Laminate has gained a lot of popularity amongst many homeowners because it is a low-cost flooring option and looks quite as good as the real hardwood floor.
The only drawback is the material isn’t very durable, and you may need to replace your laminate flooring earlier than you would real hardwood.
So after uninstalling old laminate flooring, what do you do with the planks? Can you burn laminate flooring? Well no! Even though laminate flooring consists of 80% wood, it is not advisable to burn or incinerate them like other wood products.
Read on as we throw more light on can you burn laminate flooring and the proper ways to dispose of laminate floorings.
Related: Does Laminate Flooring Need to Settle?
Can You Burn Laminate Flooring?
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No! Even though laminate flooring consists of 80% wood. As earlier stated it is not advisable to burn or incinerate them like other wood products.
The top layer of laminate flooring contains an aluminum oxide coating which, when burnt, is released into the air and can be dangerous if inhaled.
So it is recommended to opt for other methods of disposal for your old laminate to keep you and the environment safe.
Is Laminate Flammable?
Laminate flooring is flammable but to a moderate extent. It burns quicker than wood but slower than carpet, and you can treat the floor with a protective varnish to make it less flammable.
What Is Laminate Flooring Made Of?
Laminate floors are also known as laminate wood floors, but they are not real wood plank flooring.
They are called wood floors only because the laminate floor base consists of pressed chipped wood particles, and the top layer has an appearance similar to real wood.
The top layer is covered with an accurate image of a well-rendered photograph of wood encased in a clear, durable wear layer.
A laminate sheet is formed by aggregated wood particles that have been subjected to high pressure. These sheets are topped with a photorealistic image of wood or stone, and this image is covered with a wear layer.
The wear layer serves as the foundation between the delicate lower layers and exterior elements; this durable, thin, and clear plastic sheet protects the floor from moisture, UV rays, and scratching.
Laminate flooring is a surface layer consisting of two thin sheets of paper suffused with melamine.
This uppermost surface layer of laminate is a hard transparent type of plastic sheet that is resistant to damage caused by pet claws, chairs, high heels, and other common damaging elements.
The image layer of laminate flooring is very realistic even when viewed close-up; this is due to the laminate’s photographic-quality image of real wood placed underneath the wear layer.
The last component of laminate flooring is the base layer, also known as the core. There exists about a half-inch of wood-chip composite under the wood-grain photograph, and most wood chip products are typically susceptible to water damage.
This weakens the strength of the laminate flooring base; it is only considered to be dimensionally stable to a certain degree.
This means that although little spills may not adversely damage the floor, exposure to excess moisture which isn’t rectified immediately will cause irreparable damage.
How Long Do Laminate Floors Last?
The average lifetime of a laminate floor is between 15 and 25 years, but depending on the area the floor is installed, it can last for as little as ten years to as long as 30 years.
Once your laminate flooring exhausts its lifespan and requires replacement, you can tell by the peeling, cracking, and gaps formed between the boards.
Read: Will Rubbing Alcohol Damage Laminate Flooring?
How to Get Rid of Laminate Flooring
So if you cannot burn laminate flooring, how do you get rid of laminate flooring after uninstalling, or if you have leftover flooring after an installation.
Well, disposal of laminate flooring is not a hassle, and you can do so using any of the following methods:
1. Waste Disposal
If you are simply trying to get rid of leftover materials and parts of laminate flooring after an installation, you can place the leftovers in your normal household waste collection trash can.
But depending on the current condition of the flooring, you may want to store any leftover laminate materials from your installation in case you need to make a replacement or repair any planks, should they become damaged by water or scratches.
If you have more than a few scraps of laminate, probably a whole box or just a resalable quantity, you can try to sell it online.
There might be homeowners looking for a small amount of flooring for repairs and renovations.
If the leftover flooring is more than what your trashcan can hold, you can check with your local waste management board to see if they carry out special pick-ups, or you can just make a quick trip to the landfill.
2. Recycling
Newer types of laminate flooring are now recyclable. Up to 85% of the mass of laminate flooring can be recycled back into the manufacturing process in the form of wood chips or fibers.
But hold on! Do not just toss your old laminate flooring or leftover pieces into your recycling bin, even if the laminate is recyclable.
Most local recycling plants cannot handle the recycling process of laminate flooring, so you would need to check with the manufacturer of the laminate to see if they offer a recycling program. Most companies offer to pick up the old flooring for you!
3. Upcycling
If you have a bit of a crafty side or are a hardcore DIY-er, you can make some unique items with your old laminate flooring planks. They can be turned into artwork, gifts, home décor, and a lot of beautiful other results.
There is an unlimited number of ways to upcycle your leftover laminate; they can be turned into coasters, welcome signposts, coat racks, and more!
Read: How to Remove Bleach Stain on Laminate Flooring
Conclusion
Can you burn laminate flooring? A question you may be asking if you have old laminate flooring on your hands and don’t know to dispose of them.
Burning laminate flooring should be avoided at all costs due to its risk; this flooring releases an aluminum oxide coating into the air when burnt, which can be dangerous if inhaled.
Look for other methods to get rid of laminate flooring without putting your health and environment at risk.
