacuum regularly

• Use a slightly damp mop when needed

• Avoid excessive water or harsh cleaners

Even water-resistant laminate should not be soaked, as standing moisture can cause damage over time.

7. Can You Paint or Stain Laminate Flooring?

Technically, yes but it’s not recommended. Painting or staining laminate is labor-intensive and risks damaging the thin decorative layer.

In most cases, replacing the floor with a new laminate style is more cost-effective and delivers better long-term results.

8. How Do You Remove Laminate Flooring?

If your laminate was installed as a floating floor, removal is relatively easy.

• Remove trims and edging

• Lift planks starting from the wall

• Use a crowbar or chisel if needed

Always wear protective gloves and safety glasses during removal.

9. Can Laminate Flooring Be Repaired?

Minor scratches can often be fixed using a color-matched repair kit. For larger issues like swelling or buckling, replacing the affected planks is usually the best solution.

Damage is often caused by moisture, lack of expansion gaps, or improper acclimation before installation.

10. Do You Need Underlay for Laminate Flooring?

Yes, underlay is recommended for most laminate floors. It helps:

• Smooth uneven subfloors

• Reduce noise

• Protect against moisture

• Improve comfort underfoot

Some laminate ranges include built-in underlay, eliminating the need for a separate layer.