Introduction
Laminate flooring has become an attractive choice for its low cost, low maintenance, and widespread availability. Laminate flooring can be laid over any subfloor and looks wonderful if done properly. Installation mistakes can be costly if you aren’t attentive. To ensure your flooring installation goes smoothly, read these common mistakes.
Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring
Laminate floor installation is easy to do. But don’t rush into installing your new laminate floor without first familiarizing yourself with the most common problems. These are:
Laying the Floor on the Wrong Base
You can put this flooring wherever in your house except for the bathrooms and kitchens. Installing laminate flooring in a humid environment, such as a bathroom or kitchen, might cause discoloration and bubbling. So, it would help if you take precautions against moisture by applying sealant or vapor barrier.
Not Allowing the Laminate to Acclimatize
Laminate flooring needs time to acclimatize in your home after installation. This way, you can reduce the likelihood of warping and buckling. In general, it’s recommended to let your flooring planks acclimatize for 48 to 72 hours before installing them.
Not Checking the Level of Your Laminate Flooring
Before you begin installing it, check to see if the floor is level. Boards can warp and buckle over time if the wood flooring isn’t perfectly flat. Using a spirit level when installing the flooring is one solution to this issue. This will help in keeping the boards from moving out of place and into the proper alignment.
Not Using a Laminate Flooring Underlay
When deciding on a laminate floor, you have to decide whether to put an underlay or not. People usually avoid using a flooring underlay because they think that doing so will raise the cost of the project. However, saving money by skipping the underlayment at the beginning might not be a good decision.
Not Using Expansion Joints
Adding an expansion joint to the laminate flooring is necessary. This will let your floor stretch and compress as necessary. If you’re covering a space that’s more than 7 meters wide or 10 meters long, or if you’re transitioning between rooms, you should use an expansion joint to prevent buckling and other damage.
Not Leaving Room for Edge Expansion
The nature of laminate flooring is what allows the interlocking boards to move together rather than independently over the floor. As a result, flooring will move slightly as people walk on it, so you’ll have to allow some space around the walls to avoid any issues.
Not Using the Correct Tools
Laminate needs certain tools to be installed properly without any harm. A tapping block, pull bar, edge spacers, adhesive, and rubber mallet will help you. Installing using the improper tools might harm flooring or make the installation appear bad. So, make sure you use the right tools. Also, make sure to hire a professional for flooring installation work, some times common mistakes when installing vinyl plank flooring can disturb the look of your flooring.
Skipping the Instructions
Laminate flooring is installed similarly, although not all types and styles require the same procedure. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before installation for the greatest finish and longest-lasting flooring.
Not Finishing the Job
One of the biggest laminate flooring blunders is leaving DIY projects incomplete. Unfinished floors seem messy due to missing transitions, moldings, or other issues.Apply final touches to your laminate floor carefully for the best outcome.
Neglecting Good Aftercare
Many people think that they can enjoy laminate flooring for years without maintenance after installation. Laminate flooring needs frequent maintenance to appear their best. If you don’t, the flooring will discolor and wear out faster.
Conclusion
You just completed reading our list of the top mistakes people make when installing laminate flooring before you begin. Beautiful new flooring that lasts for years is within your reach with just a little bit of planning and focus on subfloor preparation.
