Laying Laminate Flooring On Cement

Laying Laminate Flooring On Cement: A Comprehensive Guide

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, ease of installation, and budget-friendly nature. While it can be installed on various subfloors, including plywood and underlayment, laying laminate flooring on cement requires specific considerations to ensure a successful and long-lasting installation.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to laying laminate flooring on cement, covering essential aspects such as:

Required tools and materials
Preparing the cement subfloor
Installing a moisture barrier
Laying the laminate flooring
Finishing touches

By following these steps carefully, you can achieve a professional-looking and durable laminate flooring installation on your cement subfloor.

Tools and Materials

Before starting the installation, gather the following tools and materials:

Laminate flooring planks
Moisture barrier
Underlayment (optional)
Hammer or tapping block
Pull bar
Measuring tape
Pencil
Circular saw or miter saw
Safety glasses
Dust mask

Preparing the Cement Subfloor

The cement subfloor must be level, dry, and free of any imperfections that could affect the stability of the flooring. To prepare the subfloor:

Inspect the cement surface for any cracks, chips, or unevenness. Repair any imperfections using a cement patching compound.
Sweep and vacuum the surface thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
Check the moisture content of the cement using a moisture meter. The ideal moisture level should be below 12%. If the cement is too moist, allow it to dry further or consider installing a vapor barrier.

Installing a Moisture Barrier

A moisture barrier is essential to prevent moisture from the cement subfloor from seeping into the laminate flooring. To install the moisture barrier:

Roll out the moisture barrier over the prepared cement surface.
Overlapping the seams by 6 inches.
Tape the seams together using moisture-resistant tape.

Laying the Laminate Flooring

With the moisture barrier in place, you can begin laying the laminate flooring:

Start in a corner of the room and lay the first row of planks along the wall.
Tap the planks together using a hammer or tapping block. Ensure that the planks are tightly joined to prevent gaps.
Continue laying subsequent rows, staggering the joints for added strength.
Use a pull bar to pull planks together in tight spaces or corners.
Measure and cut planks to fit around obstacles or doorways using a circular saw or miter saw.

Finishing Touches

Once the flooring is installed, complete the following finishing touches:

Install baseboards or moldings to cover the expansion gap between the wall and the flooring.
Remove any excess moisture barrier or underlayment that may be visible.
Clean the floor using a laminate floor cleaner.

By following these steps carefully, you can successfully install laminate flooring on cement, providing a beautiful and durable surface for years to come.