How To Lay Laminate Flooring On Top Of Floorboards

Laying Laminate Flooring on Top of Floorboards: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing laminate flooring on top of existing floorboards is a feasible project that can transform the appearance of your home while enhancing its durability. By following the right steps and paying attention to details, you can achieve a seamless and professionally finished floor.

Materials and Tools

Before beginning the installation process, gather the necessary materials and tools:

Laminate flooring (measure and calculate the necessary amount)
Underlayment (choose an appropriate type for your subfloor)
Moisture barrier (if the subfloor is not moisture resistant)
Spacers (to maintain uniform gaps around the edges)
Circular saw or flooring cutter
Hammer
Tapping block
Pry bar
Measuring tape
Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1: Floor Preparation

Ensure that the floorboards are clean, dry, and structurally sound. Remove any existing baseboards or moldings. If the floorboards are uneven or damaged, consider leveling or repairing them before proceeding with the installation.

Step 2: Moisture Barrier

If your subfloor is not moisture-resistant, lay down a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from seeping through and damaging the laminate flooring. Overlap the sheets and seal the seams with tape.

Step 3: Underlayment Installation

Install the underlayment over the moisture barrier. Roll it out and cut it to fit the room, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Underlayment provides sound insulation, reduces footfall noise, and smoothes out minor imperfections.

Step 4: Starting the First Row

Measure the width of the room and cut the first plank accordingly. Place a spacer at one end of the room and align the plank flush against it. Ensure that the groove side faces the wall. Tap the plank into place using a tapping block and hammer, working your way across the room.

Step 5: Connecting the Planks

Connect the remaining planks in the first row by angling the tongue of one plank into the groove of the adjacent plank and tapping them together. Continue this process until the entire first row is complete.

Step 6: Subsequent Rows

Stagger the joints of the subsequent rows by half a plank to enhance the strength and durability of the flooring. Use a circular saw or flooring cutter to cut the planks to length, and always leave a 1/2-inch expansion gap around the edges of the room.

Step 7: Tapping and Spacing

Continue tapping the planks into place, using a tapping block to distribute the force evenly. Adjust the spacers as needed to maintain uniform gaps. Once a row is complete, check for any gaps or buckles and adjust accordingly.

Step 8: Wall Trimming

Measure and cut the last row of planks to fit the space between the previous row and the wall. Use a pry bar to gently pry up the planks if necessary and slide in the cut planks. Tap them into place and remove the spacers.

Step 9: Baseboard and Moldings

Reinstall the baseboards or moldings around the edges of the laminate flooring. Secure them using nails or screws and fill any gaps with caulk to provide a clean and finished look.

Tips for Success

Allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to the room temperature for at least 48 hours before installing.
Always work in a clean and dry environment.
Use a sharp blade on the circular saw or flooring cutter for precise cuts.
Tap the planks together firmly, but avoid excessive force that could damage the joints.
Check the level of the flooring regularly to ensure it is even.

By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can achieve a beautiful and durable laminate floor over existing floorboards that will enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home for years to come.