Installing a laminate floor is difficult? Nothing could be more wrong! As such, laminate flooring is one of the most popular choices. To clarify, the product is attractive both in terms of price and design. Today we will tell you about the process of installing a laminate floor. Much depends on the room and the laminate used. Consequently, technical details may change.
Preparation for installing a laminate floor
Laminate needs acclimatization. It is a very simple operation. It is enough to leave such panels in a box, in the room where they will be installed for 48 hours. The most important thing in the interior is to maintain room temperature at all times.
Before installing the laminate floor, the subfloor must be thoroughly sweep and washed. The deviations must not exceed 3 mm in the area of 1 meter. Therefore, the floor must be level.
Laying the underlay
So, when the washed floor is dry, it is worth spreading the underlay on it. The edges should be touching, but not overlapping or the floor will be uneven. When using an underlay with a moisture-proof membrane, make sure that it overlaps as it is larger than the rest of the underlay.
Installing a laminate floor
Before you lay the first board, define the installation method. Arrange the panels in the direction of the natural light or across it. First of all, measure the width of the planks correctly. Knowing this value, draw the layout of the boards, because the last panel in a row should not be shorter than 30 cm. Consequently, it will be necessary to trim the first panel.
Also, remember to keep clearances from walls, pipes and other permanently installed elements in the room.
Step by step
Step 1
You work from left to right. You start from the corner. Bring the end with your short tongue against the wall. Arrange expansion struts along the wall to maintain a 10mm gap. It is needed for natural changes in size depending on the season and temperature. In other words, thanks to this, the floor will not be damaged.
Step 2
Place another laminate board with the tongue and groove align. See the manual to learn about the locking mechanisms. Continue to the end of the row. The most common locking mechanism will be for the long edges to fit together at an angle of 30 degrees from the floor. When they are lowered, the boards should slide together. To start the next row, you can use the piece of board remaining from the previous line if it is longer than 30 cm. Place the cut panel against the wall. Move forward and press to lock the structure.
Step 3.
Installation of the last panels. Before laying, check that you do not need to shorten them in width. Most importantly, measure out the remaining space and trim each plank properly. Adjust the material separately to avoid re-cutting the material due to uneven walls. Additionally, with the help of assembly, use a tapping block to insert and connect the elements well.
Laying the floor under the pipes
Mark the position of the pipe on the slab to be laid. Drill a hole, remembering about the dilatation (about 16mm). Additionally, make two miter cuts from the edge of the plank to the sides of the opening. This way you will get a wedge from the board. After adjusting the plate, carefully glue it to it behind the pipe.
Finish
Measure and match the floor profile. Check that the door will open without any problem after installing it. Next, install the baseboards. If necessary, trim them properly. In addition, remember that the corner slats are cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Then apply the mounting glue to the back of the skirting board and stick it to the plinth. Thanks to this, the floor will be able to work freely all the time.
In short, you don’t need a professional to install laminate flooring. You can do it yourself! Would you like to know more about laminate flooring? We wrote about them here. Check out our Instagram to stay in touch with us. See you soon!