Installing Laminate Flooring Over Wood

Installing Laminate Flooring Over Wood: A Comprehensive Guide

Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and affordability. If you're considering installing laminate flooring over an existing wood floor, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary steps and considerations to ensure a successful installation.

Assessing the Existing Wood Floor

Before you begin, it's crucial to assess the condition of your existing wood floor. The floor should be level, stable, and free of any significant damage or unevenness. Check for any loose or creaky floorboards and address them appropriately. If the floor is not level or stable, you may need to level it using a self-leveling compound or install a subfloor.

Preparing the Subfloor

Once you've assessed the condition of the wood floor, you need to prepare the subfloor for the laminate flooring. The most important step is to ensure that the subfloor is flat, dry, and clean. Remove any existing baseboards or moldings and sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any dust or debris. If there are any gaps or cracks between the floorboards, fill them with wood filler or caulk.

Installing the Underlayment

An underlayment is a thin layer of material that goes between the subfloor and the laminate flooring. It provides a moisture barrier, sound absorption, and additional cushioning. Choose an underlayment that is moisture-resistant and compatible with both your wood floor and laminate flooring. Roll out the underlayment over the subfloor, overlapping the seams by at least 2 inches.

Installing the Laminate Flooring

Now you're ready to install the laminate flooring. Start by laying out the planks in a dry fit to ensure a proper fit and to determine the cutting requirements. Use a spacers around the perimeter of the room to maintain an expansion gap. When you're satisfied with the layout, apply a thin layer of glue to the underside of the first plank and place it in the corner of the room. Continue laying the planks, interlocking them together and tapping them into place using a tapping block.

Finishing Touches

Once all the laminate flooring is installed, you can add the finishing touches. Trim the excess material around the edges of the room using a saw, miter box, or laminate cutter. Install moldings or baseboards around the perimeter of the room to conceal the expansion gap and provide a finished look. Finally, enjoy your newly installed laminate flooring!