How To Lay Laminate Flooring Around A Doorway

How to Lay Laminate Flooring Around a Doorway

Installing laminate flooring around a doorway can be a tricky task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done successfully. Here are the essential steps to help you achieve a professional-looking finish:

1. Preparation: Before you start laying the flooring, it's crucial to prepare the area around the doorway. Remove the doorjamb and the molding around the frame. Using a pry bar or a utility knife, carefully remove any existing flooring that extends into the doorway.

2. Installing the Transition Piece: A transition piece is used to connect the laminate flooring to the existing flooring in the doorway. Measure the width of the doorway and cut the transition piece to the appropriate length. Place the transition piece in the doorway and secure it using nails or adhesive.

3. Laying the Flooring: Begin laying the laminate flooring planks from the corner of the room, working towards the doorway. Align the planks perpendicular to the doorway and tap them together using a tapping block and a hammer. Continue laying the planks until you reach the edge of the doorway.

4. Cutting Around the Doorway: To fit the flooring around the doorway, you'll need to cut the planks to shape. Measure the distance from the edge of the doorway to the wall and transfer this measurement to the flooring plank. Use a circular saw or a jigsaw to cut the plank along the marked line.

5. Installing the Cut Planks: Insert the cut planks into the doorway, ensuring they fit snugly against the transition piece. Tap them into place using the tapping block and hammer. Trim any excess flooring that extends beyond the doorway using a utility knife.

6. Reinstalling the Molding and Doorjamb: Once the flooring is installed, reinstall the doorjamb and the molding around the frame. Secure them using nails or screws, and ensure they are flush with the wall.

7. Finishing Touches: Vacuum the flooring to remove any debris. Check for any gaps between the flooring planks and fill them with wood filler. Finally, reseal the transition piece and any gaps around the molding for a durable and professional-looking finish.

By following these steps, you can successfully lay laminate flooring around a doorway, creating a seamless and visually appealing transition between different flooring materials.