If you are considering installing laminate flooring, you will be overwhelmed to see the available options. There is a wide variety of wood-like products as well as ceramic tiles and stone imitations. Above all, most home owners pick laminate flooring because it is a great product for DIY flooring project and is cost-effective.
Usually, laminate flooring can be installed on any other flooring material, except indoor/outdoor carpets. This means, you need not to tear down or fix your existing cement, tiled, or wooden flooring to install laminate flooring above it. Then again, it is important to consider the raise in floor level when installing laminate flooring over other flooring material.
Preparations to do before laminate flooring installation
There are a few things to consider before you go ahead and install laminate flooring in any room. To ensure that the job gets completed smoothly, here are a few preparations you must do…
Check the moisture level
The base of the laminate flooring is made from wood. This means, the moisture level of the room where you plan to install it should be low. If wooden core of laminated planks will come in contact with excess moisture, it will get damaged eventually. To ensure this doesn’t happen, check the moisture level of the sub-floor. If you aren’t sure about doing it yourself, always consult a specialist.
Clean the floor and level the room
If there is excess dirt and dust on the floor, it can cause unevenness, and in some cases even a typical clicking sound once the laminate flooring is installed. To avoid this situation, it is best to either broom or vacuum the floor thoroughly.
To check the floor level, first of all remove base shoe and baseboards. Next, with the help of a spirit level tool, ensure that the floor is absolutely straight and leveled. This is important because installing on an uneven floor can leave spongy areas as well as result in open seams.
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Level the door trims and jambs if needed
Before you begin with the installation, determine if there will be enough space for the door to open and close smoothly. If not, trim your doors to align with your new laminate flooring.
Acclimate the laminate flooring with the room
Bring in all the laminate planks in the room where they are supposed to be installed, and give it 48 to 72 hours to get acclimated with the humidity and temperature of the room. Open the packages and distribute planks all around the room. If you skip this step, there are chances that your newly installed laminate flooring might expand or shrink after installation.
Well, there you go. Your room and laminate planks are all set for installation. Lastly, if you aren’t confident about doing it yourself, it is always a good idea to call in the professionals.