Will Laminate Desk Hold Up In Humid Area

If that isn t your idea of a dream home there are some wood flooring options available.

Will laminate desk hold up in humid area. Even finished wood will change with long term changes in humidity. Some laminate floor types can withstand hot and cold climates as well as changes in humidity. Wood expands as humidity increases and shrinks as humidity decreases. To learn more about ac ratings and high pressure laminate check out our laminate flooring section.

If you want a durable flooring material and you live in a humid climate be sure to take a look at high pressure laminate. Because laminate is installed using a tongue in groove click to lock system this expansion can push the sides of each plank into each other causing them to buckle. When the humidity in the room exceeds 60 percent laminate boards expand and push against each other. Laminate is also more stable than natural wood when it comes to changes in humidity.

Similar to hardwood flooring laminate flooring will swell up if exposed to extensive humidity levels which can create an uneven flooring surface. While laminate flooring is known for its durability it tends to absorb moisture. What happens when humidity and laminate mix. Laminate isn t fastened to the subfloor so it can float on top.

However unlike wood it will also contract if it is exposed to extremely low levels of humidity which can expose gaps between individual flooring tiles and boards. This material is made with special glue that reduces moisture absorption. And with summer there are a few things you might need to know about how humidity can affect hardwood and laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is available in many finishes from tile to stone to wood making it easy to find the perfect look for your sunroom.

Low humidity levels can also have an impact on your flooring. Choosing lighter stains with more texture can help hide if when fading occurs. These types include high pressure laminate hpl and laminate that has an abrasion class ac rating of ac3 ac4 or ac5. This may become problematic if you live in a particularly humid area or an area that experiences extreme temperature.

Plus a laminate floor expands and contracts as a whole so unlike hardwood it doesn t leave gaps between planks or around nails. This may cause noticeable ridges along the seams called cupping or bulges. As the humidity levels rise above 60 your flooring expands. If humidity hits above 55 you might be opening up a chance for moisture to seep into the wood.

The good news is there are different kinds of laminate flooring. The best flooring for a humid climate would either be concrete or carpet. Unfinished exposed wood will exhibit the most dramatic changes. Finishes and other coatings such as laminate or foil temper humidity swings by slowing the transfer of moisture.

If hard wood floors are the only thing that you would like in your home here is a list for you ranking from the best to use through ones that would not be recommended.