Laminate flooring has become an increasingly popular option for homeowners thanks to its affordability, durability, and easy installation. Unlike more complicated flooring types, laminate planks can often be a DIY-friendly project.
However, improper laminate installation frequently leads to gaps, buckling, uneven surfaces, and premature wear. Keep reading to learn the common mistakes to sidestep in laminate flooring.
Not Properly Prepping the Subfloor
Laminate requires a rigid, level base without any dips, bumps, or flexing. To create a stable foundation, lay a high-quality underlayment over the subfloor. The underlayment provides critical moisture protection and helps the laminate “float” properly.
Any high spots will need to be sanded or ground down, while low spots require patching with a leveling compound. Not addressing an uneven subfloor results in seams separating or planks cracking over time.
Improper Expansion Gap Spacing
Laminate flooring expands and contracts slightly with temperature and humidity fluctuations. Not leaving adequate space between the laminate perimeter and walls creates buckled floors once the material shifts.
A minimum 1/4-inch expansion gap should be maintained around the entire floor’s edges and any obstructions like cabinets or pipes. Using spacers ensures a consistent gap size. Once the laminate has fully adapted to its new environment, baseboard or quarter-round molding will cover the expansion gap.
Installing in High-Moisture Areas
Laminate contains composite wood materials that can swell or degrade when exposed to excessive moisture. Installing laminate in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or other high-humidity areas often leads to premature deterioration.
If you must use laminate in damp locations, look for bathroom-rated varieties with protective waterproof coatings. Water-resistant luxury vinyl planks or tiles are better choices for maximizing moisture protection.
Poor Layout and Plank Staggering
Another common installation mistake is failing to stagger the end joints between each row of laminate planks. Aligning the seams in a uniform pattern negatively impacts the floor’s appearance and structural integrity.
When laying planks, work from multiple boxes at once to mix up color variations and create a natural, random appearance. Stagger the seams between rows with at least a 6-inch offset to create a staggered brick pattern.
Insufficient Laminate Acclimation
Laminate requires acclimation before installation, as not allowing the planks to adjust to the room’s environment causes gaps, swelling, and seam separation. Most manufacturers require a minimum 48-hour acclimation period. Stack the unopened laminate flat in the installation room for at least 2 days so the material can stabilize the home’s humidity and temperature levels.
Taking Shortcuts with Tools or Materials
Using improper tools and materials significantly increases the chances of damaging expensive laminate planks during installation. Purchase a high-quality laminate flooring installation kit with a tapping block, pull bar, rubber mallet, spacers, and other items. Using a basic hand saw drastically raises the risk of chipped edges and misaligned seams.
Step into affordability without sacrificing style or quality—choose Diamond Building Supply for your flooring needs. Let our knowledgeable team steer you towards the perfect laminate flooring from our extensive collection. Contact us today!
