Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners. It combines affordability, durability, and style, offering the elegant look of hardwood at a fraction of the price. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your living room or refresh a high-traffic area, laminate’s scratch and stain-resistant qualities make it a perfect flooring selection. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to install.
If you want a simple guide to laminate flooring installation, you’ve come to the correct page. This guide will teach you how to install laminate flooring, so installing laminate flooring is easy and fun. Fitting laminate flooring is just one of the ways that you can quickly and inexpensively make a new room, and with forward-thinking, you can create professional-looking results. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished individual, correct learning of how to install laminate flooring ensures a fashionable and durable finish.
Before You Begin to Laminate Installation
While laminate can be installed in most areas of your home, spaces with high moisture levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms, require extra caution. That’s because laminate is water-resistant, but it isn’t waterproof. In such areas, large spillages and prolonged exposure to moisture cause lasting damage to your flooring. Laminate is ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms due to its durability. Its HDF (high-density fiberboard) core and scratch-resistant wear layer provide extra strength. Now, before you begin, you should carry out some preparation.
Check the packs!
It’s important to inspect each plank for defects. If you find any, address them before starting the installation. For commercial use, it’s better to consider laminate rated either AC4 or AC5, which makes it perfect for rooms such as office spaces (AC4) or large department stores and public buildings (AC5).
Why Laminate Flooring is a Great Choice for DIY Installations
Laminate flooring is an excellent option for DIY enthusiasts who would like a cost-effective and attractive floor solution. Laminate floor installation is simple and does not require professional assistance, making it an exceptional option for individuals who prefer to do it themselves. Installation is simple, and anyone can install laminate floors on their own with proper preparation and tools.
For the UK, how to fit laminate flooring is a common query, and the fit is simple enough for a novice. With click-lock systems of fit, laminate flooring offers a simple way of having a smart, durable floor without nails or adhesive. Whether you’re renovating a small space or a larger space, laminate flooring is a quick, affordable choice for an attractive, durable floor.
Site Conditions for Laying Laminate Flooring
The good installation of laminate flooring depends on the site conditions. These essential checks should always be made:
- Humidity levels should be between 45% and 65%.
Concrete or timber subfloors should have a moisture content of no more than 12% MC on a surface prong test, or below 3% on a concrete moisture meter. Different meters have different scales, so it’s important to check their documentation.
- Subfloor levels should be no more than 3 mm over a 1m distance in any direction. Use a long spirit level and ruler to check. Uneven floors should be leveled using leveling boards, plywood, or self-leveling compounds.
- If there is old adhesive on the subfloor, it should be removed by scraping or sanding before installation. Remove any old carpet or cushioned vinyl flooring, as laminate should be installed on a firm, stable surface.
When fitting laminate flooring, ensuring these site conditions are met is crucial for a successful laminate flooring installation. Proper preparation will ensure that your laminate flooring performs well and lasts for years.
Acclimating A Laminate Floor
Like solid wood flooring, your laminate flooring should remain in its packaging and lie flat in the room where it will be installed. Most manufacturers recommend a 48-hour acclimatization period.
Do not stack the boxes on top of each other, and ensure the room’s temperature remains normal with the heating on.
It’s okay if you notice any bowing in the planks after acclimatization. It’s simply the laminate HDF core, adjusting to the heat and humidity of the room.
Acclimation Time and Temperature Conditions
Before installing laminate floors, it’s extremely crucial to acclimate the laminate to the room’s temperature and humidity. This ensures the planks expand and contract as needed, hence preventing issues like warping or gaps later. Ideally, installing laminate flooring invites you to leave the laminate in the room for at least 48 hours to acclimate to the conditions.
For optimal results, maintain a temperature range of 18-22 °C (64-72 °F) in the room, with a humidity level between 30-50%. In addition to acclimation, make sure to leave a small expansion gap along the edges for laminate flooring, which allows the planks to expand naturally without causing buckling. By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and durable installation.
Choosing the Right Underlay for Laminate Flooring (if needed)
Selecting the appropriate underlay is crucial for the longevity and performance of your floor. Foam underlay, ensuring that the edges butt together without overlapping. Secure the seams with underlay tape. For flats or upper floors, consider using sound-reducing underlay for better noise insulation.
If you’re installing over concrete, use a DPM (damp-proof membrane) to prevent moisture damage. For wooden subfloors, choose underlays specifically designed for wood, offering added benefits such as insulation and surface leveling. Proper underlay selection ensures both protection from moisture and improved overall flooring performance.
How to Choose the Right Laminate Flooring for Your Space
Selecting the correct laminate flooring for your room is crucial to both aesthetics and durability. Start by researching laminate floor fitting requirements based on your room size and shape. For most walked-on areas, opt for laminate with a high AC rating for long-term durability. Installation of the laminate floor must also take into account the type of underlay needed, which may have implications for sound insulation and comfort.
