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After installing the underlay begin clicking the floor together. Start at a straight wall and lay your first row joining all the edge boards. The first board should be a 1/2 board then continue along the row. Use spacers to ensure you maintain a 10mm gap against the wall. If you don’t have spacers some cut-offs from your laminate floor will work.

Now start the next row with a full board. This will ensure you have well spaced out joints. You can use offcuts to start future rows, provided the joints will be more than 300mm apart. When the joints are too close it can often look poor and may affect the strength of the installation. Continue this process until you reach the other side of the room ensuring that you leave a 10mm gap around everything.

This includes :

• All Walls
• Radiator Pipes
• Door Frames
• Skirting
• Stairs
• Other Flooring
• Kitchen units

Once the floor has been installed you can hide the perimeter gap using beading (also known as scotia) or skirting that needs to be at least 12mm thick to allow for any shrinkage that may happen. In addition, the expansion gap must be left at doors where the floor goes from one room to the next and against any other obstacles such as stairs or radiator pipes.  A specialist laminate flooring shop like Wood Floor Warehouse will carry a large choice of door bars and accessories to match your floor and hide expansions gaps.

Do not rest extremely heavy-weight (in excess of 200kg) on top of the laminate flooring, as this can restrict movement causing issues with peaking. Often the flooring can be installed under a plinth or a rebate.  Commonly this would include :

• Kitchen Units
• Island units
• Grand Piano
• Stone fireplace & Surround

 

To understand more about how European laminate Floors are tested and accredited, visit the website for European Producers of Laminate Flooring  Get get fix from us.

Before beginning to learn how to lay laminate flooring, it is important to ensure you have all the necessary tools. We have split these into 2 groups. Essential items, the ones that you cannot install a laminate floor without. And we have recommended items.  Products that will make the job easier or aid with a more professional finish.

Essential Items

• Hand Saw
• Pencil
• Underlay
• Measuring tape

Recommended Items

• Knee Pads
• Moisture Metre
• spacers
• Pull Bar
• Electric Chop Saw (to replace the hand saw)
• Jig-saw
• 2m Long Spirit Level

Before you Begin

It’s important to inspect your laminate flooring before laying. If you find any defects at all, DO NOT INSTALL THE FLOOR. First, speak with your supplier to determine the best way forward. Many manufacturers will not validate a warranty if defective flooring is installed.

It is not uncommon to find what appears to be very slight damage to the edges and especially the corners of laminate floors. This will mostly be superficial as the machining process can create small imperfections along the click system that will have no effect on the quality or performance of the floor. However large broken areas or large areas of damaged click systems are a cause for concern and you should contact your supplier before proceeding with the installation.

Site Conditions for Laying Laminate Flooring

Poor site conditions are the number one reason for a laminate floor to fail. Learning how to lay laminate flooring is really only important after you have checked site conditions. The most important checks to make are for moisture and sub-floor levels. It is always the responsibility of the installer to determine if the site conditions are acceptable although you may wish to check this yourself before purchasing a floor. This essential testing should be carried out as follows:

• Humidity levels should be between 45% and 65%. This can be tested with a hygrometer. We recommend reading our guide on Humidity and Wood flooring.
• Concrete or timber Sub-floors should have a moisture content of no more than 12%MC on a surface prong test, or below 3% on a more common concrete moisture metre. NB Different metres have different scales so it is important to check their documentation.
• Sub-floor levels should be no more than 3mm over a 1m distance in any direction. This should be checked and measured with a long spirit level and ruler before commencing installation. Uneven floors should be leveled using leveling boards, plywood or self-leveling products.

Your supplier will likely accept no liability for problems with laying a laminate floor if they find any evidence of incorrect job site conditions. If you are not sure about any of this, please contact us at Wood Floor Warehouse and we will be happy to help.

How To Lay Laminate Flooring

Always read the manufacturers own recommended installation guides before installation. Learning how to lay laminate flooring is usually carried out in the same way but often some specific methods are needed on some types of flooring.

Ensure all existing flooring and underlay is removed to give a level base before beginning your installation. As there is an expansion gap needed around the outside of any laminate floor, you have the option of removing your existing skirting boards, installing your new floor and then installing your skirting again. Or instead, use a beading to hide the expansion gap after installation.

Laying laminate flooring is quick and easy and it can be fitted into most areas of any home (usually with the exception of wet rooms). We do recommend click vinyl flooring or water resistant laminate floors in wet areas.

Floating using an underlay is the most common method as it can then be fitted over any type of sub-floor. It is very DIY friendly and won’t need any training or experience. Laminate flooring just clicks together without the need for any type of adhesive. Different floors will click in varying ways to ensure you are familiar with how the floor clicks together before beginning.

Wondering how to clean laminate floors and keep them looking great for years? While your laminate floors may look as good as hardwood floors, that doesn’t mean you should clean them the same way. The best way to clean laminate floors is not the same method you would use to make those oak planks shine. Laminate floors need special care because unlike hardwood, the surface can’t just be refinished in the case of stains or damage. To avoid pricey replacements, it’s critical to maintain your floors and treat them with care. (That means no stilettos!) Whether you have new laminate floors or just want your existing surface to look as good as the day it was installed, here’s how to clean laminate floors like a pro.

