6 Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring

Laying laminate flooring can be a cost-effective and relatively simple way to upgrade the look and feel of a home. This popular and versatile flooring option is well-loved for its durability, ease of maintenance, and resemblance to natural wood. However, even with the ease of installation, there are some common mistakes that homeowners and DIY installers may encounter when laying laminate flooring.

One issue that can arise during the installation process is a failure to properly prepare the subfloor. Ensuring a clean, level, and dry subfloor is crucial for the longevity and appearance of the laminate flooring. Additionally, proper planning and measuring can prevent waste and misaligned patterns, as well as provide a more professional-looking result.

Another common mistake is not providing the necessary expansion gaps around the edges of the room. Laminate flooring, like any other material, will expand and contract due to changes in temperature and humidity. Leaving appropriate gaps will prevent buckling, lifting, or damage to the floor and surrounding structures.

Preparation Errors

Insufficient Acclimation Time

It’s essential to allow laminate flooring to acclimate to the environment where it will be installed. Failing to provide sufficient acclimation time can result in expansion and contraction issues. Typically, manufacturers recommend a period of 48 to 72 hours for the material to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity levels. Stack the flooring packages in the space in a way that allows for good air circulation around them.

Improper Underlayment

Selecting the right underlayment is crucial for a successful laminate flooring installation. The underlayment serves multiple purposes, including moisture protection, noise reduction, and providing a smooth surface for the flooring.

• Moisture protection: In areas such as basements, a vapor barrier should be used to prevent moisture from damaging the flooring. Choose an underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier or use a separate vapor barrier, especially on concrete subfloors.
• Noise reduction: Some underlayments are designed to reduce noise by absorbing foot traffic and impact sounds. If sound insulation is a priority, look for options with a high acoustic rating.
• Surface leveling: The underlayment should provide a smooth and even surface for the laminate flooring. Irregularities in the subfloor can lead to chipping or squeaking issues. Select an underlayment that offers adequate thickness and density to compensate for minor imperfections in the subfloor.

By addressing these preparation errors, you can ensure a successful and long-lasting laminate flooring installation.

Installation Mistakes

Incorrect Expansion Gaps

One common mistake when installing laminate flooring is neglecting to leave proper expansion gaps. Laminate flooring is a floating system that needs space to expand and contract due to temperature and humidity changes. Without the right expansion gaps, the flooring can buckle or develop gaps between the planks. To avoid this issue, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure you leave the recommended gap, usually between 1/4 to 1/2 inch, around the perimeter of the room.

Poor Alignment

Another mistake often made during laminate flooring installation is poor alignment of the planks, which can result in an unprofessional appearance and functional problems. To ensure proper alignment, follow these tips:

• Stagger the joints: Avoid lining up the seams of adjacent rows. Instead, stagger the joints to create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing look and provide structural stability.
• Use spacers: To maintain consistent gaps between the walls and the flooring, use spacers and adjust as necessary while installing the planks. Remove spacers once the installation is complete.
• Check plank edges: Ensure that the edges of each plank are in good condition and free of damage before installation. Damaged edges can cause poor alignment and other issues.

By avoiding these common installation mistakes, you will be well on your way to achieving a beautiful and long-lasting laminate floor. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and take your time during the installation process to ensure the best possible outcome.

Finishing Issues

Baseboards and Transitions

Finishing issues with laminate flooring often occur when baseboards and transitions are not properly installed. It is crucial to ensure that baseboards are firmly attached to the wall, but not nailed through the flooring. This allows for the natural expansion and contraction of the laminate.

Transitions, such as T-moldings or reducers, serve as a bridge between laminate and other flooring surfaces. They should be installed with the correct end profiles to accommodate height differences in the flooring. Moreover, a sufficient expansion gap must be left around the transitions to avoid buckling and potential damage.

Properly installing baseboards and transitions will result in a polished and professional appearance for any laminate flooring project.

Moisture Protection

Moisture protection is another significant concern when laying laminate flooring. Inadequate moisture protection can lead to swelling and warping of the laminate, resulting in an uneven and unsightly finish.

To prevent moisture-related issues, it is imperative to:

• Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level before starting the installation process.
• Use a moisture-resistant underlayment, such as foam or rubber. This not only provides added cushion and sound insulation but also serves as a moisture barrier.
• Install a vapor barrier (6-mil polyethylene or equivalent) when laying laminate over concrete subfloors to protect the laminate from potential moisture damage.

By addressing these moisture protection concerns, one can effectively prevent many finishing issues that may arise when laying laminate flooring.