Bouncy Laminate Floors? Here’s Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Why does your laminate floor feel bouncy? 

One of the common laminate floor problems homeowners face is a bouncy feeling underfoot. While this isn’t a major problem, with laminate floors needing a small amount of bounce – known as deflection – to absorb impacts from footsteps, it’s important to solve the bouncy issues for your own comfort and to reduce the risk of further issues down the line.  
 
What’s more, while bouncy laminate flooring is common when first installed, if the feeling doesn’t go away, it’s a sign you have underlying issues. But there is no need to fear, Fix-A-Floor is here to explain why laminate flooring bounces and the solutions to rectify the problem.

What causes laminate floors to feel bouncy? 

When asking “why is my laminate floor bouncy” the answer typically comes down to three main causes – an uneven subfloor, improper expansion gaps or problems with the underlay.

Uneven Subfloor 

The subfloor is a layer of flooring situated above the top of the joists in your floor and below where your laminate flooring is laid, providing a strong foundation.

• Gaps and dips in the subfloor will cause the laminate boards to flex, or bounce, underfoot. 
• Concrete or wood are common materials for subfloors, and uneven installation creates inconsistent support for the laminate.
• Improper and uneven preparation during installation of the subfloor will cause laminate floor problems including the bounce effect. 

Lack of proper expansion gap 

Expansion gaps are crucial for accommodating laminate flooring’s natural expansion and contraction. There should typically be 8-12 mm gaps between the laminate planks and the wall where the boards can naturally expand or contract due to changes in temperature and humidity. These expansion gaps are hidden by a skirting board.

• Insufficient or lack of gaps will lead to pressure buildup, causing bouncing movement.
• Tight boards will push against each other, creating a bouncy or lifted effect.
• Heavy furniture or improper expansion gap installation will worsen your bouncy laminate flooring. 

Problems with the underlay 

An underlay for laminate flooring is an extra thin buffer between the laminate and subfloor. Think of it as extra support, but not all flooring will have an underlay installed. The typical underlay for laminate flooring is made from foam or felt. 

• Underlay that is too thick or thin will make the floor feel spongy and bouncy.
• Creases and wrinkles in the foam underlay will create uneven surfaces, leading to laminate floor problems.
• Low-quality or inappropriate underlay for laminate planks will fail to provide the needed support. 

Quick fixes for bouncy laminate flooring 

Now you understand the problems, let’s look at fixing laminate floor bounce issues. 
 
It’s good to know that these resolutions will require you to lift up your laminate flooring to assess areas like the underlay and subfloor. Fortunately, there is another solution that can help bouncy laminate flooring without having to remove planks or completely replace key structural components.  
 
The best quick fix for bouncy laminate flooring is the strong bonding adhesive from Fix-A-Floor. Due to the way laminate naturally expands and contracts, gaps may occur between the planks and the subfloor which can be easily filled with the adhesive. This is a cost-effective and non-disruptive solution to try first before exploring more invasive fixes. Explore our how to use guide to learn all about our best-selling bouncy floor repair adhesive.  

Addressing subfloor issues 

Levelling a subfloor isn’t a skill most homeowners can achieve without professional help. Most flooring contractors will take care of this problem and will be more adept in the different fixes for different subfloor materials. If you are looking to go full DIY, here’s a few steps in achieving a level subfloor.

• Inspect the subfloor by lifting the laminate boards in your problem areas. Look for and measure any uneven areas.  
• Use a self-levelling compound for concrete subfloors or plywood sheeting for wooden subfloors.
• Ensure the subfloor is completely clean, dry and free of debris before reinstalling your laminate planks. 

Creating expansion gaps 

• Assess the perimeter of the room and ensure there are expansion gaps of 8-12 mm between the laminate and walls.
• Using the right tools such as a circular blade, trim off a small section at the edges to create new gaps.

While this is an easier DIY quick fix, it might be best to hire professional help as the removal of the skirting board might be necessary. 

Correcting underlay problems 

If your bouncy laminate flooring has an underlay, we suggest:

• Removing affected laminate boards and checking for creases, wrinkles or other damage.
• Replacing the underlay with a firmer, higher-quality and compatible material.
• Ensuring the new underlay is laid flat and secured properly to avoid future laminate floor problems. 

Tips to avoid laminate floor bounce 

Preventing the problems is just as important as fixing it. Here are a few tips to prevent laminate floors from bouncing.

Choose high-quality materials and professional installation 

If the subfloor or underlay is the issue, it is most likely down to poor installation and materials when the laminate was first laid. Poor quality laminate boards will also exacerbate bouncy problems, so if you are looking at replacing either the laminate boards, the underlay or having your subfloor evened out, ensure you seek reputable and professional specialists who use quality materials.

Acclimate laminate boards before installation 

You most likely won’t be fixing laminate floor bouncy areas if you let the boards acclimate to your room’s temperature before securing them in place.

You will normally be provided the time length of acclimation by the manufacturer, and waiting for this will reduce significant expansion and contraction when they are fitted. 

Use the right underlay 

Don’t replace your underlay with a cheap or incorrect material. Cheap options will degrade quickly, and improper underlay will cause more problems.

Prevent moisture damage 

Moisture barriers can help prevent damage from spills and dampness. Speaking of spills – clean them up as soon as they happen so excess liquid doesn’t damage the boards, underlay or subfloor.

Keep your laminate floors sturdy and resilient 

Why is my laminate flooring bouncy? You may have been asking with worry before, but now you know why – bouncy laminate flooring occurs due to uneven subfloors, lack of expansion gaps and poor-quality underlay. Addressing these issues promptly is a sure way to restore stability and prevent further damage. 
 
For various flooring problems, whether you have laminate, stone, wood, LVP or even marble flooring, Fix-A-Floor is here with our globally-recognised adhesive, available in our floor repair kits to tackle bouncy, hollow, loose and squeaky flooring.