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