I’ll be honest—there have been times when I’ve looked at an old laminate floor and thought, “Do I really have to tear all of this out?” It’s tempting to just lay the new laminate right over the old one and call it a day. After all, it seems like a clever shortcut, doesn’t it? No dust, no demolition mess, and no hauling planks out to the curb. But as the old saying goes, “What’s easy now might cost you later.”
Laying laminate flooring over existing laminate sounds like a dream fix—quick, clean, and budget-friendly. However, when it comes to flooring, not everything that glitters is gold. There are a few hidden pitfalls beneath those glossy planks that can turn your shortcut into a long road of repairs. From uneven surfaces to moisture traps, it’s a bit like building a house of cards—you might get away with it for a while, but one wrong move, and things can go sideways.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the good, the bad, and the downright risky sides of installing laminate flooring over laminate. We’ll dig into why it’s usually not recommended, the rare situations where it might work, and what steps to take if you decide to go for it anyway. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s separate the solid ground from the slippery slope—literally!
Can You Lay Laminate Flooring Over Existing Laminate?
The Short Answer
Technically, yes—you can lay laminate flooring over existing laminate. But here’s the catch: just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Laminate is designed to “float” over a solid, stable subfloor, and when you install a floating floor over another floating floor, you’re setting up a recipe for instability. Think of it like stacking two mattresses—you might manage to balance for a while, but eventually, you’ll start to feel the wobble.
Laminate floors depend on a firm, unmoving base to prevent shifting, squeaking, and gapping. When that base itself can flex or move (as old laminate does), your new layer will mimic every imperfection underneath. That’s why most manufacturers strongly advise against this method and may even void the warranty if you try it.
Why Homeowners Consider It
So, why do people do it anyway? Well, there’s no denying the appeal of saving time and effort. Removing old laminate can feel like pulling teeth—especially when you’re working in a large area or when the old floor is glued down. By skipping removal, you avoid debris, reduce labor, and save a few bucks on disposal costs.
Sometimes, homeowners also think it’ll help insulate the floor or make it softer underfoot. And while that logic seems sound, it can backfire if the added thickness throws off door clearances or traps moisture underneath. In short, it’s one of those “six of one, half a dozen of the other” situations—you save effort now, but you might be paying for it later with creaks, warps, and uneven boards.
Problems You Might Face When Installing Over Existing Laminate
Height and Door Clearance Issues
One of the first hiccups you’ll run into when doubling up laminate is the floor height. Each layer of laminate adds around 8–12mm (plus underlayment), and before you know it, your sleek flooring upgrade turns into a tripping hazard. Doors may start scraping along the bottom, baseboards might look buried, and transitions to other rooms could become awkward bumps. It’s like wearing two pairs of shoes—sure, it adds height, but comfort and balance go right out the window.
The fix? You’d have to trim doors, adjust frames, or rework thresholds, which defeats the purpose of taking a shortcut in the first place.
Floating Floor on a Floating Floor
Here’s where the real trouble begins. Laminate flooring is known as a “floating floor,” meaning it’s not glued or nailed down—it simply rests and expands with room conditions. When you place one floating surface on top of another, both layers start moving independently. That movement leads to flexing, squeaking, and shifting boards, especially near the edges or high-traffic spots. Imagine laying a rug on ice—it’s bound to slide around no matter how careful you are.
Moisture and Expansion Concerns
Laminate needs to breathe. It expands and contracts slightly with temperature and humidity changes. When you cover one laminate floor with another, you’re essentially sealing in whatever moisture or vapor lies beneath. That can spell trouble down the road—warping, buckling, or even mold if the area has poor ventilation. I’ve seen perfectly good flooring go south because trapped moisture had nowhere to escape. It’s like bottling humidity—it’ll find a way out eventually, and when it does, it’s rarely pretty.
Sound and Feel Underfoot
Ever walked across a floor that feels a little springy or hollow? That’s what can happen when laminate is installed over laminate. The two layers create an “air gap” that amplifies sound and makes footsteps echo through the room. Not only does it sound cheap, but it also feels unstable underfoot. A floor should feel solid and dependable, not like you’re walking on a drum.
When It Might Be Possible
Now, I’m not one to throw the baby out with the bathwater—there are a few rare cases where installing laminate over existing laminate can work. It’s not ideal, but if you tick every box and take the right precautions, you might just pull it off without future headaches. Let’s look at when it could be possible.
If the Old Laminate Is Fully Glued and Solid
Here’s the golden rule: your base layer must be rock solid. If the existing laminate was glued down rather than floating, it can act more like a subfloor. That means no movement, no flexing, and no hollow sounds when you walk. In such a case, laying new laminate on top becomes more plausible.
Before you start, make sure the old planks are completely flat, with no lifting edges, soft spots, or swelling. If you can hear or feel any movement beneath your feet, stop right there—it’s better to remove the old layer entirely than to risk an unstable foundation.
Proper Underlayment and Moisture Barrier
Even if the old laminate is solid, you’ll need to use the right underlayment. Go for a thin foam or vapor barrier underlayment designed for laminate-on-laminate or laminate-on-hard-surface installations. Skip the thick, cushioned types—they’ll only exaggerate the bouncy feel.
Moisture protection is non-negotiable here. Add a vapor barrier if the subfloor is over concrete or in moisture-prone areas. This will prevent condensation buildup between layers and keep your flooring from warping. Think of it as giving your floor a “raincoat” before the storm hits.
Ensuring Evenness and Stability
Before installing new planks, check the old laminate’s surface for any dips, humps, or uneven transitions. Use a straight edge or level to test multiple spots in the room. Any low points can be filled with leveling compound, and raised edges should be sanded down.
