
TJ's Tips: A Comprehensive Guide to Laying Laminate Flooring
Laying laminate flooring can transform your home with a professional finish. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a stunning result.
Materials You'll Need:
- Laminate flooring
- Underlay
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Saw (handsaw or mitre saw )
- Hammer
- Tapping block
- Pull bar
- Protective goggles
- Knee pads
Preparation:
1. Room Preparation
- Remove all existing flooring
- Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and completely level
- Remove any skirting boards or door architraves
- Check the floor for significant dips or bumps and level if necessary
2. Acclimatise Your Flooring
- Leave laminate planks in the room for 48 hours before installation
- Keep planks in their packaging
- Maintain room temperature between 18-22°C
- This allows the planks to adjust to room conditions and prevents later warping
3. Lay the Underlay
- Roll out foam or rubber underlay across the entire floor
- Cut to fit precisely
- Ensure edges are butted together without overlapping
- Use tape to secure joins
4. Planning Your Layout
- Measure the room's width and length
- Calculate plank layout to avoid narrow end rows
- Aim for end joints in adjacent rows to be staggered by at least 200mm
- Planks should run parallel to the longest wall for best visual effect
Installation Process
5. First Row Placement
- Start in a corner of the room
- Leave a 10mm expansion gap around all walls using spacers
- Click or lock planks together according to manufacturer's instructions
- Use a timber block of some sort to ensure tight connections
6. Continuing Rows
- Use the pull bar to ensure tight connections at end joints
- Always check each row is straight and level
- Trim end planks to fit using a saw
- Maintain consistent expansion gaps
7. Cutting and Fitting
- Measure twice, cut once
- Use a fine-toothed saw for clean cuts
- Allow for pipes and irregular room shapes
- Always wear protective goggles when cutting
8. Final Touches
- Replace skirting boards
- Install profile strips where flooring meets other surfaces
- Remove spacers (if used)
- Clean the floor thoroughly
Pro Tips
- Always read the specific manufacturer's installation instructions
- Work methodically and don't rush
- Invest in good quality tools
- Buy 10% extra flooring to account for cuts and potential mistakes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to leave expansion gaps
- Not checking plank alignment
- Installing on an uneven subfloor
- Forcing planks together
Remember, patience and precision are key to a professional-looking laminate floor!