When asking how to install laminate flooring in specific rooms, keep in mind factors like moisture levels, particularly in kitchens or bathrooms, and opt for a water-resistant laminate. Secondly, the look of the laminate should complement your room’s décor. If planning for a classic wood look or a modern finish, picking the correct texture and color guarantees that your flooring will contribute to the overall appearance.
Measuring a Room
Before you start your laminate flooring project, it’s essential to know the exact area of the room in square metres. To calculate how many packs you’ll need, divide the room’s area by the pack size. Then round up to the nearest whole number to determine the total number of packs required.
For example, if your room measures 24.75m² and the pack size is 2.39m², divide 24.75 by 2.39, which equals 10.3. Round it up to 11 packs, which is the final number of laminate flooring packs you’ll need. To account for waste, we recommend adding 10% to the total area.
This preparation is vital when fitting laminate flooring to ensure you have enough materials for a smooth laminate flooring installation. Proper calculations will help avoid delays and extra costs during your project.
Read more: How to measure a room for flooring?
Tools for laying laminate wood floors
What You’ll Need to
- Circular saw / jigsaw / or handsaw
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Tapping block or pull bar
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
- Straightedge ruler
- set square
- Pencil
- Undercut jamb saw
- Scrap wood spacers
- Underlayment and tape (if required)
- Knee Pads
- Moisture Metre
- spacers
How to lay laminate flooring step by step
Before you begin, ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. The most co
on method of laminate installation is the floating method, which uses an underlay. This method allows laminate to be fitted over almost any type of subfloor without the need for adhesive, simply click the planks together.
However, if you prefer a more secure installation, you can opt for flooring adhesive; to bond the planks to the subfloor, ensuring extra stability.
Step 1: Plan the Layout
Begin the layout along the longest wall of the room. It’s important to plan a staggered pattern for the planks to ensure that the joints in adjacent rows do not align. Always leave an 8-12 mm expansion gap around the walls and fixed objects using spacers to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the laminate. As you lay the planks, make sure the cut planks are at least 30 cm long for added stability in the overall flooring structure.
Step 2: Install the First Row
Trim the tongue edge of the planks to create a clean edge against the wall. Lay the planks with the cut edge facing the wall, ensuring that the 8-12 mm expansion gap is maintained. You can use the offcut from this plank to start the second row, ensuring that the rows are properly staggered. This method prevents the joints from aligning between rows, maintaining a strong and stable floor.
Continue the installation of Rows
Continue to hold each plank at a 45-degree angle and insert the tongue of the plank into the groove of the previous row. Lower the plank into place, allowing it to click securely. If necessary, use a pull bar and tapping block to ensure the joints are tightly secured. Remember to maintain a staggered pattern throughout the installation process, making sure that the joints are offset by at least 30 cm from row to row. This staggering of the joints adds structural integrity to the floor. Additionally, leave a 10 mm gap around obstacles such as walls, radiator pipes, door frames, and skirting boards to allow for natural expansion.
Fitting Around Obstacles
Installing laminate flooring around common obstacles such as corners, door frames, radiator pipes, and stairs requires extra attention. In these areas, precise measurements and careful cutting of planks are essential for a professional finish.
Fitting Around Corners
Place the laminate plank against the corner. Where the plank meets the wall, add the expansion gap and mark it with a pencil. This gives you the width of the cut needed.
To measure the length, place the plank along the adjoining wall and mark the required length. Use a set square to mark a clear-cutting line. Secure the plank to a workbench using clamps and cut along the marked lines with a jigsaw. Fit the board into place and ensure a tight fit.
Fitting Around Door Frames
To fit laminate wood flooring around the door frame, it’s better to undercut the door frame so the laminate slides underneath for a seamless look.
Take a piece of laminate and your underlay, then put these up against your door. Make a pencil line across the width of your door at the line where your flooring and underlay reach.
Then, take a hand saw to cut into your door frame at the pencil line. Using a chisel and hammer, tap the wood below the wood line to create a gap where your flooring will fit under.
Remove the excess wood, ensuring there’s enough space for the laminate and underlay to fit underneath. Test the fit by sliding a piece of laminate under the frame. If necessary, trim more for a perfect fit. Make sure the flooring underlay is correctly positioned for a smooth and even fit, ensuring a flawless laminate flooring installation.
Fitting Around Radiator Pipes
Lay a laminate plank next to the radiator pipe with its short side against the wall.
Use a pencil and ruler to draw a horizontal line along the plank, aligned with the center of the pipe.
Now, move the plank so that the short side is against the pipe. Draw a vertical line along the plank, again aligned with the pipe’s center. These two intersecting lines mark the center point of the pipe. Secure the plank to a workbench with clamps. Use a drill and spade bit or hole saw to create a hole at the marked center point. The hole should be slightly larger than the pipe to allow for expansion.
Draw two straight pencil lines from the hole to the nearest short edge of the plank.
Use a jigsaw to cut along these lines and remove the small wood section.
