I’ve been asked this question more times than I can count — “Can you lay cushion floor over laminate?” And honestly, I get why people wonder. When your old laminate starts to lose its charm, it’s tempting to skip the messy removal and just roll a fresh layer of cushion flooring right on top. After all, it seems like a simple, time-saving fix. But as with most shortcuts in home improvement, it’s not always that straightforward.
Understanding Cushion Flooring and Laminate
Before deciding whether you can put cushion floor over laminate, it’s important to understand how both materials behave. They might look similar on the surface, but the way they react to temperature, moisture, and pressure couldn’t be more different.
What Is Cushion Flooring?
Cushion flooring — often called vinyl cushion floor — is a type of resilient flooring made from layers of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with a foam or felt backing. It’s soft underfoot, waterproof, and comes in rolls rather than planks or tiles. Homeowners love it because it’s affordable, easy to clean, and gives a cozy feel, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
The cushioned backing gives it its name — it absorbs impact and adds comfort when walking. But that same flexibility can also reveal imperfections beneath it, especially if the surface below isn’t perfectly smooth and stable.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate, on the other hand, is a floating floor system made of several layers — a wear layer, decorative layer, high-density fiberboard (HDF) core, and a stabilizing bottom layer. Unlike vinyl, laminate isn’t flexible. It relies on interlocking joints (click-lock design) and requires a flat, level subfloor to prevent movement or buckling.
Because laminate expands and contracts with humidity changes, it needs room to “float.” When you place another flexible flooring layer like cushion vinyl over it, those movements can cause problems down the line — from bubbling to seam separation.
Why This Matters
When you put one type of flexible flooring over another, you’re essentially combining two surfaces that each need stability to perform properly. It’s a bit like trying to build a house on top of a trampoline — it might look fine at first, but it’s bound to shift and sag over time.Can You Lay Cushion Floor Over Laminate?
The short answer? You can — but it’s usually not recommended. While it’s technically possible to install cushion flooring over laminate, doing so comes with a handful of risks that can shorten the lifespan of both materials. Still, there are a few situations where it might work if handled carefully. Let’s break it down.
When It Might Work
If your laminate floor is flat, stable, and completely dry, you might be able to lay cushion flooring on top — especially if you’re using a loose-lay vinyl that doesn’t require adhesive. In such cases, the cushion floor can rest over the laminate much like a rug, without permanently bonding to it.
This setup can work temporarily in rental units, or if you’re trying to refresh a room without committing to a full renovation. I’ve seen homeowners do this successfully in guest rooms or small offices where traffic is light and moisture is minimal.
When It’s a Bad Idea
However, if the laminate is uneven, warped, or shifting, you’re in for trouble. Cushion flooring is thin and flexible, which means it’ll mirror every bump and dip underneath. Over time, those imperfections can cause premature wear, visible ridges, or even small tears in the vinyl layer.
Another problem is moisture. Laminate isn’t waterproof, and trapping it under a layer of cushion flooring can lock in humidity, leading to swelling or mold growth. I’ve seen floors peel up or buckle within months when moisture sneaks in unnoticed.
Then there’s the issue of movement. Laminate is a floating floor — it needs room to expand and contract. Placing cushion vinyl over it can restrict that movement, causing ripples and gaps at the edges. It’s like trying to stretch under a blanket that’s too tight — something’s got to give.
Professional Insight
If you’re determined to do it, the best approach is to remove the laminate and work directly on the subfloor. But if that’s not an option, make sure the laminate is level, dry, and tightly locked. You might also add a thin plywood underlayment between the two layers to stabilize the surface. This extra step can make all the difference in keeping the cushion flooring from sagging or tearing prematurely.
Preparation Steps Before Installing Cushion Floor Over Laminate
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and still plan to install cushion flooring over laminate, preparation is everything. The key is to create a surface that’s smooth, stable, and moisture-free — because any weakness underneath will eventually show up on the top layer. Here’s how to do it right.
Step 1: Inspect the Laminate Thoroughly
Start by walking across the entire room and checking for soft spots, loose planks, or uneven joints. If the laminate creaks or shifts underfoot, it’s not ready for another layer. Tighten or replace any damaged boards and make sure all click-lock joints are properly seated. Even a slight gap can cause a dip that shows through cushion flooring.
