Laminate Flooring Installation
While installing laminate flooring is not overly complicated because it does not require any grout, mortar, adhesives, or overly specialized tools, we nevertheless recommend hiring a professional unless you are very experienced with DIY work. Complications can arise in any installation so for peace of mind it is often preferable to have a professional doing the job.
Laminate floor snaps together, so it is similar to putting together a large puzzle.
The prep work involves making sure the base floor - whether it is sheet vinyl or something else - is flat, clean, and ready to accept the laminate flooring. If the floor is not flat and even, an underlayment will need to be placed down prior to the laminate. An underlayment can also be added to help absorb noise, provide a thermal barrier, and add cushioning to the floor.
Before the installation, all baseboards, the trim around the perimeter of the room, heating resistors, and air return duct covers mounted in the floor will need to be removed. Once a layout for the room is determined, the planks will be laid out and snapped together. A rubber mallet is used to join the end planks together so there are no gaps. Seams should not line up adjacently for aesthetic reasons and also so as not to compromise the structure of the flooring. Once the entire floor is laid, the baseboard moldings, trim and anything else that were removed are put back into place.
At this point your new floor is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come.
