How to fit laminate underlay

When you buy laminate flooring, the first consideration before you begin fitting it is your underlay and what type of underlay to use. The preparation of your sub-floor is the most important step to ensure the laminate flooring will serve its purpose for many years to come. By following the guide below, you should learn how to fit laminate underlay correctly.

Preparation to fitting.

Instruction sheet Most people will ignore this and lay the underlay regardless of the consequences. Some laminate floors have no warranty when laid on top of wooden sub-floors. Other underlay’s are more suitable than others when fitted over electric floor heating blankets. It is best to know that the underlay you choose is the most suitable for the task before you purchase it. Flat sub-floor Most manufacturers of laminate flooring require the existing floor to be flat, any high points may have to be sanded or low points raised with a fine layer of cement to create a flat surface. Undercut doorways To fit your laminate flooring correctly, you will have to under cut your door jambs to allow the flooring to fit beneath the doorway to ensure a good fit when installed. Clean the existing floor
Ensure the existing floor is completely clean and free of any debris which may affect the flooring from sitting directly onto the surface.

Installing the underlay.

Moisture barrier If your sub-floor is made of concrete, you will have to lay a moisture barrier of polyethylene film down first. Begin in the corner where you intend to begin fitting the laminate flooring and roll out one strip of underlay at a time. Ensure it is tight up to the wall and then begin installing your floor. Do not start the second row of underlay until the flooring is close to the edge of the first row. Tape together Tape the rows of underlay tightly together. Do not overlap them. The tape helps to form a seal. Continue in this way with fitting the flooring to the edge before laying the next row of underlay and taping together until the entire floor is covered with underlay. Use a knife to trim the final row of underlay ensuring it is flush with the wall. Acoustic underlay If your laminate flooring is to be installed upstairs in your house or if you live in a flat and have downstairs neighbours, you may want to purchase acoustic or noise reduction underlay to reduce the noise level. Some building codes exist which guarantee a reduced noise level between floors. So, check the building codes in your area.