How To Lay Laminate Flooring Into A Doorway

How to Lay Laminate Flooring Into a Doorway

Installing laminate flooring into a doorway can be a daunting task, but it's definitely possible to do it yourself with a little bit of preparation and the right tools. Here are the essential steps to help you get the job done right.

1. Prepare the doorway

The first step is to prepare the doorway by removing any existing flooring, baseboards, and doorstops. You'll also need to level the subfloor if it's not already level. To do this, you can use a self-leveling compound or a leveling kit.

2. Install the underlayment

Once the doorway is prepared, you can install the underlayment. Underlayment is a thin layer of material that goes between the subfloor and the laminate flooring. It helps to reduce noise and moisture, and it also provides a cushion for the flooring.

3. Start laying the laminate flooring

Now it's time to start laying the laminate flooring. Begin by laying a row of planks along one wall of the doorway. Make sure that the planks are aligned properly and that the ends are flush with the wall.

4. Continue laying the laminate flooring

Once you have laid the first row of planks, you can continue laying the rest of the flooring in the same manner. Be sure to stagger the joints between the planks so that they don't line up directly with each other.

5. Cut the laminate flooring to fit

As you reach the doorway, you'll need to cut the laminate flooring to fit around the door frame. To do this, you can use a jigsaw or a circular saw. Be sure to measure carefully and make sure that the cuts are clean and straight.

6. Install the transition strip

Once the laminate flooring is laid, you'll need to install a transition strip at the doorway. This will help to cover the joint between the laminate flooring and the other flooring in the room.

7. Install the baseboards and doorstops

Finally, you can install the baseboards and doorstops. Baseboards will help to cover the expansion gap between the laminate flooring and the wall, while doorstops will help to prevent the door from hitting the flooring.

Tips for laying laminate flooring into a doorway

Here are a few tips to help you lay laminate flooring into a doorway:

Use a tapping block to help you fit the planks together tightly.
Be sure to leave a small expansion gap between the laminate flooring and the wall.
Use a caulk gun to fill in any gaps between the laminate flooring and the door frame.
Allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to the room for at least 24 hours before installing it.