1. Do read the cleaning instructions that come with your laminate flooring.

Before you get cleaning, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your floors. The brand may have specific recommendations based on the materials used. Most companies have detailed product guides and instructions on how to clean laminate floors on their websites.

2. Don’t let stains sit on the floor.

Tackle spills as they happen. The best way to avoid stains is to wipe up spills immediately. Liquids can damage laminate floors, so it’s critical to minimize exposure to them.

3. Don’t use abrasive tools.

Laminate floors can scratch, so steer clear of anything abrasive (steel wool, for example). You’ll want to use a soft-bristle broom or dust mop to sweep up debris. If you’re vacuuming, be careful to use an attachment without a beater bar or rotating brush, which could scratch the surface.

4. Do (carefully) mop your laminate floor every two months.

To keep your laminate floors fresh, mop them every two months. Damp mops (a.k.a. microfiber mops) are gentle enough to use on laminate floors. If you’re going to use a regular mop, just wring it out until it’s almost completely dry.

5. Don’t use too much water.

Traditional mopping is a no-no for laminate floors since the water can seep into the seams and cause damage (like swelling or floor bubbling). Pools of water can also cause staining or fading.

6. Do skip cleaning products that aren’t labeled as made for laminate.

Oil-based cleaning products can leave streaks and residue or damage the protective sealant of the floors. If you use laminate cleaner, do so sparingly and apply it to the mop or microfiber cloth rather than directly to the floor. Never use wax or polishes on laminate floors.

7. Do consider a DIY laminate floor cleaner.

You can make your own floor cleaner right at home. For regular cleaning, just combine a teaspoon of clear, unscented dish soap with a gallon of hot water. Another option? If your floor has developed a slight film or waxy buildup on it (which happens over time when the wrong cleaning products are used), you can instead combine a gallon of hot water with a cup of white vinegar. Vinegar, which is a natural cleaning agent, will break down the film without hurting the laminate surface. (Note: The same rules about water apply to either of these DIY solutions. Make sure your mop is only slightly damp and never let any water pool on the floor.)

8. Do add common household items to your laminate-cleaning arsenal.

For tough stains like candle wax or ink, the best cleaning methods are right at hand. Apply a plastic bag of ice to chewing gum and candle wax and remove with a plastic knife, scraper, or credit card once it has hardened. Tackle paint, ink, nail polish, and crayon with rubbing alcohol.

9. Do protect the surface from future damage.

To avoid future scratches, add furniture pads under the legs of chairs and tables, especially if they get moved frequently. Floor mats and rugs—particularly by entrances—will also help prevent wear and tear.

10. Don’t forget to throw down a welcome mat.

Dirt that gets tracked in from outside not only makes your floor dirty, but it can also damage the floor. The grit, for example, from a dirty shoe bottom can be one of the biggest enemies your laminate floor faces, as it dirties, dulls, and can even scratch. Stop dirt in its tracks with a welcome mat that offers visitors the opportunity to give their shoes a good wipe.

11. Do trim your pet’s nails.

True, this isn’t a “how to clean laminate floors” tip, but it is a solid “how to care for your floor” tip: Keep your pet’s nails trimmed! Your cat or dog’s nails can scratch up your laminate floor. Keeping a pet’s nails trimmed will prevent damage to your floor as they roam around.

Laminate is a synthetic product that simulates the look of real hardwood. It can have an authentic wood floor appearance that make it popular with homeowners who like the style of hardwood but want to spend less money on flooring. Although it is a budget-friendly flooring type, laminate does not perform well when it comes to moisture. Some types of laminate have water-resistant properties, but these flooring options are not waterproof and will become seriously damaged if water sits on them for an extended period of time.

Pros

One of the major benefits of choosing laminate flooring in the vinyl vs laminate debate is the comfortable feel underfoot. You may not think of this feature as a significant factor in your decision about which flooring type to choose, but the underfoot feel can have a big impact on whether you enjoy walking on your floors day in and day out. Laminate has a thicker composition that includes wood content, which helps it to feel warmer and slightly soft. Vinyl, however, tends to be quite hard and cold to the touch, so it’s generally not the best choice for main living areas and bedrooms.

Many homeowners prefer the look of laminate to that of vinyl. Although both flooring types come in a range of styles, colors, and patterns, laminate typically features better imagery or embossing that gives the floors a more realistic look. Generally, homeowners will choose laminate over vinyl for highly visible areas of their homes, such as entryways, living rooms, and dining rooms.

Cons

Unfortunately, laminate flooring doesn’t last as long as vinyl. In many cases, laminate floors need to be replaced within 10 years of installation. The upside is that the initial cost of laminate floors is sometimes lower. If you’re on a tight budget, laminate flooring allows you to give your floors a fresh new look for less money. Be sure to save up for the eventual replacement floors if you plan to stay in your home for a long time.