What kind of caulk to use on laminate flooring?

Quick Answers

When installing laminate flooring, caulk is an important material to seal gaps and prevent moisture damage. The best caulk to use depends on where it is being applied.

• For gaps between the laminate planks, use a flexible, paintable acrylic latex caulk.
• For gaps between the laminate and walls, use a silicone caulk.
• For gaps between the laminate and door jambs, use a silicone or acrylic latex caulk.

Acrylic latex caulks are water-based, flexible, and paintable, making them ideal for sealing gaps between laminate planks. 100% silicone caulk is waterproof and flexible, perfect for sealing laminate flooring to stationary surfaces. The caulk type should match the location for the best seal.

Why Do You Need Caulk for Laminate Floors?

Caulk is an important material when installing laminate flooring for several reasons:

• It seals gaps between laminate planks to prevent moisture from seeping underneath.
• It allows planks to expand and contract with temperature changes.
• It compensates for slight imperfections in the subfloor.
• It seals seams between the laminate and walls to prevent water damage.
• It adheres laminate flooring to vertical surfaces like door jambs.

Laminate flooring floats above the subfloor without being nailed or glued down. This leaves small gaps where moisture can infiltrate and cause swelling, warping, and delamination over time. Caulk seals these openings to prevent moisture damage.

Caulk also allows the laminate planks to freely expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate. Laminate flooring will grow and shrink slightly with changes in humidity and temperature. Without caulk, this natural movement could cause planks to separate or buckle.

Furthermore, caulk helps smooth over small subfloor imperfections. Uneven spots in the subfloor can prevent laminate planks from lying flat and fitting tightly during installation. Caulk helps fill minor gaps caused by irregularities.

Lastly, caulking between the laminate perimeter and walls prevents water spills and moisture from seeping underneath to the subfloor. Laminate flooring should never be installed underneath trim or flush to walls. The caulk seals this space.

What Type of Caulk is Best?

When installing laminate flooring, there are two main types of caulk to use:

• Acrylic Latex Caulk – For sealing gaps between laminate planks
• 100% Silicone Caulk – For sealing perimeter gaps between laminate and walls

Acrylic latex caulks are the best option for filling gaps between laminate planks during installation. Here are the key benefits:

• Water-based and flexible – Allows expansion/contraction of planks
• Paintable – Can be colored to match laminate floors
• Affordable and easy to apply
• Provides excellent adhesion without gapping

100% silicone caulk is recommended for sealing the perimeter space between the laminate flooring and walls. Key features include:

• 100% waterproof and moisture resistant
• Stays permanently flexible
• Strong adhesive bonds
• Resists mold and mildew

Silicone caulks are superior for adhering laminate flooring to vertical, stationary surfaces that will not move or flex over time. Acrylic latex caulk is too rigid for spaces that require expansion and contraction.

Where to Use Each Type of Caulk

The best practice is to use acrylic latex caulk between the laminate planks, and 100% silicone caulk between the laminate perimeter and walls:

Acrylic Latex Caulk

• Between short ends of laminate planks
• Between long edges of laminate planks
• For filling gaps wider than 1/8th inch between planks

Acrylic latex caulk should be used to seal all seams between laminate planks during installation. Apply a generous bead that can be smoothed into gaps with a wet finger or caulking tool. This creates a watertight seal between planks.

100% Silicone Caulk

• Between laminate edge and walls
• Around heating vents or ducts
• Around door jambs and casings
• Areas with potential water exposure

Silicone caulk is required between the laminate perimeter and walls. Leave a 1/4″ gap from walls and apply silicone caulk to seal it after installation. Silicone adheres well to vertical surfaces and resists water damage. Use it anywhere the laminate meets stationary objects.

Applying Acrylic Latex Caulk Between Planks

Here are some tips for properly caulking between laminate planks during installation:

• Only apply caulk to clean, dry planks to maximize adhesion.
• Use a caulking gun to control flow and reduce waste.
• Cut the caulk tip at a 45° angle to make a wide opening.
• Apply a consistent 1/8″ bead in the center of the plank seams.
• Smooth the caulk into seams with a wet finger or caulking tool.
• Avoid overfilling gaps to prevent caulk from oozing up.
• Allow caulk to fully cure for 24-48 hours before walking on floor.

Caulking between each row of planks as you install adds time, but prevents costly moisture damage later. Take care to smoothly seal seams without overapplying.

Applying Silicone Caulk Along Perimeter

Follow these guidelines when caulking the perimeter of laminate flooring:

• Allow 1/4″ gap between floor and walls for expansion.
• Only apply to clean, dry laminate and surfaces.
• Use painter’s tape on walls to reduce cleanup.
• Cut nozzle at 45° angle for optimal bead width.
• Apply a continuous 1/4″ bead of caulk inside the expansion gap.
• Tool the caulk into a cove shape using a caulking tool or finger.
• Smooth out any wrinkles before caulk starts to skin over.
• Remove painter’s tape after smoothing caulk for a clean finish.
• Allow 24 hours drying time before regular use.

Take the time to neatly caulk around the entire laminate perimeter for reliable moisture protection. Test sealants in an inconspicuous area first.