Step 2: Clean the Surface Completely
Laminate floors tend to collect dust, hair, and grit in the seams. Vacuum thoroughly, then mop the surface with a damp (not wet) cloth to remove residue. Avoid harsh cleaners — they can leave a slick film that prevents the vinyl from adhering evenly if adhesive will be used later.
Step 3: Check for Moisture
This step is critical. Use a moisture meter to test several spots on the laminate, especially near exterior walls and under windows. Any reading above 12% should raise a red flag. Moisture under laminate can’t escape easily, and once you seal it in with cushion flooring, it can lead to swelling or mold. If you detect any dampness, stop and fix the source before continuing.
Step 4: Level the Surface
Run a long straightedge or level across the floor. Laminate should be flat within 3mm over a 2-meter span. If you find dips or seams, you can use a floor leveling compound or thin plywood underlayment to smooth it out. Remember — cushion flooring will reveal even tiny imperfections, so this step isn’t one to rush.
Step 5: Decide on Adhesive or Loose-Lay Installation
If your cushion flooring requires adhesive, make sure it’s one that’s safe for use over laminate. Some adhesives contain solvents that can damage the laminate’s surface. Alternatively, a loose-lay method (where the vinyl is cut precisely to fit and weighted by baseboards or furniture) can be safer and reversible.
Step 6: Let the Flooring Acclimate
Just like laminate, cushion vinyl needs time to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. Unroll it in the installation area and leave it for at least 24 hours before trimming or fitting. This helps prevent expansion or contraction once it’s installed.
Alternative Options to Laying Cushion Floor Over Laminate
Sometimes, the best way forward isn’t about taking shortcuts but doing things right from the ground up — literally. If your goal is to refresh your flooring without creating long-term issues, here are a few alternatives worth considering.
1. Remove the Laminate and Install Cushion Flooring Properly
This might sound like extra work, but trust me, it pays off in the long run. Removing laminate gives you direct access to the subfloor, allowing you to check for damage, level the surface, and install a moisture barrier if needed. Cushion flooring adheres best to smooth, hard subfloors such as plywood or concrete. Once prepped, your new vinyl will look seamless, feel comfortable, and last years longer.
If your laminate is floating and not glued down, removal is usually straightforward — just pop the planks loose starting from a corner. You’ll thank yourself later when the finish looks flawless.
2. Lay a New Floating Vinyl or SPC Floor Instead
If you don’t want to rip out your laminate, consider installing a floating luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or SPC (stone plastic composite) floor instead. These types of flooring can safely go over laminate as long as the surface is flat and clean. They’re rigid, durable, and don’t require adhesive — making them a much more stable option than cushion vinyl.
I’ve installed plenty of these over existing laminate in living rooms and bedrooms, and they hold up beautifully without any bubbling or telegraphing issues.
3. Use Large Area Rugs for a Quick Refresh
If you’re just looking to change up the room’s look or add warmth underfoot, area rugs or carpet tiles can do wonders. It’s a non-permanent, budget-friendly option that adds color, texture, and comfort without risking floor damage. This approach works especially well for renters or those waiting to renovate later.
4. Sand and Refinish the Laminate (If Possible)
While most laminate floors can’t be sanded like hardwood, newer types of engineered laminate or hybrid flooring sometimes allow light refinishing. If that’s the case, you can refresh the surface instead of covering it — giving your floor a second life without the extra layers.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, while you can put cushion floor over laminate, it’s often not the wisest move if you’re aiming for durability and a professional finish. Cushion flooring is soft and forgiving underfoot, but it’s also unforgiving when it comes to what’s underneath — every ripple, seam, and gap will eventually show through.
From my own experience, the extra time spent removing laminate or adding a stable underlayment is worth its weight in gold. It’s a bit like painting a wall — you can skip the primer, but you’ll always see the shortcuts later. If you truly want your new floor to look smooth, feel solid, and last for years, start with the right foundation.
However, if you’re tackling a quick makeover or working on a temporary setup, you can still make cushion flooring work with the right preparation — just be sure your laminate is level, dry, and in good shape. A little patience and attention to detail will go a long way in keeping your floor looking neat and lasting longer.
