If you’re looking for a durable and attractive flooring option for your home, laminate flooring might be just what you need. Installing laminate flooring is a great way to update your home’s interior and improve its look and feel. In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps to installing laminate flooring in your home – everything from preparing the space to laying the planks! So if you’re ready for an easy upgrade that won’t break the bank, keep reading below.
Step 1: Choose Your Laminate Flooring
The first step in installing laminate flooring is choosing the type you want. Laminate flooring offers a wide range of options, so choosing the right one for your home is important.
Consider the planks’ thickness, the flooring’s colour and texture, and the traffic level in the room where you plan to install the flooring. Thicker planks are more durable and can handle higher traffic levels, while lighter-coloured planks make a room appear larger and more spacious.
Step 2: Measure and Prepare the Room
Before installing laminate flooring, measure the room and prepare the subfloor. Start by measuring the length and width of the room to determine how much flooring you’ll need.
Next, remove any old flooring and clean the subfloor thoroughly. Ensure the subfloor is level and free of debris or adhesive residue. If the subfloor is uneven, you may need a levelling compound to create a smooth surface.
Step 3: Install the Underlayment
Before you install the laminate flooring, you’ll need to install an underlayment to provide a smooth surface and protect the flooring from moisture. Laminate Flooring offers a range of underlayment options, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Roll out the underlayment and cut it to fit the room. Overlap the seams by several inches and tape them together with moisture-resistant tape.
Step 4: Lay Out the Flooring
Once the underlayment is in place, it’s time to lay out the flooring. Start by laying out a few rows of planks to determine the pattern and spacing that works best for your room.
Be sure to leave a small gap between the planks and the wall to allow for expansion. This gap can be covered with baseboards or quarter-round moulding after the flooring is installed.
Step 5: Install the Flooring
Now it’s time to start laminate installation. Begin in one corner of the room and work across the room in rows.
Start by placing the first plank in the corner of the room and snap the second plank into place. Continue snapping planks together, making sure to stagger the seams between rows. Use a tapping block and a hammer to ensure the planks are snugly in place.
As you work across the room, you may need to cut some planks to fit around corners or obstructions. Use a saw to make precise cuts, and leave a small gap between the plank and the wall for expansion.
Step 6: Finish the Installation
Once all the planks are in place, you can finish the installation by installing baseboards or quarter-round moulding to cover the gaps around the room’s perimeter.
Finally, thoroughly clean the flooring to remove any dust or debris. You can use a damp mop or a laminate floor cleaner to keep your new flooring looking its best.
Conclusion
Installing laminate flooring is a great way to update the look and feel of your home. By following these steps, you can confidently install your new flooring and enjoy the benefits of a durable and attractive flooring option.
Remember to choose the right type of flooring for your needs, measure and prepare the room properly, and take your time during the installation process to ensure a perfect fit. And if at any point you need assistance during your installation project, don’t hesitate to contact us at Northwest Flooring & Design. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and value your business.