Tips for Working with Caulk

Here are some additional tips for successfully working with caulk for laminate flooring projects:

• Only apply caulk in temperatures between 55°F and 90°F.
• Make sure all surfaces are clean before applying caulk.
• Use painter’s tape and remove before caulk skins over.
• Apply caulk in a steady, continuous motion without stopping.
• Tool the caulk with a smoothing tool before it skins over.
• Wipe away excess caulk with a damp rag immediately.
• Allow proper drying time based on manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Use a utility knife to smooth out any dried caulk ridges.
• Go slowly and take the time to make smooth, consistent caulk beads.

Rushing through caulking will result in sloppy application and poor moisture protection. Working systematically with the right techniques will produce seamless results.

Common Problems to Avoid

Some common caulking mistakes to avoid on laminate flooring include:

• Leaving gaps between planks or along perimeter.
• Using too little or too much caulk.
• Smearing caulk over plank surfaces.
• Applying caulk to dusty or dirty surfaces.
• Not tooling caulk seams before drying.
• Walking on floors before caulk has cured.
• Using corner beading instead of a continuous caulk bead.
• Sealing laminate completely to walls with no room for expansion.

Poor caulk application can undermine the moisture protection laminate floors require. Take time to apply caulk properly between planks and along walls to prevent leaks, separation, and damage.

Choosing the Right Caulk Products

With many caulk brands available, make sure to select quality products designed for laminate flooring. Here are top caulk choices:

Acrylic Latex Caulk

Brand	Name
DAP	Alex Plus 10.1 oz. Acrylic Latex Caulk
Gorilla	Gorilla Glue 9.5 oz. Caulk White
Loctite	Polyseamseal 5.5 oz. Acrylic Latex Caulk

100% Silicone Caulk

Brand	Name
GE	GE Silicone I 10.1 oz. Clear Silicone
Gorilla	Gorilla 100% 9.5 oz. Clear Silicone Sealant
Loctite	Loctite Clear 10.1 oz. Silicone Caulk

Stick with reputable national brands like DAP, Gorilla Glue, Loctite, and GE for reliably waterproof caulking. Always check manufacturer guidelines for proper use and application.

Caulk Coloring Options

Caulk between laminate planks is visible from above before installing trim. Luckily, many acrylic latex caulks are paintable to match your floors. Options include:

• Clear caulk – Dries transparent for subtle seams.
• White caulk – Use on light laminates, can be painted.
• Colored caulk – Available in wood tones, matches closely.
• Paintable caulk – Add paint after drying to match color.

Clear or colored caulk is great for near-invisible seams. White and paintable caulk work for custom color matching. Ensure caulk claims “paintable” before painting over it.

Caulking Laminate Flooring Near Wet Areas

Extra caulking precautions are needed when installing laminate flooring in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms prone to water exposure. Recommendations include:

• Use 100% silicone caulk around all wet fixtures.
• Seal a larger 1⁄2″ perimeter gap around potential moisture sources.
• Consider using grout caulk for filling wide seams up to 1 inch.
• Apply two caulk beads between planks for added protection.
• Caulk around toilet bases, tubs, sinks, appliances.
• Use exterior-grade caulk for dishwasher, fridge, and washer spaces.

Laminate flooring can be used in damp areas with proper waterproofing during install. Take every precaution by generously caulking planks and perimeters near water sources.

Caulking Alternatives

While caulking is the best method, here are a few other options for sealing laminate flooring:

• Foam tape – Closed-cell foam tape applied between planks.
• Adhesives – Construction adhesives between planks.
• Floor sealants – Liquid sealants rolled between plank gaps.
• Silicone sealants – Bead of sealant smoothed into seams.

However, most alternatives do not offer the flexibility, durability, and moisture protection of quality caulking. Acrylic and silicone caulks remain the best DIY products for laminate flooring.

Hiring a Professional

For large laminate flooring projects, consider hiring an experienced flooring contractor to handle caulking. Benefits include:

• Expert caulking for maximum moisture protection
• Correct products used for each application
• Precise bead placement without gaps or mess
• Smooth, consistent caulk lines and tooling
• Efficient installation without delays
• Manufacturer warranties from proper caulking

Although caulking laminate floors is a DIY-friendly task, professionals can complete it faster with reliable results. Many contractors offer competitive caulking services for installs or repairs.

Cost to Caulk Laminate Flooring

On average, expect to spend:

• Acrylic latex caulk – $2 to $6 per 10 oz. tube
• Silicone caulk – $5 to $9 per 10 oz. tube
• DIY caulking labor – $2 to $4 per linear foot
• Professional caulking labor – $3 to $8 per linear foot

Caulking materials for a typical room cost $25 to $75. Labor ranges from $100 up to $800 or more depending on room size. Hiring a contractor generally costs $200 to $500 more than DIY caulking.

Caulking Maintenance

Over time, caulk between laminate planks and along the perimeter may deteriorate and require fresh sealing. Watch for gaps, cracks, peeling, and other damage. Re-caulk any problem areas to keep moisture out. Silicone caulk lasts 5-10 years, while acrylic latex may need replacing every 1-3 years.

Conclusion

Properly caulking laminate flooring ensures long-lasting water protection and prevents costly moisture damage. Acrylic latex caulk should fill gaps between planks, while silicone caulk adheres flooring to walls and fixtures. Generously apply caulk in bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas for the best seal. With the right caulking products and techniques, DIYers can achieve professional-quality moisture protection.