How to Install Laminate Floors
Learning how to install laminate floors is an easy DIY project that can be completed in a few hours depending on the size of the room. Laminate flooring is perfectly suited for DIY installation since the planks lock side-to-side, require no nailing or gluing, and can be cut with a hand saw or utility knife.
Equipment / Tools needed
- Circular saw, jigsaw, or handsaw
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Tapping block or pull bar
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
- Straightedge ruler
- Speed Square
- Pencil
- Undercut jamb saw
Materials needed when learning how to install laminate floors.
- Laminate flooring
- Scrap wood spacers
- Underlayment and tape
1. Prepare Your Space
A crucial step on how to install laminate floors is to clear the room by remove all furniture, baseboards, and any existing flooring (if necessary). Acclimate the Laminate. This allows the laminate planks to adapt to the room temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours. Place the planks flat in the room where they will be installed.
You should ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Any debris, dirt, or unevenness can affect the laminate’s performance. You should also check for moisture by using a moisture meter to check the subfloor for any moisture issues. This is especially important for concrete subfloors.
2. Install a Moisture Barrier (if needed)
If you’re installing laminate over concrete or a high-moisture area, lay down a moisture barrier. This is usually a plastic sheet or underlayment that helps protect the laminate from moisture.
3. Lay the Underlayment
Lay the underlayment across the subfloor as this layer provides cushioning and sound insulation. Overlap the seams slightly and tape them together. Underlayment absorbs sound, provides a thermal barrier, and bridges minor gaps and bumps on the underlying floor
4. Plan Your Layout
Plan the direction you want the planks to run. Typically, planks are laid parallel to the longest wall or the main source of natural light. Now, measure the room and cut the planks as needed. Trim off the tongues of the boards for the first row abutting the wall. Lay the first row on the longest wall with the trimmed edges of the planks against the wall. Maintain a space of about 1/4- to 3/8-inch from the wall. This is a crucial step on how to install laminate floors guide.
If any planks need to be cut in this first row, keep the cut pieces no less than 16 inches long.
5. Install the Laminate Flooring
Another step on how to install laminate floors is to begin laying the first row of laminate planks in a corner of the room. Place spacers between the planks and the wall to maintain the expansion gap. Now, connect the planks as most laminate flooring uses a click-lock system. Align the tongue of one plank with the groove of the next and click them together. You may need a tapping block and a rubber mallet to ensure a tight fit without damaging the planks.
Stagger the seams between rows for a more natural look. This means starting the second row with a plank that is cut to a different length from the first row. When you reach the end of a row, measure and cut the last plank to fit. Use a saw appropriate for laminate, such as a jigsaw or circular saw.
6. Finish the Installation
Reattach or install new baseboards and trim to cover the expansion gaps around the room’s perimeter. Next, install transition strips where the laminate meets other types of flooring or in doorways.
7. Clean Up
The last step on the how to install laminate flooring guide is to sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any dust or debris. Follow any specific cleaning instructions provided by the laminate manufacturer. Carefully move your furniture back into the room, avoiding dragging it across the new flooring.
Tips for a successful installation:
Use Spacers: You should always use spacers around the edges of the flooring to ensure proper expansion.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Laminate can expand or contract with extreme temperature changes, so avoid direct sunlight during installation.
Check Manufacturer’s Instructions: Follow any additional instructions specific to your laminate flooring brand.
With these steps on how to install laminate floors, you should be able to achieve a professional-looking laminate floor installation. If you encounter any issues or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to consult the laminate manufacturer’s guidelines or contact Elite Floors Kenya for professional advice and flooring services.
