Before Installation of a Laminate Floor

Being prepared for the installation of your laminate floor will help ensure that the whole process goes smoothly and efficiently. Knowing what to expect will also make things less stressful on you, your family, and your home.

Hire a Pro.
Although most laminate floors are easier to install than other flooring options, the process is more difficult, labor intensive and exacting than most people assume, and definitely harder than it looks on those home improvement shows or commercials. We strongly recommend you call upon a reliable, experienced professional to install your floor, insuring a beautiful, efficient and correct installation.

Even though we are recommending that you hire a professional, such as those with America's Floor Source, there are some aspects of the installation process that will be useful to you before, during, and after installation.

Floating Floors.
Laminate floors are installed using a "floating floor system" in which a padded underlayment sits between the subfloor and the laminate planks.

The planks sit directly on the underlayment and are not anchored to the subfloor on the bottom but rather anchored by the edges.

When walked upon, this type of installation can produce a hollow sound and have a slight give.

Slight ridging or peaking where planks are joined together may also occur. This is considered normal and nothing for you to be concerned about.

Some laminate floors lock together without the use of adhesive on the sides of the planks. These are glueless installations. Glueless laminate floors have planks that simply interlock together. These floors make for easy repair.

The Substrate.
The first step an installer will take when installing a laminate floor is to closely inspect your subfloor for any imperfections. While no floor is perfectly level, the subfloor should be checked for any noticeable gaps or ridges that could cause problems.

Underlayment.
Once the subfloor is ready, the installers will put down an underlayment directly over your subfloor.

This underlayment allows the floor to expand and contract with changes in temperature and also acts as a sound and moisture barrier.

In some installations, there are two underlayment layers. The first layer is installed to specifically act as a moisture barrier, while the second layer provides a sound barrier and enhances your flooring's performance.

The underlayment is typically rolled out and taped together at the seams. Installers will cut the pieces of underlayment where needed with a precision utility knife to make a perfect fit.

Laying the Floor
Installers will typically begin in the left corner of the area and leave a minimum 1/4" space between the flooring and the perimeter walls. This gap is to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the laminate floor. Without this "breathing room," your floor can buckle in the middle. (Once your floor is fully installed your installers will cover the perimeter gap with quarter round trim or a wall base.)

As the installers lay the planks or tiles in the desired pattern, they will carefully measure and precisely cut them to fit.

Glueless
Many laminate floors do not require glue for the installation.

These glueless products have significantly impacted the laminate flooring industry, and there are several reasons why the glueless laminates are so popular.

Most importantly, they are quickly and easily installed. The installer simply puts down an underlayment and the laminate planks or tiles interlock with one another.

If something goes wrong during installation, your floor can be dismantled plank by plank, or tile by tile, and re-built.

If one of the planks gets damaged after installation, your entire floor can be removed, the damaged plank replaced, and the floor can be put back together again.

Glued Floors.
For floors that require glue on the sides of the planks or tiles, the installers begin by gluing the first two panels in the first row together. They start in the left-hand corner and glue the first row together at the ends.

As they glue each plank or tile, they apply clamps or use straps to hold the pieces together. Although planks or tiles usually fit together easily, installers will sometimes use a tapping block while fitting the boards together.

Once the floor is completed and the glue is dry, installers then remove the spacers.

Trim and Moldings.
To finish your floor, the installers add molding to cover the perimeter gap and install any additional transition trim pieces needed in doorways or where the laminate meets a different type of flooring.

Custom finished moldings and trim will give your laminate flooring a beautiful, finished look. They are all coordinated to match or accentuate the design of your floor.

For your knowledge, here are some finishing terms and definitions.

Reducer Strip is used to create a smooth transition between two floors of different heights, as well as protect the plank or tile exposed edges from damage caused by foot traffic.

Overlapping Stair Nosing is similar to a flush stair nosing except the nosing overlaps the exposed edge of your stair.

T-Molding is used to bridge two areas of flooring that are the exact same height. The T-Molding overlaps the exposed edges of the floor and is secured only to the subfloor, never to the flooring itself. Generally this trim is used as the transition piece between rooms, or as the expansion piece for areas that exceed 30 feet in length.

Universal Edge is also called a Square Nosing and is used where the laminate flooring butts up to carpeting, or various vertical surfaces where the edge will be exposed, such as along a fireplace.

Quarter Round gives the floor a finished look and protects the edges of your laminate flooring.

Before installation day
Move Furniture.
You can either remove your furniture yourself, or we can remove it for you at an additional cost. If we are moving your furniture, please empty all china cabinets, entertainment centers and other pieces of furniture.

Moisture Control.
Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air conditioned). Indoor humidity should be maintained between 45-65%.

Removal of Old Flooring
We can remove your old flooring. Please contact us for a breakdown of your options and charges, including disposal of the old flooring.

If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior to installation. Please remove any tack strips and pull the staples out of the floor from the original pad.

Trim
In most cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed for laminate installation. Your installer can do this at an additional charge. America's Floor Source cannot be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.

Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility. Often, new trim is used.

Sub-Flooring Preparation.
Your existing sub-floor may need to be prepared to receive your new laminate floor, or a new sub-floor may be required. If you think there's any chance that the sub-floor will need attention, please bring this to our attention, and we will inform you of your options and the associated costs.

Door Plan.
When laminate flooring is installed, doors - especially closet doors and basement or bedroom doors - may not clear the new floor and swing free.

We will remove doors in order to install the laminate and re-hang them if possible.

Clean Up.
Installing a laminate floor will produce waste. Usually, these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection site. Please let us know before installation if you desire us to haul away the waste.

Installation Day
Be Home.
Please be at home the day of installation and be available to answer any questions that the installation crew may have. Your presence will ensure a number of details, such as in which room or rooms the laminate is installed, what direction the planks should run, and other details.

Keep Your Family Safe.
Your installers will have and use tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation day.

Do A Walk-Thru.
We recommend that you walk through the job with the chief installer prior to the completion of the installation. This walk through will allow you to ask questions and receive clarification on any final details.

After Installation
Ventilate.
If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for 48 to 72 hours after installation. This ventilation is especially true with glued laminate floors.

Follow Instructions.
Your installer will tell you if there are any additional special instructions that must be followed following installation.