Moisture barrier for laminate in above grade bathroom: Good or bad?
#1
08-21-21, 03:54 PM
Moisture barrier for laminate in above grade bathroom: Good or bad?
Hello all. I am working on a first floor bathroom above the basement. The subfloor and underlayment are plywood/OSB. There is new plumbing for shower and relocated sink, and the old floor tile has been removed. This used to be a 1/2 bathroom, and I am adding a small shower base. It is an an acrylic base with acrylic wall panels.
I have previously used the usual plastic moisture barrier to install laminate on concrete. I am trying to figure out if it would be a good idea to do the same thing in this bathroom to minimize water seeping into the subfloor in case of small water accidents. I would be placing the moisture barrier in the entire bathroom floor (30 sq. feet) before the shower base and laminate floor are installed.
Is it a good idea? Or is it better to install the laminate on the subfloor without a moisture barrier in this scenario? Thanks!
I have previously used the usual plastic moisture barrier to install laminate on concrete. I am trying to figure out if it would be a good idea to do the same thing in this bathroom to minimize water seeping into the subfloor in case of small water accidents. I would be placing the moisture barrier in the entire bathroom floor (30 sq. feet) before the shower base and laminate floor are installed.
Is it a good idea? Or is it better to install the laminate on the subfloor without a moisture barrier in this scenario? Thanks!
#2
08-21-21, 04:32 PM
Group Moderator
Personally, I think the water and the laminate are the combination which should worry you and I would choose something different for a bathroom.
#3
08-22-21, 06:46 AM
Member
Full baths and wood floors are never a good combination.
At best go with LVP or woodgrain tile!
At best go with LVP or woodgrain tile!
#4
08-22-21, 07:35 AM
Short version: Bathroom, wood subfloor, laminate floor.
The question: Trying to figure out if it would be a good idea to use moisture barrier under the laminate to minimize water seeping into the subfloor in case of small water accidents, or if it is better not to use a moisture barrier in this scenario.
The question: Trying to figure out if it would be a good idea to use moisture barrier under the laminate to minimize water seeping into the subfloor in case of small water accidents, or if it is better not to use a moisture barrier in this scenario.
#5
08-22-21, 02:34 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Does not matter. Moisture from above will destroy the laminate. Even high humidity from the shower.
stickshift
voted this post useful.
#6
08-22-21, 05:04 PM
Group Moderator
If your basement is conditioned, there is no need to use a vapor barrier, unless the mfg says to use it. Vapor barriers are to prevent moisture from coming up from underneath a floor... not to protect a floor from getting wet.
No point in trying to dissuade you from using laminate if you've already made up your mind to use it. If you are dead set on using laminate, use one that is moisture resistant, and be sure you caulk the edges as the installation instructions will suggest... and follow the mfg's recommendations for subfloor and vapor barrier.
No point in trying to dissuade you from using laminate if you've already made up your mind to use it. If you are dead set on using laminate, use one that is moisture resistant, and be sure you caulk the edges as the installation instructions will suggest... and follow the mfg's recommendations for subfloor and vapor barrier.
