Laminate flooring in a Singapore home

Water

The joints are sensitive to moisture: wipe spills up at once. Not for showers or rooms with drains.

• EPLF says the joins in a laminate floor are sensitive to moisture, so spilt water should always be mopped up immediately.8
• Quick-Step says to remove water from its water-resistant laminate within 72 hours, or 24 hours for two of its ranges.5
• Quick-Step says its water-resistant laminate is not for pool areas, saunas or rooms with built-in drains like showers.5

Sun

Egger says its laminate is lightfast. Quick-Step still advises blinds where heat and humidity swing hard.

• Egger says its own laminate is lightfast and resistant to UV radiation.9
• Quick-Step (Australia and New Zealand) says laminate isn't designed for extremes of humidity or temperature, and suggests curtains, blinds or window tinting.10

Scratches

Graded for wear under EN 13329, from bedrooms (21) to entry halls and kitchens (23). Egger says its surface can't be reworked or resealed.

• EPLF says home wear classes run from 21 (light use, such as bedrooms) to 23 (high-traffic use, such as stairways, entry halls and kitchens).3
• Egger says its sealed surface can't be reworked or resealed, and varnishing it afterwards isn't allowed.9

Quiet

Sounds louder in the room than soft floors. A good sound underlay helps.

• Egger says laminate sounds louder in the room than a soft floor covering, and a good sound underlay helps.9

Easy care

A well-wrung cloth, and keep water out of the joints.

• EPLF says to wring the cloth out thoroughly and keep water out of the joints.1
• Quick-Step allows steam cleaners on some of its laminate ranges only, and only if the steam doesn't hit the laminate directly.5

• Greige oak laminate
• Natural oak laminate

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  3D render

A typical grey oak-look laminate, not a specific product