Laminate | Installation

Understanding the basics of installation will increase your knowledge of the process, and enhance your confidence in the installers.

  • use a professional
  • installed using a "floating floor system"
  • padded underlayment sits between the subfloor and the planks or tiles
  • planks or tiles sit on the underlayment, not anchored to the subfloor, and are connected to form a "one-piece" floating floor
  • installation can produce a hollow sound, reduced with a quality underlayment
  • floor will have a slight give underfoot, for more comfort
  • slight ridging or peaking where planks or tiles are joined can occur
  • glueless installations lock together without adhesive
  • consult the manufacturer’s warranty and care guide to see how often to clean the floor and the cost

 Potential additional expenses:

  • furniture removal/replacement
  • demolition/disposal of old floor covering
  • sub-floor preparation
  • product delivery
  • laminate installation, cost per square foot
  • materials required to complete

Process

  • installer inspects the  subfloor for imperfections
  • floor is then cleaned
  • underlayment placed over the subfloor
  • planks are laid
  • installers begin in the left corner leaving a minimum ¼" space between the flooring and perimeter walls
  • spacers are used to ensure the accuracy of this perimeter
  • after the floor is installed, spacers are removed and cover the perimeter gap with quarter round trim or a wall base
  • planks are laid in the desired pattern
  • planks are measured and cut to fit
  • floors that require glue on the sides begin by gluing the first two planks in the first row together
  • clamps or straps to hold pieces together

Before installation day

  • relocate furniture
  • empty china cabinets and closets
  • consider removal and disposal of old floorcovering
  • remove it yourself and leave 1 day before install
  • for carpet, leave tack strips and pull out staples

Trim

  • moldings and baseboards removed for additional costs
  • installers not responsible for breakage
  • painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching (your responsibility)

Sub flooring

  • may need to be prepared
  • new sub floor may be required
  • a job best left to the professionals

Door plan

  • possibility that doors may not clear the new floor and swing free
  • installers may remove doors and rehang for an additional cost.
  • for clearance issues, arrange for a qualified carpenter to shave or cut down

Clean-up

  • waste will be produced
  • waste collected and disposed of by installers at an additional cost

Installation day

  • be home and available
  • be prepared for questions
  • presence insures the right wood is installed in the right areas
  • exact time of arrival cannot be guaranteed, only a time frame

Safety

  • installers use tools and techniques that can be hazardous
  • make sure that children and pets are out of the work area
  • follow through with a walk-through
  • prior to completion- walk through to ask questions and be clear on any final details

After installation day

  • establish good ventilation for 48 to 72 hours
  • be prepared