How strong is floating laminate floor

Trailer #1 might work with laminate over the existing subfloor but hard to say without seeing it in person. The hybrid most likely needs something done with the existing subfloor, esp. if it has OSB that is water damaged.

Some TTs have a weak subfloor simply because the plywood (or OSB) is too thin and/or the floor "joists" are too far apart. You *might* be able to glue and screw a layer of say 1/4" plywood on top of the existing subfloor but that could conflict with cabinet doors, entry door sills, etc. Installing plywood to the underside would be a very tedious job and require dropping the holding tanks and getting other stuff out of the way. Any damaged subflooring needs repair first. Small areas can sometimes be done from above.

I'd only use vinyl interlocking laminate planks (not the glued edge type). It's tough stuff and won't be affected by moisture. Vinyl will conform to a wavy floor in warm weather but it might crack in cold temps. or joints may come apart due to shrinkage and becoming brittle.

What about using sheet vinyl? Cut the old vinyl out carefully around the perimeter and use as a template. The newer laminate looking sheet vinyl looks pretty good and is what we have in our TT.

You need a solid subfloor underneath any laminate plank. Don't even try to do as you wanted in your first post. You will end up with broken and warped laminate.

Fix the underlying problem. Then cover it with a vinyl product. I used Allure, looks like a floating wood floor but much more stable.

Some floors are thicker and stronger than others. owes and Home Depot both have samples if not the actual product in the stores. I used Pergo brand in my house. Pergo makes cheaper stuff as well as top of the line. For the little bit you'd have to buy, I'd buy the best stuff. I'd think it will help with the soft feeling.

PS: The floor's soft for a reason so I'd advise you to install the new floor over a sheet of plastic. That way it will not wick up moisture from the soft floor.

Laminate is very susceptible to moisture. Even high humidity will cause it to buckle. So if the floor is wet or allows moisture to enter, your going to have problems, in addition to the constant movement. Chuck

If the floor is soft due to moisture, the backing of the laminate most likely will absorb moisture and quickly disintegrate.

dave17352 wrote:

Teacher's Pet wrote:
Laminate flooring is just going to mask the problem for the short term. It is best to repair the soft areas with new sub-floor as the laminate will flex and eventually buckle.

I agree with this. The floor system very durable but does is not meant to be structural.

I also agree. Take you time, fix the floor and do it right. laminate flooring is not structural.

Teacher's Pet wrote:
Laminate flooring is just going to mask the problem for the short term. It is best to repair the soft areas with new sub-floor as the laminate will flex and eventually buckle.

I agree with this. The floor system very durable but does is not meant to be structural.

Laminate flooring is just going to mask the problem for the short term. It is best to repair the soft areas with new sub-floor as the laminate will flex and eventually buckle.