Laminate flooring is a great option for many homeowners who want a low-cost, easy-to-maintain, and durable flooring solution. However, installing laminate is not as easy as it seems. There are some common mistakes that can spoil your laminate flooring project and cause issues such as lifting, sponginess, shifting, gaps, and noises. Here are six of them and how to prevent them.
- Not leaving enough space between the flooring and the wall
One of the most important rules of laminate flooring installation is to leave a space of about ¼ inch (or more depending on the manufacturer’s instructions) between the edge of the flooring and the wall or any other fixed objects. This space allows the laminate flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity without causing lifting or buckling. If you don’t have enough space, your laminate flooring will have no room to “float” and will push against the wall or object, creating pressure that can damage the planks and the locking system.
To prevent this mistake, you should measure and mark the space before you start laying the planks. You can use a spacer or wedges to maintain the space as you work. You should also remove the baseboards and any transition strips before installing the laminate flooring and reinstall them after you finish, making sure they cover the space but don’t press down on the flooring.
- Not laying the planks in a staggered pattern
Another common mistakes are to lay the laminate flooring in an H-pattern, where the end joints of two adjacent rows line up. This pattern creates weak spots in the floor and prevents it from moving freely. It can also cause lifting or separation of the planks over time.
To prevent this mistake, you should lay the laminate flooring in a staggered pattern, where the end joints of each row are offset by at least 6 inches (or more depending on the plank size) from the previous row. This pattern creates a stronger and more stable floor that can withstand expansion and contraction better. It also reduces waste and improves the appearance of the floor.
- Not using Underlayment
Underlayment is a thin layer of foam, cork, or other material that goes under the laminate flooring to provide cushioning, sound absorption, moisture protection and thermal insulation, moisture protection, and thermal insulation. Some laminate flooring products come with pre-attached underlayment, but others require you to use it separately.
Not using underlayment can cause several problems for your laminate flooring project. It can make your floor feel hard and uncomfortable to walk on. It can also make your floor noisy and prone to squeaks when you step on it. Moreover, it can expose your floor to moisture damage from the subfloor or concrete slab below.
To prevent this mistake, you should always use underlayment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You should also choose an underlayment that is compatible with your laminate flooring type and your subfloor condition. For example. If you are laying laminate flooring over a concrete slab, you should use an underlayment with a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping through.
- Not leveling the subfloor before installation
The subfloor is the surface that supports the laminate flooring. It can be made of wood, plywood, OSB, concrete or other materials. The subfloor must be level, smooth, and clean before you lay laminate flooring over it. Otherwise, your laminate flooring will not lay flat and have gaps, bumps, or unevenness.
Not leveling the subfloor before installing can cause your laminate flooring to feel spongy or bouncy when you walk on it. It can also cause shifting or movement of the planks when they are subjected to weight or pressure. Furthermore, it can affect the locking system of the planks and make them come apart or crack.
To prevent this mistake, you should check the subfloor for any high or low spots using a level or straight edge. You should also fill any holes or cracks with a suitable filler or patching compound. If you have a wood subfloor, you should secure any loose boards or nails with screws or glue. If you have a concrete subfloor, you should grind down any high spots or use a self-leveling compound to even out any low spots.
- Not acclimating the laminate flooring before installation
Laminate flooring is made of wood-based materials that react to changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is important to acclimatize the laminate flooring to the room where it will be installed before you start the installation process. This means letting the laminate flooring planks sit in the room for at least 48 hours (or more depending on the manufacturer’s instruction) in their original packaging, stacked flat and away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or moisture.
Not acclimating the laminate flooring before installation can cause your laminate flooring to expand or contract after installation, resulting in gaps, lifting, or warping. It can also void the warranty of your laminate flooring products.
To prevent this mistake, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to acclimate your laminate flooring properly. You should also check the temperature and humidity levels of the room and make sure they are within the recommended range for your laminate flooring products.
- Not using the right tools for the job
Installing laminate flooring requires some basic tools such as a tape measure, a pencil, a utility knife, a saw, a hammer, a tapping block, a pull bar, and a rubber mallet. However, some people try to use the wrong tools or improvise with whatever they have at hand. This can lead to poor installation quality and damage to the laminate flooring planks.
Not using the right tools for the job can cause your laminate flooring to have uneven cuts, chipped-edged, scratched surfaces, or broken locking systems. It can also make your installation process more difficult and time-consuming.
To prevent this mistake, you should invest in the right tools for your laminate flooring project or rent them from a local hardware store. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use them correctly and safely.
By avoiding these six common mistakes, you can ensure a successful and hassle-free laminate flooring installation that will last for years and look great. Id you need any help or advice on installing laminate flooring, feel free to contact us at www.hardwoodgiant.ca. We are happy to assist you with any of your flooring needs.
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