TJ’s Tips - A Comprehensive Guide to Laying Laminate Flooring

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:

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!