Laminate is a durable and budget-friendly flooring alternative that offers design-led aesthetics that compliment every style. It is also a great choice for homes with kids and pets, as it resists moisture and can easily hide scratches and dents. Today’s waterproof laminate options are even better, as they don’t allow dander and dust to hide underneath the surface. However, there are a few things to consider before you start installing your new floor.
Whether you choose to use pre-applied underlayment or roll out a sheet of foam yourself, it is important to let your floor acclimate to the room before starting the installation process. This allows the laminate to adjust to the temperature and humidity, preventing buckling in the future.
When installing the first row of planks, make sure to leave a 3/8″ gap along the wall for expansion. You can always fill in this gap later, but it’s essential to leave a little wiggle room for now.
You should always wear safety glasses, ear protection and a respirator when using power tools or cutting materials. It’s also a good idea to clean your work area regularly and remove any dirt or rocks that could get under the laminate. This will protect you from inhaling any sawdust or debris during the installation. It’s also a good idea for beginners to work with a partner, as they can help to hold the pieces in place and provide encouragement.
The next step in your laminate flooring installation is to cut your planks to the required length, as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s best to use a circular saw or jigsaw fitted with a diamond blade to make the smoothest cuts possible. Then, once all the planks are cut, you can begin to lay them out across the floor.
When laying the first row of planks, ensure that the tongue side faces the wall and the grooved edge is facing out into the room. Laminate planks fit together with tongue-and-groove joints that snap into place, making them a simple task for most homeowners. However, it’s essential to remember that you should never hammer directly on the laminate as this can crush the joints and cause them to become loose.
Once you’ve completed the first row, it’s time to install the second. Before you do, you should again attach 3/8″ spacers to the wall if you didn’t do so during the acclimatization stage. Then, you can follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to connect each piece of the second row.
The final step in your laminate flooring installation is to close up the expansion gaps with molding. You can install a variety of transition pieces such as saddles and nosings, or simply standard shoe molding from your lumberyard that’s painted to match your laminate. You can then reinstall the baseboard, making sure to close up any expansion gaps with molding as well. Finally, you can install any trim pieces you might need to connect the laminate to other surfaces such as tile or carpet.
In most cases, it is a wise decision to hire a professional flooring contractor for laminate flooring installation. A qualified installer will have the tools and knowledge necessary to prepare the subfloor properly, measuring the room precisely to ensure that the planks fit accurately. In addition, a professional installer will know how to install the laminate correctly so that it can withstand heavy traffic without warping or damage.