5 Things You Need To Know Before Installing Laminate Flooring

Studies have shown that laminate is increasingly becoming homeowners’ first choice for flooring. The major reasons behind this are the many benefits that laminate has over lumber or wood, which for a long time has dominated the market. First, it is cheaper than wood, yet it gives the same or better satisfaction. The installation cost is almost 50 percent less than wood and more durable. Therefore, it is one of the most budget-friend flooring options.

However, before you install laminate flooring, there are a few things that you need to consider to get the expected results. In this guide, we have rounded up 5 things you need to take note of before installing laminate flooring. These are factors that will ensure a perfect floor for your house.

Here are 5 Things to Take Note of Before installing Laminate Flooring

1. Proper Installation Preparation
Installation of a laminate floor is not a simple task. You need to do a lot of preparations to ensure that everything goes right. First, if you are installing for the first time, you need to have adequate knowledge about laminate flooring. What kind of tools are needed? What is the best quality of laminate material? You also need to know everything you need for a successful installation.

If you are hiring an expert to do the job, then you need to know what makes a good laminate flooring expert. Lastly, check if you can meet the required budget to complete the project. All this should be done early as part of the large plan. With that, you will avoid frustrations along the way.

2. What Is the Condition of the Subfloor?
When you are ready to start the installation process, check the condition of the subfloor first. The floor is usually cement or concrete which are prone to weakness over time. Whether it is the first installation or repair, need to check if it is uneven or weakened. Note that if you install laminate on an uneven, the new floor will immediately buckling. The result will be damages of the laminate locking system, and the entire floor will lose its magnificent appeal.

If the subfloor is uneven, make sure that it has been leveled. If there are weaknesses that can be seen or various weak spots, they should be repaired before starting with the process of installing laminate flooring.

3. Quality of Material
Although laminate is the main material, there are other components needed to install laminate flooring. They include wood glue, flooring spacers, wood filler, silicone sealant, and finish nails amongst others. To get the most out of this flooring, you must invest in the best quality materials. Don’t go for cheap laminate because it will eventually disappoint you. The floor won’t last for long and has high chances of damage. For instance, cheap laminate flooring is likely to get discolorated few months after installation.

Buy premium quality for all the raw materials only. That is how you get value for money and enjoy all the benefits that come with laminate flooring.

4. Proper Underlayment
In most cases, a thin layer of foam, wood, or cement board is used as the underlayment. The idea is to protect the laminate material from moisture, which is the biggest threat to these flooring. The underlayment must be installed properly. Good underlayment installation help to reduce buckling and warping. In addition, it helps to maintain pressure, insulating noises as well as creating a smoother surface. With poor underlayment, then the rest of the project will be messed up. That is why you must have it installed properly.


5. Monitor Laminate Temperature
Last but not least, laminate temperature. During the storage or installation, do not leave the laminate material exposed to hot sun or cold temperature. The laminate material is very sensitive to temperature, and it can easily get damaged. So neutral temperature is highly recommended to keep in the best condition. Otherwise, you will have a problem with humps and cracks on your flooring with time.

If you are planning to install laminate flooring, these are 5 things you need to take note of before starting the project. You need to have a good plan and knowledge about laminate floors for a successful project.