How To Lay Down Wood Laminate Flooring

How to Lay Down Wood Laminate Flooring

Upgrading your flooring with wood laminate can be a great way to enhance the look and feel of your home. It's a relatively easy project that can be completed in a few days, even if you're a beginner. Here are the essential steps to guide you through the process:

Preparation

Before you begin, it's crucial to prepare the subfloor. It should be level, dry, and free of any debris or imperfections. Use a self-leveling compound or sand down any high spots if necessary. Additionally, remove any baseboards or moldings that may interfere with the installation.

Underlayment

An underlayment provides cushioning and moisture protection. Roll it out over the prepared subfloor, ensuring that the joints are taped together. Choose an underlayment that's appropriate for your specific flooring type and the conditions of your subfloor.

Plank Installation

Begin laying the planks in the corner of the room, making sure the tongue faces the wall. Tap the planks together using a tapping block and hammer, alternating the starting direction of each row for stability. Keep the planks parallel to each other and cut any pieces that need to fit around obstacles, such as doorways or closets.

Expansion Gaps

Leave a small expansion gap around the perimeter of the room, approximately 1/4 inch. This gap allows the flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, preventing buckling or warping. Use spacers to ensure consistent gaps.

Moldings and Trim

Once the flooring is installed, reinstall the baseboards or moldings by nailing them through the tongue of the last plank and into the subfloor. Add quarter-round molding to cover any gaps between the flooring and walls, and install transition strips where different flooring surfaces meet.

Maintenance

Wood laminate flooring is relatively easy to maintain. Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dust and dirt. Use a damp mop to clean spills or stains, but avoid excessive moisture. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can damage the finish of the flooring.