Laying Laminate Flooring Around Door Jambs

Laying Laminate Flooring Around Door Jambs: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing laminate flooring is a popular home improvement project that can enhance the look and feel of any room. However, one of the trickier aspects of the installation process is laying the flooring around door jambs. With proper preparation and technique, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will complement your new flooring.

To begin, you will need to remove the baseboards around the door frame. Using a pry bar or flathead screwdriver, carefully pry the baseboards away from the wall and set them aside. Next, measure the width of the door frame and cut a piece of laminate flooring to fit. The flooring should be long enough to cover the entire width of the door frame, plus an additional 1/2 inch on each side for overhang.

To create the overhang, place a scrap piece of laminate flooring against the door frame and mark the width of the door frame on the flooring. Then, use a utility knife to score the flooring along the marked line. Bend the scored portion of the flooring down to create the overhang.

Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the bottom of the overhang and insert the flooring into the door frame. Press the flooring firmly into place and use a tapping block and hammer to secure it. Once the flooring is secured, you can reinstall the baseboards.

For a more seamless look, you can use a transition strip to cover the joint between the laminate flooring and the door frame. Transition strips are available in a variety of materials and finishes to match your flooring and décor.

Here are some additional tips for laying laminate flooring around door jambs:

Use a sharp utility knife to score the flooring. This will prevent the flooring from chipping or breaking when you bend it.
Apply construction adhesive sparingly. Too much adhesive can cause the flooring to buckle.
Use a tapping block and hammer to secure the flooring. This will prevent the flooring from moving or shifting.
Reinstall the baseboards carefully. Make sure to nail the baseboards into the studs, not just the drywall.

With these tips in mind, you can successfully lay laminate flooring around door jambs and achieve a professional-looking finish.