What to Do with Leftover Laminate Flooring?
Have you recently completed a laminate flooring project and found yourself with leftover materials? Don’t let those extra planks go to waste! There are various creative and practical ways on what to do with leftover laminate flooring.
From simple DIY projects to ingenious repurposing ideas, this article will explore different options to ensure you get the most out of your leftover materials. Embracing a sustainable mindset, we’ll discuss how to transform those leftover planks into functional and decorative pieces.
Get ready to unleash your creativity and discover innovative ways to breathe new life into your leftover laminate flooring. You can create unique and practical items that add value to your living space with a bit of imagination.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: cunaplus
What to Do With Leftover Laminate Flooring
So, can laminate flooring be reused? Just like vinyl flooring, laminate flooring also can be reused depending on its condition. If the planks are still in good shape and haven’t suffered significant wear or damage, they can be carefully removed and reused in other areas of the same space or in different projects.
If there are minor issues, such as gaps between the planks, these can often be fixed by pushing the planks back into place or using wood filler to close the gaps, ensuring the flooring looks smooth and is ready for reuse.
If the laminate flooring was installed using a floating floor method (not glued down), it’s generally easier to disassemble and reuse the planks elsewhere. Leftover laminate flooring can be repurposed in several ways to minimize waste and maximize utility. One option is to use it for small home improvement projects, such as creating shelves, coasters, or decorative wall panels.
Alternatively, consider donating the excess flooring to local community centers, schools, or individuals in need. If reuse isn’t feasible, recycling centers may accept laminate flooring for processing into new materials. Proper disposal at waste management facilities is also an option if recycling isn’t available.
Floating shelf construction
Floating shelf construction involves gathering materials like wooden boards, metal or wooden brackets, stain/paint, sandpaper, and tools. You need to cut and sand the boards then apply wood glue to secure the brackets underneath.
Next, allow the glue to dry completely. For mounting, locate wall studs with a stud finder and mark their locations, aligning the shelf brackets accordingly. Use appropriate screws and anchors rated for the intended shelf weight, and consider using a level for straight, even mounting.
Following these assembly and mounting steps ensures sturdy, visually appealing floating shelves. They can provide functional storage while enhancing your living space.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: New Africa
Crafting a laptop stand
Creating a laptop stand lets you tailor a comfy, ergonomic setup for your computer time. Think about designs with adjustable height, angle, ventilation, and easy movement.
If you’re going the DIY route, gather materials such as spare laminate flooring, wood, hinges, and screws. Then, simply follow the instructions to assemble a sturdy laptop stand, complete with nifty features like cable management.
You can add a touch of flair by engraving or woodburning the laminate flooring bits for decorative accents. Pick colors or finishes from your leftover laminate that match your taste. With your homemade laptop stand crafted from spare laminate flooring, you can focus on maintaining good posture while showcasing your artistic side in a practical, stylish piece.
Custom cutting boards
To craft custom cutting boards, choose hardwoods with different tones or patterns or food-safe laminates for easy cleaning. Then, use tools to cut and shape the wood into your desired sizes and designs, ensuring tight seams and secure joints.
Afterward, sand the surface until smooth and apply a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax finish to nourish the wood and create a barrier against moisture. You may also want to add a non-slip backing for stability and scratch protection.
Crafting your own cutting boards using leftover laminate allows you to make kitchen tools that suit your preferences. It’s also a way to show off your creativity and woodworking skills, resulting in unique and durable pieces.
Cozy pet beds
Creating comfortable pet beds from leftover laminate flooring involves considering your pet’s needs and preferences. Start by using the laminate planks to accommodate your pet’s size and shape, ensuring enough space for them to stretch and move around comfortably.
We advise you to choose durable cushioning materials that complement the laminate base and provide adequate support. For older or arthritic pets, consider incorporating orthopedic features to alleviate discomfort.
Construct the bed frame using leftover laminate pieces, then add a soft bottom layer and secure the sides with additional laminate. You can make the bed even cozier by adding plush, hypoallergenic cushions.
To make maintenance easy, use removable and washable covers for the bed. You can also customize the bed with colors, patterns, and decorative touches from the laminate flooring to give it a personalized look.
Keep the bed clean by placing it in the right spot and cleaning it regularly. By using recycled laminate materials, you can create a fresh and inviting sleeping space for your furry friend while also being environmentally friendly.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Yanya
Creative wall art ideas
You can transform any space with creative wall art ideas using leftover laminate flooring. Adding personality and visual interest, these ideas are simple yet effective.
If you’re considering other uses for laminate, it’s worth noting that laminate flooring can also be installed over tile in many cases, as long as the tile surface is level and in good condition. This flexibility allows you to repurpose laminate in creative ways, whether on walls or as flooring.
One approach is to display inspirational quotes by arranging laminate planks in a gallery style or with bold typography. You can even incorporate handwritten elements or neon accents on the laminate surface for added flair.
Another option is to explore mosaic-style artwork by cutting and arranging broken laminate pieces into intricate designs on a base material like wood or canvas. Geometric patterns such as triangles, hexagons, or mandalas offer a modern twist, allowing you to experiment with contrasting colors, textures, and finishes from the laminate pieces.
These versatile techniques using recycled laminate flooring can be customized to match your personal style, resulting in unique and captivating wall art. Not only does this approach add charm to your living or workspace, but it also does so in an eco-friendly manner.
Planters and plant stands
Planters and plant stands bring nature’s charm and liveliness into any space. When making planters, laminate stands out for its toughness, water resistance, and wide range of colors and patterns.
You can assemble rectangular or square planters using wood glue or biscuit joints. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, explore more intricate shapes like hexagons or cylinders using advanced joinery techniques.
For robust plant stands, we advise you to opt for wood or metal for indoor settings. For outdoor use, consider weather-resistant options like cedar or composite wood.
Moreover, you can integrate shelves, tiers, or pedestal designs to accommodate plants of different sizes and heights while ensuring stability and load-bearing capacity. With the right materials and construction methods, you can craft functional and stylish planters and stands to beautifully display your cherished greenery.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Love Silhouette
Conclusion
Can you reuse laminate flooring, and what to do with leftover laminate flooring? Yes, you can reuse it and do various DIY projects. Instead of letting those extra planks gather dust, you now have a wealth of creative and practical ideas to breathe new life into them.
From functional home decor to ingenious storage solutions, the options are limitless. Repurposing your leftover laminate flooring not only helps reduce waste but also allows you to showcase your artistic flair while saving money.
Embrace a sustainable mindset and let your imagination run wild. You can transform seemingly ordinary leftovers into extraordinary pieces with a little creativity and guidance.