Fit the laminate around the pipe and reattach the removed section using wood glue, flexible caulk, or a matching putty to create a seamless finish.
Fitting Around Stairs
For a fit laminate around the bottom of staircases, you can use the same technique as fitting around door frames.
Trim the bottom of the staircase to allow the laminate to slide underneath. Measure and cut the plank, leaving a small expansion gap, then slide it into place and use a tapping block for a snug, professional finish.
Install the Last Row
Once you reach the final row, measure the planks to fit the remaining space and cut them lengthwise using a jigsaw or saw. Use a pull bar to gently lock the planks into place, ensuring a snug and secure fit. It may be helpful to tap gently with a hammer to ensure the planks align correctly with the previous row.
Final touch
After the planks are all laid and secured, remove the spacers and cover the gaps with skirting boards or beading, making sure the skirting is not fixed directly to the floor. This is to allow for expansion without restricting the movement of the laminate. Finally, clean the floor using a dry mop or vacuum to remove any dust or debris from the installation process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid and Tips for a Professional-Looking Finish
When installing laminate flooring, there are several common mistakes that can affect the overall quality and durability of your floor. Here’s what to avoid:
- Ignoring Expansion Gaps: Failing to leave proper expansion gaps around the perimeter of the floor can lead to buckling or gaps as the Laminate expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Always leave a 10-15 mm gap between the floor and walls.
- Not Acclimating the Laminate: Laminate floor fitting works best when the planks are allowed to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before installation. Skipping this step can cause warping or expansion issues later.
- Installing Over an Uneven Subfloor: Ensure that your subfloor is clean, dry, and level before starting laminate floor installation. Any unevenness can result in an unstable surface, which can damage the Laminate over time.
- Cutting Laminate Incorrectly: Use the right tools to cut your laminate flooring. A fine-tooth saw or a laminate cutter will give cleaner, smoother edges than a power tool with a coarse blade.
Tips for a Professional-Looking Finish
- Use a Tapping Block: To ensure each plank fits snugly into place without damaging the edges.
- Align the Planks Correctly: Start the installation in a straight line and continue row by row to ensure perfect alignment.
- Finish with the Right Trim: Use quality transition strips and moldings to cover the expansion gaps and give a polished, finished look.
Laminate Flooring Installation: Dos and Don’ts
Dos
| Action | Description |
| Do ensure a clean, dry, and level subfloor. | Proper preparation is crucial for successful laminate floor installation. A clean subfloor prevents uneven flooring. |
| Do leave an expansion gap. | Always leave at least a 10-15 mm gap between the flooring and walls to allow for natural expansion and contraction of laminate. |
| Do acclimate your laminate flooring. | Let the laminate sit in the room for 48 hours before installation to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. |
| Do use the right underlay. | The underlay is essential for sound insulation and can help prevent moisture damage. Choose an underlay suited for your specific flooring and climate. |
Don’ts
| Action | Description |
| Don’t install laminate over an uneven subfloor. | A level surface is essential to avoid cracks, creaks, and damage to your laminate flooring. |
| Don’t use excessive force when fitting planks. | Forcing planks can lead to cracks or damage the locking system. Use a tapping block to fit them gently. |
| Don’t skip the cleaning process. | Always clean the subfloor before installation to remove dust and debris that could interfere with the laminate’s adhesion and durability. |
| Don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. | Each laminate product may have specific requirements for installation and care, which should be followed for the best results. |
By following these dos and don’ts, your laminate flooring will not only look great but also last longer. If you’re unsure about the installation process, Flooring Surgeons offers professional guidance and installation services to ensure a flawless finish every time.
Need expert help with your flooring project?
If you’re looking for expert help with your flooring project, look no further. We provide top-notch floor installation services and a wide range of premium flooring solutions to suit every style and budget.
Let us take the stress out of your flooring installation. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you transform your space with the perfect floor!
Cleaning and Maintenance After Installation
To keep your laminate flooring in top condition:
- Regular Sweeping or Vacuuming: Remove dust and debris to avoid scratches. Use a vacuum without a beater bar.
- Damp Mopping: Clean with a damp mop and a mild solution—avoid excess water.
- Clean Spills Immediately: Wipe up spills quickly with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
- Use Mats and Rugs: Place mats at entry points to reduce dirt and moisture.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don’t use wax-based or abrasive cleaners.
With these simple steps, your laminate flooring will stay beautiful and durable for years.
Conclusion
Laminate floor installation is a budget-friendly way to provide any room with a professional, fashionable finish. Whether you’re wondering how to lay laminate flooring UK or prefer expert help, the proper steps and materials are key to achieving a long-lasting result. It’s important to acclimatize the laminate and leave proper expansion gaps for the best outcome. Whether you are a DIY beginner or hiring a professional, taking these precautions ensures your laminate floor will continue to dazzle for years to come. If you need any assistance, Flooring Surgeons is here to help you with professional installation and quality flooring materials.
