Laminate flooring is known to be one of the DIY friendliest projects you can handle yourself. With a little bit of common sense you will be able to save tremendous amount of money by doing the entire job by yourself. Use this installation “recipe” to successfully install your floor.
You should know important fact: warranty claims against flooring products usually turn out to be caused by wrong floor installation, rather than faulty material. You will have manufacturer warranty coverage as long as you follow manufacture’s instruction. So, be sure to read all instructions provided by manufacturer before installation. Note, that different laminate brands/models may require different installation techniques.
STEP 1: Good organization is a key to success
First think what you want to accomplish. Then plan everything before you start. Have all necessary tools and accessories handy: enough of flooring, proper underlayment, transitions, moldings, all the tools, glue before you start. Use all, FREE, available online training resources; including manufacturer training pages, you tube, blogs etc. Be sure to have a thorough understanding of the scope of the project and the expectations of time of completion before starting.
STEP 2: Inspect laminate planks before installation
Check the flooring before installation to ensure you have correct pattern, style and color. Inspect all laminate planks for visible defects. Pay closer attention to laminate that was in the box with visible box damage. Do not install damaged laminate planks! Note: warranty does not cover labor or replacement on claims made for material installed with obvious visible defects. If you discovered problem after opening 3 boxes of laminate, do not proceed with installation and contact your material provider for assistance.
STEP 3: Basics are very important
- Check your subfloor prior to installation
- Acclimation
- Use proper underlayment
Make sure the subfloor is in good repair before installation! Nail or screw loose areas that squeak and replace damaged areas that are loose or have been damaged by moisture. Clear all loose debris and dirt before laying the foam underlayment.
Laminate flooring must be conditioned for at least 48 hours before installation. Cross stack the unopened boxes in the room where the floor is to be installed. Maintain temperature of minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit 48 hours before and after installation.
Properly installed laminate flooring has to have proper underlayment installed underneath. Use regular underlayment when installing your laminate over wood sub-floor. Use vapor underlayment for: cement sub-floor, ceramic tile installed over cement subfloor, wood subfloor over crawl space, in manufactured houses, vinyl installed over concrete, radiant floor.
STEP 4: Expansion gaps are essential
Laminate flooring is designed to be installed as “floated floor”- thus it is not nailed or glued to the sub-floor and works as a one big “pancake” that expands and contract with temperature/humidity changes. Make sure to leave at least ΒΌ” expansion gap around the perimeter of the room, and around any stationary objects such as pipes, columns, build in cabinets. Failure to meet this requirement can result in the floor buckling.
Don’t forget to leave expansion gap when installing your moldings as well. Never fasten your wall base or quarter round moldings to the laminate flooring- nail them to the wall not to your floor!
STEP 5: Take your time to do the final touch!
Undercut door jambs and plan how to finish areas around pipes, posts or pillars to have polished look! Do not use caulk to hide your mistakes. Take your time to do it right! Use color coordinated transition moldings to give a beautiful finished appearance.
Final advice: Never cut your laminate in the room where you install laminate flooring. When small particles of wood dust will stuck in laminate flooring locking system you may have problem to lock planks together. If for some reason, in any stage of installation you have doubt in your ability to successfully finish it, hire professional installer who is BBB listed, insured and can give you at least one recommendation. Don’t be shy to call his customer to check quality of his work.
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