Installing Laminate Floors

The key to installing laminate floors is patience. There is no need to hurry if you want to get the job done right. Even if your timetable is strict, laminate flooring installation is a chore that has to be paced properly in order to come out accurately. The popular adage, "haste makes waste" is very appropriate here, and in this case, "haste makes a mess".

Before anything, plan out how you want the planks to lay on the floor. Many experts can say that beautiful installations can usually be made when planks are parallel to light and doorways. For hallways however, put the planks parallel to the walls of the hallway, regardless of where the light hits.

Next, measure the width of the room where you will be installing the laminate floors. By doing this, you can then figure out how the planks at the walls of the room will end up. For example, if the last row's width will end up having a measurement of less than two inches, you might want to consider shortening the first row's width as well to accommodate the last row.

After measuring, you can then install your underlayments. If your are using both standard foam and simple moisture-proof underlayments, make sure that the moisture-proof barrier goes in between the subfloor and the standard foam. If using a combo underlayment, make sure that the moisture barrier faces the subfloor. Roll out the underlayment so that it fits tightly against the walls. Be sure to pull and stretch out wrinkles, trim the excess foam around the edges, and tape the seams together with duct tape.

Many manufacturers include installation kits with their product such as custom spacers, pull bars and glue. These installation kits are included to make your job easier. Before gluing the planks in, be sure to fit them together and add spacers between the planks and walls to make room for expansion and contraction. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with the installation kit you are using in order to keep your new floor's warranty valid. Some kits could instruct you to stay away from your floor for a number of days.

If you need cut or sand the planks, it is a good idea to do it in a room other than the one you are working in. It will save you from a lot of airborne dust that could become a nuisance or even a hazard. Be careful when cutting the planks as you can cause chipping. Simply follow the directions of the tool's manufacturer, or just ask for advice from the hardware store where you bought it from.

Apply glue to the groove joints of each plank and tap them with adequate force (do not bang them too hard). Wipe excess glue with a damp rag. A pull bar will help you to fit the last row tightly. Some water-based glue may cause some swelling and unevenness, but the planks will eventually fit back into shape.