When choosing to install laminate flooring, there are a few things you need to know. Since flooring in general is a fixture of your home for years to come, it needs to be installed correctly. This prevents issues and costly fixes down the road. In addition to the guides, we have some dos and don’ts that will help you avoid any other potential problems with your floor before, during, and after installation. Visit our team today to get started.

Laminate Flooring Installation Dos

• Determine the direction and pattern of the flooring before you start.
• Acclimate the flooring to room temperature at least 48 hours before installation.
• Check to make sure your subfloor is prepared, level, and structurally sound.
• Gather all necessary tools for installation and set them in an easy to access location or use.
• If a laminate underlayment is not attached to your floor, use the correct one for your laminate flooring.
• Ensure seamless installation by taping underlayment together.
• Inspect planks for visible damage.  A great tip is to check planks from 3 boxes at random!
• Use a laminate installation kit to assist your installation.
• Leave at least a .25” expansion gap around the perimeter and .5” for larger areas.
• Stagger your rows one plank width from another.
• Joints should be 12” - 18” apart - for better structural support.
• Use small pieces of scrap laminate as your spacers and keep the same size of your expansion gap.

Laminate Flooring Installation Don’ts

• Don’t install your laminate on any floor with a drain.
• Don’t install laminate on any uneven subfloor or outdoors.
• Don’t install your laminate over residential carpet.
• Don’t install a second layer of laminate underlayment. This can create too much cushion compromising the lock system and joints.
• Don’t install laminate where it will be exposed to constant damp air or extreme levels of humidity (too high or too low.)
• Don’t run laminate flooring lengthwise over 30 linear feet unless you have a transition strip.
• Don’t cut your laminate in the same area you are installing it. Keep the area clean of debris.
• Don’t nail wall-based molding or quarter round to the floor. Always affix it to the wall with room underneath so the floor can expand and contract.

When it comes to purchasing laminate flooring, ease your installation by purchasing any thresholds, quarter rounds, and base moldings at the same time. It not only saves time but also money. Laminate comes in a variety of colors and styles to meet your decorating needs. The durability and strength of laminate flooring are two qualities you’ll appreciate for years to come if your flooring is installed correctly. 

Ready to Upgrade to Laminate Flooring?

Now that you know the dos and don'ts of laminate flooring installation, don't be afraid to take on your installation. Once you know the direction and aspects of your room such as the subfloor, you'll be installing your new floor in no time. Need a bit of extra help? Contact us today and let our knowledgeable staff help you with your laminate flooring.