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When renovating a space or updating flooring, one of the questions that might arise is whether you can reuse laminate flooring. This is not only a cost-effective approach but also an environmentally friendly option compared to purchasing new materials. In this post, we’ll discuss the possibilities for reusing laminate flooring, how to responsibly dispose of or recycle it, and even explore how you can give old laminate a new lease on life with paint.
Laminate flooring is indeed reusable, provided it was initially installed with methods that allow for easy dismantling. Typically, laminate floors are what’s considered “floating floors”. They aren’t secured down – they lock into place with each other and the weight keeps the rigid flooring down, so there’s no need for adhesives or nails. These floors can be carefully disassembled and the planks reused in other rooms or projects. If you’re removing the laminate because it’s damaged, the easiest and most environmentally beneficial solution is to repair it – read about how to repair laminate flooring here.
Remove all furniture and obstructions from the area and ensure that you have sufficient storage space for the salvaged laminate.
Start at the wall farthest from the door and gently pry up the baseboards, beading or moulding. Carefully unlock the planks by pushing the plank closest to the wall away from the others. It should slide out. Wearing shoes with decent grip, you may be able to kick the first out and pull the rest, however if the flooring is old it then the planks may be pushed in too tight together. You can use a blunt chisel or metal tool and a rubber mallet to knock the plank out.
Examine each plank for damage. Set aside any that are in good condition for reuse and responsibly dispose of any that are not.
If some of your laminate flooring is not suitable for reuse, consider these eco-friendly disposal methods:
Painting your laminate flooring is a great way to change the look of the room with a much lower cost than replacing the flooring. It can be done as a DIY project but it can be labour intensive, especially preparing the flooring for paint. We already have a guide on painting laminate here, but here’s a condensed version:
Thoroughly sweep and clean the floor to remove any dust and debris.
Lightly sand the floor’s surface – laminate has a durable glossy top layer which paint will not stick to. Sanding this will help the primer adhere better. Sanding by hand is not recommended because of the time it’ll take, we suggest an orbital sander. Wipe down with a damp cloth after sanding to remove the dust. Flooring wipes are ideal for this.
Now it’s time to add the primer. The primer will help give the paint a stronger grip, and be more durable. Apply the primer with a roller to get a smooth, full coat. Wait until the primer is completely dry before proceeding. Something like Dulux’s “Super Grip Primer” is a suitable option.
You may need to do this in two stages – you aren’t going to be able to walk on the floor until the primer is dry, and if you’re priming the flooring in a space like the living room where you might need to walk through the room several times a day, consider leaving a path for you to cross the room while the primer dries. Once the primer is dry, fill in the path and walk around that until the original path is dry – then move on to painting.
Apply a floor paint that is appropriate for laminate flooring. Use a roller again for an even coat and allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to do this in two stages too using the same process as you did with the “path” technique in the primer stage.
Once the paint is dry, apply a clear urethane sealer to protect the paint and give the floor a glossy finish. Apply several coats for the best protection. It’s best to do this all in one stage – if you can get around needing the “path” approach then it’s recommended to do a full layer at a time so you don’t end up with raised ridges through multiple coats.
Reusing laminate flooring is a viable option that can save money and reduce environmental impact. By following the steps outlined above, you can give your old laminate flooring a new purpose, whether it’s reinstallation in a different room, donation, or a creative new project. Remember, even if the flooring itself isn’t suitable for reuse, responsible disposal through recycling or donation is a great way to keep materials out of landfills and contribute to sustainability efforts.
If you’re still on the hunt for new flooring, why not give us a try? Easipay Flooring offers great prices on high quality flooring, including laminate, vinyl and carpets. We also offer free underlay for carpets and laminate, and to make buying your new flooring more manageable we’ll also let you split the cost into instalments over time too, interest free! Tap the button below to get started.
Not all types can be easily reused. Laminate flooring that is installed using a click-and-lock “floating floor” system is the best candidate for reuse because it can be disassembled without damage – this is the most common type of installation. Glued-down laminate is generally not reusable as the process of removal can damage the planks.
Inspect the laminate planks closely for any signs of water damage, deep scratches, or worn edges. If the planks are stable, free of major defects, and the locking mechanisms are intact, they can be reused.
You will likely need a pry bar, rubber mallet, utility knife, and knee pads to help protect your joints while working on the floor.
Yes, removing all furniture and obstructions will make the process easier and help prevent any accidental damage to your furniture or the laminate flooring.
For glued-down flooring, removal without damaging the planks might not be possible. If reuse is not an option, consider recycling or donating the material if it’s still in decent condition.
Not all recycling centres accept laminate flooring because it often contains plastic and adhesive residues. It’s best to contact local recycling centres directly to find out if they can take your laminate flooring.
The drying time can vary based on the type of paint and the environmental conditions, but generally, it takes about 24-48 hours for floor paint to dry to the touch. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best results.
Yes, it’s important to use paint that is formulated for use on floors, particularly ones that can adhere well to laminate surfaces. Floor paints are usually tougher and more durable than wall paints.
It’s recommended to reapply a urethane sealer every few years, depending on the level of foot traffic. High-traffic areas may require more frequent sealing.
To maintain painted laminate floors, avoid using abrasive cleaners which can scratch or damage the paint. Use a soft mop or cloth and mild detergent to clean the floors. Make sure to clean up spills promptly to prevent slipping or staining.
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