Welcome to our step-by-step guide on installing laminate flooring, a stylish and user-friendly solution to enhance the aesthetics of your home. With the convenience of a click system, you can transform your space with minimal effort. Follow our detailed instructions to achieve a professional-looking result while ensuring your safety at every stage of the project.
Step 1: Measure and Cut Laminate Strips
To start the installation, measure your room meticulously, considering special corners and contours for pipes. Optimal strip length and direction are crucial for a visually appealing outcome. Utilize tools such as the Advanced TableCut 52 for precise cuts, ensuring a perfect fit. A table saw offers the advantage of accurate bevels, angled cuts, and precise mitre cuts for corner joints if you plan to add skirting boards.
Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor
Before laying the laminate, ensure your subfloor is firm, dry, and level. Thoroughly inspect for bumps, divots, or cracks, leveling them with filler as needed. Begin by placing a vapor barrier liner to prevent rising damp or moisture penetration from underneath. Overlap and seal liner joints with adhesive tape for multiple strips. Add a second layer of soundproofing insulation to muffle noise and compensate for slight floor unevenness, customizing the length to fit your space.
Step 3: Install the First Row of Laminate Flooring
With the subfloor prepared, it's time to install the first row of laminate flooring. Insert 10mm spacers between the wall and the first set of strips to create an expansion joint, allowing the wood to expand. Use a straight edge to ensure proper alignment, as any deviation may cause tension in subsequent joints during installation.
Step 4: Install the Remaining Laminate Strips
Once the first row is secure, proceed to install the remaining strips using the click system. Diagonally insert each strip from above, gently pressing it down to lock the tongue and groove together. Connect the long sides first, followed by the short ones. Use a rubber hammer to ensure a tight fit, tapping gently without direct contact with the wood. Repeat this process until the entire floor is installed.
Step 5: Fill Small Gaps
In the final step, address any small gaps that may appear in the corners. Measure the gaps, transfer the dimensions to a laminate strip, and use a jigsaw to cut it to length. Insert the strip into the gap using the same method as before, ensuring a recommended 10mm gap from the wall. As laminate flooring with a click system doesn't involve gluing, your floor effectively 'floats,' allowing for easy removal and reinstallation.
Congratulations! You've successfully installed your laminate flooring. Enjoy the process and the newfound beauty of your space.