Can laminate flooring be placed over existing linoleum?

Lino is a kind person Yes, laminate flooring can be installed over existing linoleum. You would still want to use the 6 mil polyethelene moisture barrier, as well as the foam pad (some brands have the two incorporated, some have it already attached to the laminate). That's the great thing about laminate, it can go over just about any flooring except carpet. If the room is above grade a moisture barrier isn't needed by most manufacturers but the underlayment foam is. If this is a kitchen, fill the 1/4" gap in front of the sink area or exterior doors with silicone caulking before installing trim, this keeps spills from getting under the floor. If it's a bathroom silicone the entire perimeter. However, you want to inspect the linoleum prior to just going over it. Make sure that there are no tears, gouges, wrinkles, etc. in it that would create a "bump" or depression underneath your new floor. Many contractors consider the existing linoleum a "slip sheet", and don't use the 6 mil polyehelene moisture barrier. It doesn't really cost that much to purchase the 6 mil, and it's really not that difficult to install it. As the above contributor mentioned some of it's "all in one". If you caulk aroung the edge of the floor, where your expansion gap is, be sure to use a flexable caulk, some silicone is also an adhesive and not as flexible as preferred. Elastomeric is waterproof and flexible. I also use the white paintable plastic waterproof molding in those areas, just as a precaution - that is, if the customer approves of the material. You do want to be sure to leave 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap for expansion, and if you fill that gap completely with the wrong "sealant", well...then you have no expansion gap and risk buckling and/or warping.