5 Mistakes To Avoid When Laying Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a stylish and affordable option, but installing it can be trickier than it looks. This guide covers five common mistakes to avoid when laying laminate and tips for getting the installation right the first time.

1. Lack of Subfloor Preparation

Properly preparing the subfloor is one of the most critical steps when laying laminate flooring. Neglecting this stage can lead to problems such as uneven surfaces and premature wear and tear. Avoid these subfloor preparation mistakes before installing your new laminate flooring:

Improper Surface

Most laminate floors are designed as floating floors, but that doesn’t mean they can be installed on any surface. Manufacturers typically require less than a 3/16-inch variance in floor height over a 10-foot radius for proper installation. Ignoring this requirement can lead to serious issues.

High and Low Areas in Your Subfloor

If there are significant humps in the subfloor, the laminate planks may unlock over time. On the other hand, low spots or dips can cause the floor to feel squishy when stepped on, which is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to damage.

Here’s how to address these issues:

• Use an orbital sander or planer to remove high spots on a plywood subfloor.
• For concrete floors, use a grinder with a diamond grinding wheel to level high areas.
• Fill low points on concrete and plywood subfloors with a floor-leveling compound.

Raised Nail and Screw Heads

Another common oversight in subfloor preparation is not addressing raised nail or screw heads. These seemingly minor imperfections can cause major headaches during and after installation. Raised fasteners can make it difficult to lock planks together properly, lead to joint failure over time, and cause the flooring to break eventually.

To prevent these issues:

• Thoroughly inspect the subfloor for raised fastener heads.
• Use a hammer or drill to ensure all fasteners are flush with the subfloor surface.

Dirty, Dusty Floor

Clean the subfloor thoroughly before installation by vacuuming and mopping, and let the floor dry completely. Laying new flooring on top of dirt and dust can affect the floor’s performance and longevity. The consequences of installing laminate over a dirty subfloor include:

• Large debris creating high spots in the subflooring
• A layer of dirt and dust causing a crunchy or crackling sound when walking on the floor
• Potential damage to the locking mechanisms of the laminate planks

2. Overlooking the Need for Underlayment

When it comes to laminate flooring, not all products are created equal. Some require underlayment, while others come with an integrated moisture barrier. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your laminate flooring and install underlayment if needed.

Underlayment provides a moisture barrier, which protects the laminate from water damage. It helps smooth out minor imperfections in the subfloor, and it can improve sound insulation and provide a softer feel underfoot.

3. Not Removing Trim Before Installation

While it might seem like a time-saver to install laminate flooring without removing existing trim, this shortcut can lead to an unprofessional-looking finish. Removing all baseboards and door trim before laying the flooring allows for proper expansion gaps and makes it easier to replace trim in the future without affecting the flooring.

4. Incorrect Gaps

Incorrect gaps can lead to visible problems and potential damage to your new floor. There are two types of gaps to consider: expansion gaps and trim coverage.

Expansion Gaps

Laminate flooring, like many other flooring materials, needs room to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Failing to provide this space can result in these issues:

• Flooring that lifts or bubbles
• High spots in the floor
• Unlocking or failure of plank joints

To avoid these problems, leave approximately ¼ inch of space between the flooring and the walls, and use spacers during installation to maintain consistent gaps.

Trim Coverage

While expansion gaps are necessary, they shouldn’t be too large. Excessive gaps can lead to unsightly spaces between the flooring and trim. To achieve the right balance, the gap between the wall and flooring should be less than the thickness of your trim. This will allow the trim to cover the gap completely, providing a clean, finished look.

5. Identifiable, Repeating Patterns

The goal of laminate flooring is to mimic the natural look of wood or stone. Laying planks in an identifiable, repeating pattern can give away the fact that it’s a manufactured product. This is particularly true when starter pieces are laid in a predictable sequence.

Here’s how to avoid this issue:

• Inspect each plank before laying it down to ensure variation.
• Rotate planks in different directions to change the visual flow.
• Keep the starting lengths of each new row random.
• Mix planks from different boxes to ensure color and pattern variation.

Mixing Patterns and Colors

You can make your flooring look even more natural by mixing patterns and colors. Often, planks from the same box have similar patterns and shades. By mixing planks from different boxes, you can achieve a more varied and natural look.

How To Handle Staggering

Properly staggering laminate planks helps mimic the appearance of real wood or stone. Staggering the planks’ end joints should be intentional and varied so they don’t line up in a uniform pattern.

For effective staggering, follow these tips:

• Begin each new row with a plank of a different length than the previous row.
• Randomize the placement of planks to naturally disperse end joints.
• Avoid creating H-joints or stair-step patterns with the plank ends.