Basics for Installing Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has become extremely popular and is the flooring solution of choice for many homes nowadays. The reasoning is simple, as it is much easier to install and maintain compared to hardwood flooring, is highly durable and comes in a variety of colors.

When it comes to installing laminate flooring the process is much simpler than with hardwood flooring. Since many manufacturers have slightly different procedures for installation you should consult the instructions provided with your laminate flooring. However, overall, the procedure is quite similar so here are some tips to make installing your floor a breeze.

Preparing to Install Laminate Flooring

Before purchasing laminate flooring double check all the room’s measurements and then add another 10 percent to your final figures to account for unforeseen and any loss of material when cutting it to fit.

Flooring planks are susceptible to humidityand temperature,therefore the planks should be acclimated to the environment of your home for at least two days prior to installation. To do this, remove any plastic wrapping from the boxes and space them out to allow air to circulate freely between them. If you try to immediately install the hardwood flooring you may find that the planks will expand or contract due to the new conditions and all your efforts will be ruined.

Once completed, you can proceed to clean the subfloor to make certain it is free of dirt and debris. Subsequently, remove all base molding, if necessary, with a pry bar and a hammer. If you are installing on a new concrete subfloor make certain that the floor is fully cured before beginning installation. It is vital that the subfloor is level and there are no gaps larger than 3 inches to provide a solid base for your new hardwood flooring. If necessary, fill any gaps and lower areas or grind down higher portions of the floor to achieve a flat finish.

With the floor level you can install the vaporbarrier by laying it out one row at a time from the longest wall in the room. The vaporbarrier will prevent moisture collecting and ruining your laminateflooring.

Installing Laminate Flooring

When laying out your laminateflooring you shouldallow for a 1/4” gap along the wall as placing it flush up against the wall will not allow for the natural contraction and expansion of the wood. Also check to make sure that the height of the flooring will not require you to make some changes to your doorframes. If the laminateflooring fits under the doorjamb then you can start installing the floor, if not then cut the jamb so that the planks can fit under it.

Choose a starting wall, preferably so that your finish point will be close to the exit and then begin to lay the boards down, with the groove facing the wall. However, if you must cut the boards to size then you shouldcut the groove side off.

When laying the boards you must alternate full boards with 2/3 and 1/3 boardsby laying the first three rows using one of each size as a starter board. Subsequently fill in the rest of the row with full boards and boards cut to size. Follow the same pattern for the rest of the room. To join laminate flooring together you must insert the tongue into the groove at a sharp angle and then push down. The boards will click into position, however if they do not then feel free to use a hammer to tap gently so they lock into place.

Once the floor is completely laid, baseboards and moldings can be reinstalled but must be fixed to the wall and not to the laminate flooring. You will be covering the gap while allowing the planks a little natural seasonal flexibility.