Interested in installing your own laminate flooring? You’re in luck! Laminate flooring is one of the easiest types of flooring to install, and can be done by anyone with a little bit of DIY experience. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to installing your own laminate flooring like a pro. We’ll cover everything from materials needed to safety procedures to tips from our experts. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIY-er, this post has got you covered!
List of Contents
Materials Needed
First things first, gather your materials together. You’ll need:
- Laminate flooring planks (or tiles)
- Underlayment material
- Utility knife
- Hammer and nails or a flooring stapler
- Square
- Level
Safety Procedures
Before you start installing your laminate flooring, it’s important to take some safety precautions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wear gloves when handling the planks and underlayment. They may be sharp!
- If you’re installing the flooring over existing tile, make sure to remove all of the old grout and adhesive first.
- Keep children and pets away from the work area while you’re installing your flooring.
Installing Your Own Laminate Flooring
Once you’ve got all of your materials together, it’s time to install your floor system.
Clean and Level the Floor
First, go over the entire floor to make sure there’s no dirt, dust or debris. Laminate flooring does not work well on top of an uneven surface, so make sure the floor is clean and level before you start installing. A belt sander with a coarse-grit belt will swiftly remove seams, but you’ll need to hire a commercial floor sander to grind down serious peaks. Most dips may be addressed with a shovel and vinyl floor patch.
Install the Underlayment
If you’re installing your flooring over existing flooring, you’ll need to install underlayment first. Underlayment is a thin layer of padding that goes between the floor and the laminate planks. It helps to create a smooth surface and prevents moisture from seeping through to the subfloor. Underlayment is available at most home improvement stores.
Lay Out the Flooring
Once you’ve got your underlayment in place, it’s time to start laying out your flooring planks. You’ll want to lay out all of the planks before installing them, so you can make sure you have the right amount and that they’re all going in the same direction. If you’re using tiles, make sure that the edges of each tile are butted up against each other tightly.
Install the Flooring
Once you’ve got your planks or tiles laid out, it’s time to start installing them. Whether you’re using nails or a floor stapler, make sure to install them every 12-16 inches along the edge of the plank. Use a square and level as you go to keep your flooring straight.
Finishing Touches
Once your flooring is installed, it’s time to finish up! Use a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood attachment to remove any dust or debris that may have gotten caught in between the planks. Then use a damp mop to give your flooring a good cleaning. If you’re installing the floor in a kitchen or bathroom, make sure there’s plenty of ventilation and let it dry completely before installing any cabinets or fixtures over top of it.
Contact Expert Laminate Flooring Installation Services
If installing your own laminate flooring seems like too much work, contact us today for a free quote on installing new laminate floors in your home or office. Give us a call at (925) 833-0165 or visit our website to learn more about the flooring options we offer.
