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If you’re looking for a flooring option that offers both style and affordability without sacrificing durability, laminate flooring might be the perfect solution for your home.
Although traditionally considered a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood flooring, laminate flooring has undergone significant advancements in recent years. It now offers a wide range of design options and high-quality materials. This comprehensive step-by-step guide from our pro flooring contractor will take you through the world of laminate flooring installation, ensuring you make an informed decision for your home.
Laminate floors are rated by the Abrasion Criteria (AC) rating on a scale from 1 to 5. The higher the AC rating, the more durable the floor. Your residential floors should be rated between 3 to 4.
Flooring is a significant investment requiring careful thought when choosing the type and style for your laminate floor installation. There are several factors to consider, including:
Your flooring should create a natural flow throughout your home. Lighter-toned woods are popular for their airier feel, ideal for open-concept homes. However, medium tones work well if you want a cozier feeling, while darker tones are elegant and formal. Don’t forget about contrast.
High contrast tends to be overly dramatic, while going with no contrast might feel too sedate. If the flooring flows through your entire home, consider the colors in each room. If you have the same color throughout the home, you can decide what floors complement that color best. However, if the colors vary from room to room, a neutral medium tone helps create a sense of unity throughout your space.
Laminate floors come in different textures. Handscraped floors create a “restored” wood look ideal for rustic homes, while embossed flooring mimics a natural wood feel. You can also choose smoother finishes for a sleek, modern look in matte or gloss.
You also have your choice of laminate types. The wood look is ideal for just about any room in the home, while tile/stone is perfect for kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and entries.
It helps to see samples of the flooring in your home to ensure you’ll love the look and feel of your laminate floor installation.
“Acclimating” allows laminate planks to adjust to the humidity and temperature of your home. Before you begin, your laminate should sit in the room where you’re installing them for at least 24 hours.
When installing laminate flooring, a level subfloor clear of debris provides the right base for your new floors. To achieve this, follow these steps:
Tip: If you need to level your subfloor, sand before applying your patching compound.
Measure using the following calculations:
Check the laminate manufacturer’s cutting instructions before you begin. Although you can use your choice of saws, including table, circular, or miter saws, we recommend a diamond blade for the cleanest cuts and less risk of damaging your blade.
Place 3/8-inch spacers along the walls to hold your planks in place and ensure your gaps are even.
To continue your rows, use the last plank cut if it is over a foot long to start the next row. If it’s too short, cut a new plank that is at least a foot long. Staggering each row is a must to add stability.
Remove your spacers and make sure the planks feel secure. Next, install your baseboards and finish with quarter-round molding with finishing nails. Depending on whether you have doorways or other flooring types adjacent to your new laminate installation, you might also require threshold finishes.
Since 2014, Nick Patel and the team at SCV Floorsmith have provided high-quality flooring services to homeowners in Naperville, South Barrington, and the surrounding areas. With over 5000 projects completed successfully and more than 30 years of industry experience, you can be confident that SCV Floorsmith has the experience and expertise to handle your next flooring project.
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