What Is Needed To Install Laminate Wood Flooring

Essential Aspects of Installing Laminate Wood Flooring

Installing laminate wood flooring is a relatively straightforward project that can be completed by most do-it-yourselfers. However, there are a few essential aspects that you need to know before you begin.

1. Preparing the Subfloor

The first step is to prepare the subfloor. This involves making sure that the subfloor is level, flat, and dry. If the subfloor is not level, you will need to level it using a self-leveling compound. If the subfloor is not flat, you will need to sand it down until it is smooth. If the subfloor is not dry, you will need to wait until it is before you can begin installing the flooring.

2. Installing the Underlayment

Once the subfloor is prepared, you will need to install the underlayment. The underlayment is a thin layer of material that goes between the subfloor and the flooring. The underlayment helps to reduce noise and moisture, and it also helps to make the flooring more comfortable to walk on.

3. Acclimating the Flooring

Before you begin installing the flooring, you will need to acclimate it to the room where it will be installed. This means letting the flooring sit in the room for a few days so that it can adjust to the temperature and humidity. Acclimating the flooring will help to prevent it from buckling or warping after it is installed.

4. Installing the Flooring

Once the flooring is acclimated, you can begin installing it. The flooring is typically installed using a tongue-and-groove system. This means that the planks fit together like puzzle pieces. You will start by installing the first row of flooring along the longest wall in the room. Once the first row is installed, you can continue installing the rest of the flooring by staggering the joints. As you install the flooring, you will need to use a tapping block and a hammer to lock the planks together.

5. Finishing the Installation

Once all of the flooring is installed, you will need to finish the installation by adding trim and moldings. The trim and moldings will help to hide the edges of the flooring and give it a finished look.