Installing laminate flooring doesn’t have to be hard. If you do your research and read all the directions that come with your purchase, you should have a handle on what to expect when you are installing laminate flooring.
The first thing you need to know before installing laminate flooring in your home, is that laminate flooring must be allowed to acclimate to its new environment. You can do this easily by placing the boxes of laminate in the room where you are planning on installing your laminate flooring. Do this for at least 48 hours, with 72 hours being ideal. If you don’t do this, the flooring may buckle. This is the most common mistake that is made when installing laminate flooring.
You must leave a gap between any obstacles and that includes walls. If you don’t leave a gap, this too may cause buckling after installing laminate flooring. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s directions to a T, you may invalidate your warranty.
If you plan on installing laminate flooring over a concrete surface, you will need to erect a vapor barrier. You should tape seams with a tape that is moisture resistant. You should never install laminate flooring over a drain.
Some makers of laminate flooring say that installing laminate flooring over a carpet is acceptable. It should not be carpeting that has a low pile or a hard twist. You need to watch out for separation when you are installing laminate flooring over a carpet.
When installing laminate flooring, the smallest piece shouldn’t be any less than eight inches in length and the width shouldn’t be less than two inches. You should measure the room where you intend on installing laminate flooring. Proper preparation procedures can make installing laminate flooring a breeze and can help you to avoid costly mistakes later on.
Before installing laminate flooring, ensure that the surface has no soft spots or dings. If you have a squeaky floor, installing laminate flooring over the problem will not fix it. Installing laminate flooring can be a challenging project, but armed with the correct knowledge; installing laminate flooring can be a snap.