How to Lay Laminate Flooring in 10 Easy Steps

Laying laminate flooring is a great way to upgrade your home’s look without spending much money. Laminate flooring is one of the most common do-it-yourself projects because it is relatively easy to install and can be done at the weekend. Here are ten easy steps to follow when installing laminate flooring:

• Measure Your Room:

 

Before you purchase your laminate flooring, it is essential to measure the size of the room and allow for expansion space around the perimeter. To measure the room:

1. Measure the length and width of each door opening in the room.

2. Measure the length and width of any closet openings in the room.

3. Once you have all of your measurements, add them to get the space’s total square footage.

4. Add 10-15% to allow for expansion space around the perimeter of the room. This will ensure that you have enough material to complete your project.

• Choose Your Underlayment:

 

Underlayment is a thin foam padding between the subfloor and the laminate flooring. It provides cushioning and helps reduce noise. Underlayment also helps to protect the laminate flooring from moisture, mold, and mildew. There are many different underlayment forms available on the market, so it is important to pick a good one for your project. For example, if you are installing laminate flooring in a bathroom, you will need an underlayment that is resistant to moisture. To choose the proper underlayment for your project, you will need to examine the following factors:

– The subfloor you have (wood, concrete, etc.)

– The climate in your home (humid, dry, etc.)

– The type of laminate flooring you are using

– Your budget

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the best underlayment for your project.

• Clear The Room:

 

Before installing your new laminate flooring, you need to clear the room. Remove all furniture, rugs, and other items from the room to have a clear workspace. Be sure to remove the baseboards and door trim so you can install the new laminate flooring underneath. Once the room is cleared, you can start the installation. Laminate flooring is a versatile and lasting option for any home. It’s easy to install and maintain, making it an excellent choice for busy families. With some preparation, you can have a beautiful new floor.

• Install The Underlayment:

 

Installing the underlayment ensures that your laminate flooring stays in place and looks its best. Roll out the underlayment and staple or glue it down according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure no gaps or wrinkling in the underlayment, as this can affect how well the laminate flooring adheres.

Once the underlayment is installed, you’re ready to begin laying down your laminate flooring pieces. Start at one end of the room and work your way away from the door, making sure to snap each piece into place according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you’re working with a particularly large or awkward space, you may need to use a jigsaw to cut some of the pieces to size. With careful planning and a little elbow grease, you can have a beautiful new laminate floor that will last for years.

• Start Laying The Flooring:

 

When you are ready to begin installing your laminate flooring, it is essential to start in one corner of the room and work your way across. This will help ensure that all pieces are laid in a parallel fashion, which is important for achieving a professional look.

Be sure to tap each piece of laminate flooring into place using a rubber mallet or block of wood. This will help ensure a snug fit and prevent any gaps from forming between the pieces. Once all the pieces are in place, you can begin enjoying your new laminate floor!

• Cut Pieces As Needed:

 

If you’re installing laminate flooring in your home, you’ll want to ensure all your cuts are clean and precise. Otherwise, you risk having an uneven or unsightly finished product. Use a jigsaw or handsaw if you need to cut pieces to fit around doorways or other obstacles. For curved cuts, use a circular saw set at a depth that matches the thickness of your laminate flooring. You can also use a router to create flush cuts along the edge of your laminate boards. With the right tools and a little care, you can achieve professional-looking results on your own.

• Install Transition Strips:

 

Once all the pieces are in place, install transition strips at doorways and other areas where two different types of flooring meet (i.e., hardwood and tile). Transition strips provide a smooth transition between two different types of flooring and help protect against damage from foot traffic or heavy furniture.

First, measure the width of the doorway or other openings to install a transition strip. Cut the transition strip to size, then place it in the doorway with the textured side up. Use a hammer and nails to secure the strip in place.

For transitions between laminate and hard flooring, use double-sided tape or adhesive strips to secure the strip. Once the strip is in place, caulk any gaps between the strip and the flooring for a finished look.

• Clean Up:

 

It’s essential to clean up any excess glue or adhesive from around the edges of the laminate flooring before it dries. Otherwise, it will be much harder to remove. The best way to do this is with acetone or mineral spirits on a cloth rag. Just be careful not to use too much pressure, as you don’t want to damage the laminate.

If there are any smudges or fingerprints on the surface of the panels, you can also use these products to remove them. Just be sure to test in an inconspicuous area first, as some cleaners can damage the finish. Once you’re finished cleaning, wipe up any residue with a clean, dry cloth.

• Replace Baseboards And Door Trim:

 

BASEBOARDS AND DOOR TRIM: Replace baseboards and door trim: Nail or screw your baseboards and door trim back using finishing nails or screws designed for wood trim (i.e., not drywall screws). Add caulk around baseboards and door trim as needed for a finished look.

Caulking baseboards and door trim is easy to create a finished look and helps prevent further damage from water, wind, or other elements. Choose a high-quality caulk designed for use with wood trim, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application. Once the caulk has been applied, smooth it with a wet finger or a putty knife for a professional finish.

• Enjoy your new floors!:

 

Now that your new laminate floors are installed, it’s time to sit back and enjoy them! But before you do, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help keep them looking their best for years to come:

1. Be sure to vacuum or sweep them regularly to remove dirt and debris.

2. If you spill something on the floor, clean it up promptly to avoid staining.

3. If you have pets, trim their nails regularly to avoid scratching the floors.

With just a little care, your new laminate floors will look beautiful for years to come!

End Note:

With these ten easy steps, you can install laminate flooring like a pro! Just be sure to take accurate measurements, choose the proper underlayment, and clear away all obstacles before getting started—then sit back and enjoy your beautiful new floors. You can find more tips and information about laminate flooring installation on our website or reach us at contactus@mikescarpets.com.au to know more!