Replacing Laminate Flooring: Pros, Cons, and Buying Guide

Most laminate floors look tired by year 12 — but the planks pulled up are still 95 percent intact, which is why replacing laminate flooring goes faster than the original install. The hard part is deciding whether you actually need to replace or just patch. A water-damaged plank near a dishwasher costs $4 and 30 minutes to swap. A floor with widespread peaking, gapping, or worn-through wear layer needs a full replacement — typically $3 to $7 per square foot if you DIY, $5 to $12 with a contractor.

When to Repair, When to Replace

Repair makes sense when:

• Damage is limited to 5 percent or less of the floor
• You have matching replacement planks from your original install
• The wear layer on the rest of the floor still looks acceptable
• The subfloor underneath is dry and flat

Replace the entire floor when:

• You see widespread peaking, gapping, or warping
• Multiple rooms show wear pattern through the laminate image layer
• The subfloor has moisture damage or out-of-flat spots greater than 3/16 inch over 10 feet
• You want to switch products (e.g., laminate to luxury vinyl plank)

Tools and Materials You Need

For a 200 sq ft room replacement, gather:

• Pry bar and rubber mallet for removing trim and old planks
• Utility knife for scoring stuck seams
• Tapping block, pull bar, and 30 spacers ($25 kit)
• Miter or laminate saw for cuts
• Jigsaw for notches around door jambs and pipes
• New laminate (order 10 percent overage)
• Underlayment if old layer is degraded ($0.40-$0.90/sq ft)
• Transition strips for doorways ($8-$25 each)

Step-by-Step Removal

Empty the room and remove all furniture. Pop off baseboards or quarter round with a pry bar — work along the length of the trim, not across grain, to avoid splitting. Number trim pieces if you plan to reuse them. Pull up the first plank along the wall by lifting the locking edge at a 30-degree angle; the rest unlock in sequence.

Inspect underlayment as you go. If the foam is matted, torn, or smells of mildew, throw it out. Sweep the subfloor and check for high spots, soft spots, or moisture. Use a 4-foot level to find dips greater than 3/16 inch over 10 feet — those need leveling compound before the new floor goes down.

Subfloor Prep Cannot Be Skipped

The single biggest cause of new-floor failure is a bad subfloor. Test concrete moisture with a calcium chloride kit ($25); reject any subfloor over 4 lbs/1,000 sq ft MVER without a moisture-mitigation primer. Patch wood subfloors with leveling compound (Henry 555, $25/gallon, covers 80-100 sq ft).

Lay fresh underlayment if needed. Most laminate now ships with attached pad, so check before buying separate underlayment. Stagger seams between planks and underlayment to avoid line-up failure points.

Installation: Faster the Second Time

Acclimate the new boxes 48 to 72 hours in the install room. Start the first row along the longest wall with 1/4-inch expansion spacers. Stagger end joints by at least 12 inches between adjacent rows. Cut the last plank in each row to fit, leaving the same 1/4-inch gap at the wall. Tap seams home with the tapping block — never a bare hammer.

The last row almost always needs ripping (cutting along the length). Measure carefully, accounting for the expansion gap. Use a pull bar to seat the final boards tight to the previous row. Reinstall trim or quarter round to cover the expansion gap.

Pros of Replacing Laminate Flooring

Total cost stays predictable. Even a mid-range laminate sits at $1.50 to $4 per square foot for material — about half the cost of LVP and a third of engineered hardwood. Replacing laminate flooring in a 600 sq ft area runs $1,800 to $4,200 in materials, plus $1,200 to $2,800 in labor if you hire out — well below most refresh budgets.

Speed is the second advantage. A pro crew finishes 800 sq ft in two days. A motivated DIYer finishes 200 sq ft in a long weekend. There is no curing time, no nail holes to fill, and no sanding dust to clean up.

Cons and Pitfalls

Matching old planks for partial replacement is nearly impossible. Manufacturers discontinue patterns every 2 to 4 years. If you saved 15 to 20 leftover planks from the original install, you can patch. If not, plan a full-room replacement.

Hidden water damage costs more than expected. Once you pull up the old laminate, you may find subfloor staining, mold, or rotted plywood near plumbing. Budget $300 to $1,500 contingency for subfloor repairs.

Should You Switch to LVP Instead?

Many homeowners use a laminate replacement as the moment to upgrade to luxury vinyl plank. LVP runs $2.50 to $6 per square foot, is fully waterproof (laminate is water-resistant only), and accepts kitchen and bathroom installs that laminate does not. Installation is nearly identical. Premium LVP brands like Coretec, Mohawk RevWood Plus, and Shaw Floorte deliver hardwood-look visuals that beat most laminate aesthetics.

Cost Breakdown for a 500 sq ft Replacement

• Mid-range laminate (AC4): $1,250-$1,750
• Underlayment: $200-$400
• Trim/transitions: $150-$300
• Tools (if buying): $80-$150
• Disposal of old floor: $100-$200
• Total DIY: $1,800-$2,800
• Total contractor: $4,500-$7,500

Final Tips

Buy 10 percent overage and store 5 to 10 extra planks for future repairs. Take photos of the install for warranty claims. Seal seams in kitchens and entries with manufacturer-approved seam sealant if your laminate allows. With clean prep work and the right tools, replacing laminate flooring becomes one of the highest-impact, lowest-stress home improvement projects you can take on.