Also, check the expansion gaps around walls—your new layer will need the same breathing room, about ¼ inch, to expand naturally. If the existing floor doesn’t have proper gaps, your new one won’t either, and that can lead to buckling when humidity rises.
If all these conditions line up—solid base, correct underlayment, and a level surface—you’ve got a fighting chance of success. But if even one piece of the puzzle is off, it’s better to start fresh. As they say, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”
Step-by-Step Guide (If You Really Want to Try It)
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to go ahead, it’s time to do it right. Installing laminate flooring over existing laminate isn’t a walk in the park, but with patience and precision, you can make it work. Here’s how I’d tackle it, step by step.
Step 1: Inspect and Repair the Existing Floor
Start by giving your current laminate a close inspection. Look for any loose planks, lifted edges, swelling, or gaps. If any boards are moving or creaking, they need to be repaired—or better yet, replaced—before you lay anything on top. You want the old floor to be as solid as concrete before the new one goes down.
Also, check for moisture damage. Even a hint of mold or musty odor is a red flag. Covering it will only trap the problem and make it worse down the line.
Step 2: Clean and Level the Surface
Next, clean the old laminate thoroughly. Sweep, vacuum, and mop to remove every speck of dust, grit, or debris—anything left behind can affect how the new planks click together. Once it’s spotless, use a long level or straight edge to check for uneven spots.
If you find any dips or high spots greater than 3mm over 1 meter, even them out using a floor-leveling compound. Remember, a perfectly flat surface is your best insurance policy against squeaks and soft spots later.
Step 3: Use Thin Underlayment (Optional)
If your existing laminate already has an attached underlayment, skip adding another one—it’ll just make the floor too soft and unstable. However, if it doesn’t, you can roll out a thin underlayment or moisture barrier specifically designed for laminate-on-hard-surface installations.
Avoid cork or thick foam—those belong under a single layer, not two. A lightweight vapor barrier will help with moisture control and slightly cushion the floor without overdoing it.
Step 4: Install the New Laminate Correctly
Now comes the fun part. Start laying the new laminate planks perpendicular to the direction of the old ones. This helps distribute weight more evenly and reduces the risk of movement or uneven pressure points.
Leave a ¼-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for natural expansion. Use spacers to maintain this gap consistently. As you go, double-check the joints to ensure they’re tight—loose seams can worsen over time with a double floating setup.
If you encounter door frames or trims that are too low, you may need to undercut them slightly with a jamb saw for a seamless fit.
Step 5: Finish and Recheck Door Clearances
Once everything’s in place, remove the spacers and install the baseboards or quarter-round trim to cover the expansion gaps. Then, test all doors and thresholds. If they drag or scrape against the new surface, trim them slightly to restore smooth movement.
Finally, give your new floor a light clean to remove dust and installation debris. Take a walk around the room—you’ll want it to feel firm, even, and noise-free. If it feels spongy or hollow in certain spots, those areas might need extra inspection later.
Better Alternatives to Installing Over Laminate
If you’ve read this far and are second-guessing the idea of laying laminate over laminate—trust me, that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes it’s smarter to take a step back before you end up painting yourself into a corner. There are a few better (and safer) alternatives that’ll give you a lasting finish without the headaches that come from stacking floating floors.
Option 1: Remove the Old Laminate
The best and most reliable route is to remove the existing laminate altogether. I know—it’s messy, it’s time-consuming, and it feels like pulling teeth. But it gives you a clean slate and allows you to inspect what’s really going on underneath. You can check the subfloor for moisture, unevenness, or damage and make the necessary repairs before laying your new floor.
Most laminate flooring is click-lock, which means removal isn’t as painful as it looks. Once you pop up the first few boards, the rest usually come apart like puzzle pieces. As the saying goes, “Short-term pain for long-term gain.”
Option 2: Install Over Plywood Subfloor
If your subfloor isn’t in great shape or you’ve removed a glued laminate that left behind rough patches, adding a layer of plywood can help. A ½-inch or ¾-inch plywood base provides the stable, level surface laminate needs to perform its best. Just make sure to fasten it securely with screws (not nails) and leave expansion gaps around the edges.
This option ensures your new laminate stays flat and solid underfoot—no flex, no squeaks, and no surprises down the road.
Option 3: Use Vinyl or Engineered Wood Instead
If you’re trying to avoid tearing out the old laminate at all costs, consider switching materials. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) or engineered wood flooring can sometimes be installed over existing laminate, provided the surface is level and in good shape. Vinyl, in particular, is more forgiving—it’s thinner, flexible, and less affected by minor imperfections underneath.
Just remember to confirm with the manufacturer that installation over laminate is allowed, as not all products are designed for it.These alternatives might take a bit more elbow grease or upfront cost, but they’ll save you from future headaches. Flooring is one of those things you want to do once and do right—it’s literally the foundation of your home’s comfort. As my old mentor used to say, “Don’t build a castle on sand.”
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, laying laminate flooring over existing laminate might seem like a clever shortcut—but it’s often more of a gamble than a gain. While it can work under the right conditions, it’s a bit like stacking cards in a breeze: one wrong move, and the whole thing can come tumbling down.
In most cases, the smarter move is to strip back the old layer and start fresh. It gives your new flooring a firm foundation, prevents future problems, and ensures that every click-lock joint stays tight for years to come. Trust me, spending a little extra time now saves a lot of frustration later—because nothing’s worse than hearing a creak every time you walk across a “brand new” floor.
