How to Install Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is durable, somewhat inexpensive, and easy to install. The old carpenter’s motto of “measure twice, cut once” will help you get your new floor installed in no time. Learning to install laminate flooring is easy and you only need two simple tools to do it: a pair of scissors and a saw.

Laminate Flooring Installation is More Accessible than Ever

The do it yourself industry has greatly expanded over the last decade due to the prevalence of home design shows on television and the internet. This expansion of knowledge has, in turn, caused manufacturers to make their products more user friendly. What this means for homeowners is that they can now do many of their home projects themselves, even with no prior experience. Now you can get the beautiful look of hardwood floors without the challenge of installation or the maintenance issues associated with wood floors.

The internet has a plethora of websites where you can find instructions and tips on installing all different types of flooring, including laminate flooring. A simple search using your favorite search engine can give you a wealth of knowledge. Taking the time to do the research now will save you a whole lot of headache later.

Installing Laminate Flooring Step-by-Step

Laminate flooring is considered a floating floor, because it is not nailed or glued down — if you have “click and lock” planks. This floating floor has many different benefits that make it a much more durable choice than hardwood. Look at your subfloor to determine whether or not a moisture barrier is necessary.

Next you will lay the underlayment. It’s sometimes made of foam, though cork is a great underlayment and more environmentally friendly. This layer softens the sound transfer between floors but also muffles the sounds within the room the laminate flooring are installed.

Things to remember when installing your laminate flooring:

• Acclimate the laminate flooring for at least 3-4 days. By doing this, you help prevent buckling or gapping that comes from heat and humidity changes.
• Leave a 1/4-1/2″ gap between the flooring and the wall all the way around the room. This gives the laminate flooring room to contract and expand without damage.
• Apply a moisture barrier if installing laminate flooring over a concrete subfloor to reduce the amount of moisture that comes in contact with your flooring. A moisture barrier is easily laid out and cut to fit with scissors.

Installation is simply a matter of inserting the tongue edge into the groove edge of the planks, clicking and locking the planks together. Stagger the joints to keep the strength of the floor at a high level, and the visual interest high. A saw can easily be used to cut the planks to fit, which makes it ideal for a do it yourself installation. An entire room of laminate flooring can be installed in very little time.

Finishing Your Laminate Floor Installation

Once your laminate flooring is installed you are ready to finish the flooring project. Install quarter round or baseboards to make the room complete and to hide any ragged edges that may have occurred from imprecise sawing or uneven walls. Be careful not to nail the trim directly into the flooring planks as this will prohibit the floors from expanding and contracting as they are designed to do.

Consider remodeling your carpeted floors with laminate to add value and beauty to your home. This flooring can make a big difference in the entire look and feel of your home that you will enjoy for many years to come and the pride of knowing you did it yourself.

Visit our Los Angeles Flooring showrooms for more information about Flooring.