The Dos and Don'ts of Laminate Flooring Installation: Tips From the Pros

The key to beautiful laminate floors is getting the installation process right. Learn about common mistakes when laying laminate flooring along with top tips.

Americans spent over $550 billion in 2022 on home renovations. Upgrading your home can be a great way to improve your quality of life and increase your home's value.

Floor renovations are common when people make structural changes to their homes, and laminate floors are some of the most popular options. Listed below are laminate flooring installation tips to help you understand how to install laminate floors.

Let's explore common mistakes when laying laminate flooring that you need to avoid.

Do: Prepare Your Subfloor

Before you get started, it's essential to prepare the subfloor. This involves removing all dust and debris.

You should also check the floor for loose screws or nails. Every 10 feet, you should level flat to 3/16 of an inch. This will help ensure consistency throughout the floor's installation.

Don't: Install over Carpet

If you install laminate flooring over carpet flooring, it won't have the support it needs. Carpet flooring is generally soft and plush, and this could have an adverse impact on your laminate flooring's locking system. Instead, you should remove the existing carpet before starting the project.

However, it's possible to install laminate flooring over low-pile carpeting. This is the same carpet you'll find in places like hotels and office buildings.

Do: Inspect Your Materials

Always inspect your flooring materials before moving forward. By finding defects prior to installation, you can replace the materials with less hassle and fewer delays.

The last thing you want is to be halfway through your project and discover that a handful of planks are broken, scratched, or otherwise damaged. If you don't have time to inspect each plank, it's recommended to look at three random boxes. If defects are present in your inventory, there's a good chance you'll find them with this method.

If you do notice issues, contact your manufacturer with a description of the problem and your purchase information. Reputable brands will be quick to make things right.

Don't: Install in Humid Areas

Humidity is the greatest enemy of laminate flooring. If you install it in an environment with high humidity, this could impact the floor's integrity. Aesthetic issues and structural problems are sure to arise afterward.

You can use a humidity monitor to gain insight into your home's humidity level. It's crucial to acclimate the laminate flooring to your house's environment before installation.

Arrange your flooring planks side-by-side away from the walls and leave them to acclimate for 48 hours. 

Do: Use the Right Tools

A crowbar, tapping block, and hammer will be your primary tools. You can swap out a hammer for a rubber mallet if you prefer. If you need to shorten the length of the floorboards, you can use a jigsaw to cut them.

Never begin a project without proper safety equipment. Gloves and eye protection are essential.

Other tools include tape measures, pencils, combination squares, and handheld drills. In most cases, these will be all you need to complete the installation.

Don't: Install Outdoors

Laminate flooring is designed for interior use. Although there are certain laminate floors that are weather-resistant, outdoor installation will quickly lead to damage and warping. However, this doesn't mean that you can't install laminate flooring in locations that have outdoor exposure.

To clarify, sunrooms are some of the most popular options for laminate flooring installation. As long as you regulate the humidity and temperature in this location throughout the year, you shouldn't experience complications.

Do: Read the Manufacturer's Instructions

These provide a comprehensive list of rules to follow. Manufacturer instructions are often created to be as straightforward as possible, so don't feel intimidated before beginning.

If necessary, you can watch video tutorials on how to install the type of laminate flooring material you purchased. In some cases, the manufacturer themselves will provide video guides. This will go a long way toward streamlining installation.

Don't: Do It by Yourself Without Experience

It's never recommended to handle projects like these if you don't have the right experience. Although it's possible, you'll likely spend more time than necessary.

There's also a good chance you won't get your desired results. Instead, hire a professional to help.

They have the tools and resources required to handle your project safely and efficiently. They can also help you avoid complications you may have otherwise encountered.

When searching for someone to work with, check out their past reputation. See what others have to say about their experiences.

Was the company professional throughout the process? Were the results satisfactory? As long as you do your due diligence, you should be able to find a reliable installation company. 

Benefits of Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are known for their durability. Since they're protected by a resin coating and a tough external layer, they are strong and scratch resistant.

Laminate floors also resist fading and staining. This makes them an amazing option for homes with children or pets.

Maintenance requirements are notably low, and it doesn't take much to clean messes. You have a large variety of styles to choose from. So, you shouldn't have any problem finding the perfect choice for your home.

Avoid Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring

There are many common mistakes when laying laminate flooring that people make. The good news is that avoiding them is easier than most people anticipate. From here, you'll be sure to streamline the laminate flooring installation process and get the best possible results.

Get a free estimate today at Eagle Flooring West. Our professional team is ready to bring your vision to life.New Paragraph