Can I install laminate flooring directly on concrete?

You can but it’s a terrible idea.

Installing laminate on concrete (even with a basic underlay) can lead to mold, mildew, and flooring damage.This can lead expensive repairs or even complete replacement of your flooring.

Why?

Concrete subfloors might feel dry, but concrete is actually porous and can constantly release moisture, especially in basements or slab-on-grade homes. If you install laminate with a typical foam underlay directly on concrete, that moisture becomes trapped against your floor and underlay.  Over time, this can lead to:

  • Warping, buckling, swelling, or delamination of the flooring planks 
  • Mold and mildew growth
  • Long-term failure or your floor

Even “moisture resistant” laminate or foam underlay isn't immune. Moisture from below is one of the most common causes of flooring failure.

Do You Really Need it? 

The answer is absolutely, 100% YES! No doubt about it!  If you’re serious about installing a laminate floor, the right protection against moisture will make all the difference between a floor that lasts and one that fails.

What Are Your Options?

Comparing moisture barrier options

What Are Your Options?

1. Plastic Vapor Barrier (6 mil or thicker)

✅ Budget-friendly
❌ No comfort or insulation
❌ Must be sealed at seams and walls
❌ Easily punctured during install

2. Foam Underlayment with Built-in Vapor Film

✅ Slight cushion, easier to install
❌ Limited moisture resistance
❌ Not suitable for high-moisture areas like basements

3. Dimpled Subfloor System – SUPERSEAL All-In-One

✅ True moisture protection with built-in air circulation
✅ Creates a thermal break against cold concrete and reduces sound
✅ Ideal for basements, slabs, or concrete over garages

Unlike other products, SUPERSEAL All-In-One isn’t just a vapor barrier, it creates a dual air gap above and below the HDPE core. That airflow allows moisture to evaporate safely, protecting your laminate from warping, mold, and mildew.

In Summary:

Don’t risk it, do it the right way the first time. Laminate directly on concrete is convenient now, but without proper moisture control, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

SUPERSEAL All-In-One Subfloor is unmatched on the market today to protect your home and give you complete peace of mind. 

Back to FLOORING 101 – Installing Laminate on Concrete