Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring

Laying laminate flooring is not a challenging task, but it could be if you've never done it before. If you're installing them all by yourself, you might want to avoid some of the common mistakes when laying laminate flooring. Research shows that, these mistakes occur when a person without having the experience lays the floors. 

Stick along because we have highlighted some of the most common errors that occur while laying laminate flooring and how you can keep them in check to ensure a smooth, successful installation of your floors. 

Some Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring

Listed below are some mistakes you should avoid while installing laminate flooring. Laying laminate flooring successfully and adequately is very important for its longevity and looks. 

If somehow, you weren’t that active while installing these floors, you can face buckling, gaps, and even moisture damage. 

Don’t want to face that? Simple, just consider these points while laying laminate flooring:

1. Not properly preparing the subfloor  

As most of you should know how important the foundation of everything is. So, this is one of the basic errors you can run into. If this step gets overlooked, it may lead you to uneven surfaces, creaking, or even damage to the laminate flooring over time. 

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Clean Thoroughly: The first step should be to remove dirt or debris effectively, and for that you can sweep and vacuum the subfloor.  

• Check for Leveling: If you think you’re not sure if your floor is even or not, Use a spirit level. It make sures your floor is even. Also, if you found high or low spots, address them immediately. 

• Ensure Dryness: If moisture somehow finds its way to the subfloor, all the preparation can turn upside down. For that, use a moisture meter to confirm dryness before starting. 

2. Ignoring the Importance of Acclimation  

As everything needs a time to adjust to something, it comes down to laminate too. The flooring needs some time so it can adjust to the temperature and humidity as per your space. Skipping this step and straight up laying the laminate can cause your plank to expand or contract after installation. 

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Try to store your unopened laminate boxes in the room where you’re planning to install it, for at least 48 hours before you install them. 

• During acclimation and installation, keep the room temperature between 65 and 85F, and humidity levels at 40 and 70 percent.

3. Overlooking Expansion Gaps  

Did you know? Your overlooking of your laminate expansion gaps can cause buckling or deteriorating. Depending on your humidity levels and temperature fluctuations, laminate boards may expand or shrink. Also, this change can further result in buckling or lifting. 

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Whenever you start installing laminate flooring, leave an adequate amount of space, preferably a 1/4-inch expansion gap between the flooring and walls or any fixed objects. Also, you can use spacers during installation to ensure frequent gaps.  

4. Skipping Underlayment Installation  

Having an underlayment is like having a cusion underneath your floors. It can even absorb the sound, and can create a moisture barrier that can work towards your laminate flooring’s longevity and comfort. 

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Depending on your subfloor type, choose the correct underlayment option. For example, foam or cork underlay for concrete. 

• Now, lay the underlayment smoothly and avoid any overlay or gaps. Also, keep in mind that some laminate comes with pre-attached underlayment. If you find one, additional layers aren’t necessary. 

5. Not Planning the Layout Before Installation  

Jumping straight into laying planks without a plan can result in awkward cuts or uneven patterns, which affect the overall aesthetic.

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Start by doing some measurements. You can mark a guideline for the first row. 

• Stagger the seams by starting each row with a plank cut to at least 8 inches in length.  

• Visualize the final look, ensuring the planks are symmetrical and balanced across the room.

 6. Using Incorrect Tools  

Keep in mind that using improper tools can damage your laminate planks. Also, they can even lead to imprecise cuts. Thus, making your installation much harder than it needs to be. 

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Firstly, get yourself a laminate flooring installation kit. It includes various items that can help you with installation. Some tools included in the installation kit are a pull bar, tapping block, and spacers. 

• Use a sharp saw (circular, jigsaw, or handsaw) for clean and precise cuts.  

7. Neglecting the Manufacturer’s Instructions  

Each laminate flooring brand may have specific installation requirements. Skipping these instructions can void warranties or cause unnecessary issues.

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Read the instructions or installation manual provided to you by the manufacturer. 

• Follow recommended practices for your specific laminate type, such as tongue-and-groove locking systems or adhesive-based planks.

8. Installing in Unsuitable Areas  

Laminates are not suitable for all space, especially for bathrooms or laundry rooms as such areas easily expose to too much water that causes warping or swelling.

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Consider using water-resistant or waterproof laminate in case of choosing for areas usually exposed to spills.

• Good ventilation with use of rugs or mats can solve your purpose in moist-prone zones.

9. Rushing the Finishing Touches  

After the last plank is laid, rushing to complete the job can lead to loose baseboards or visible gaps that undermine the flooring’s appearance.

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Secure baseboards or transition strips firmly using adhesive or nails.  

• To ensure a clean and a professional finish, you should do double check of all the gaps and edges. 

10. Not Considering Future Repairs  

Sealing the floor too tightly can make repairs challenging down the line. Keeping spare planks and ensuring ease of access is essential for future maintenance.

How to Avoid This Mistake?

• Save a few extra planks for replacements.  

• Install planks in a way that allows easy removal if repairs are needed, such as using floating floor systems.

Wrapping Up

To conclude, this helps avoid common mistakes during laying laminate flooring, keeping the project smooth and steady with a resultant successful installation. Your laminate flooring can be easily laid by simply preparing your subfloor, having the right tools, and following advice from your manufacturer or experts. If you are still unsure, check out our step-by-step guide on how to install a laminate flooring. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What are some common mistakes when laying laminate flooring?
A: Some common mistakes while laying laminate flooring are not preparing the subfloor properly, not acclimating the laminate, not leaving enough expansion gaps, using improper tools and skipping underlayment. 

Q: Can you start laying laminate flooring in the middle of the room?
A: No, you shouldn’t start laying laminate from the middle. Instead, do one thing: start from the corners or small room, which will be easy to finish, and then slowly come to the middle. 

Q: Where Should You start laying laminate flooring?  
A: Start laying laminate from the corners, to stop the adhesive from drying out.  

Q: Where do you start laying laminate flooring?
A: Start laying laminate flooring from left to right. This is the right way to install the laminate planks. 

Q: Can I install laminate flooring on stairs?
A: Yes, laminate flooring can be installed on stairs, but it requires a more precise approach. Use adhesive to secure the planks and finish with matching stair nosing to ensure durability and safety.