Laying Laminate Flooring On Wooden Floorboards

Laying Laminate Flooring On Wooden Floorboards: A Step-by-Step Guide

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it is durable, easy to maintain, and relatively affordable. Laminate can be installed on a variety of subfloors, including wooden floorboards.

If you are planning to lay laminate flooring on wooden floorboards, there are a few things you need to do to prepare the subfloor and ensure a successful installation.

Tools and Materials:

Laminate flooring
Underlayment
Vapor barrier (optional)
Miter saw or circular saw
Tape measure
Pencil
Hammer or mallet
Tapping block
Crowbar

Steps:

Step 1: Inspect the Wooden Floorboards

Before you begin laying the laminate flooring, you need to inspect the condition of the wooden floorboards. Check for any loose or damaged boards, and repair or replace as needed.

Step 2: Install the Vapor Barrier

If your wooden floorboards are not already protected against moisture, you may want to install a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier is a thin sheet of plastic that is placed beneath the laminate flooring to prevent moisture from seeping up from the subfloor.

Step 3: Install the Underlayment

Underlayment is a thin foam or felt layer that is placed beneath the laminate flooring to provide cushioning and insulation. Underlayment also helps to reduce noise and prevents the laminate flooring from buckling or warping.

Step 4: Start Laying the Laminate Flooring

Start laying the laminate flooring in a corner of the room. Place the first plank along the wall, leaving a small gap between the plank and the wall. Tap the next plank into place using a hammer or mallet and tapping block. Continue laying the planks in this manner until you reach the opposite wall.

Step 5: Cut and Install the Last Row of Planks

The last row of planks may need to be cut to fit. Measure the space between the last plank and the wall, and cut the planks to the appropriate size. Tap the cut planks into place.

Step 6: Install the Trim

Once the laminate flooring is installed, you can install the trim. Trim helps to cover the expansion gap between the laminate flooring and the wall.

Tips:

- Use a tapping block to prevent damage to the laminate flooring when tapping the planks into place. - Allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to the room for at least 24 hours before installing. - Leave a small expansion gap between the laminate flooring and the wall. - Do not install laminate flooring in areas that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens.