How to install laminate flooring

When it comes to installing laminate flooring, the first thing is to cover the sub flooring with a moisture barrier. The barrier is a material resembling foam that you lay down on the floor. Make sure that all wrinkles are worked out of the material and that they fit tightly against the walls. You can also ensure that the barrier does not overlap. Separate pieces can be taped together. In this article, find out how to install laminate flooring.

Start with prominent areas

Whether you are installing an oak laminate, laminate wood or hardwood floors, you need to start with the prominent wall first. Make sure that you leave about a 5/16-inch gap between the wall and the edge of the board. You can achieve this by using wood or plastic spacers. Another thing that you have to keep in mind is that the groove edge of the board should be facing the wall. Pay attention to instructions Make sure to consult the instructions as you go. If you are attaching pieces, you must make sure that you do not damage the tongue. You will need to snap the boards together and you will find that a rubber mallet will do this perfectly for you. Attach the boards until you reach the end. You may find that the last board will need to be cut. You can do this with a jigsaw or a mitre saw depending on the cut. Use the remaining pieces for the next row.

Keep going

Your next row should be adjacent to where you started. Keep installing the boards until the entire floor is covered. When you have installed the floor, you can replace the shoe moulding or skirting to the wall. Once you get to this stage, you will be left with a few things. Any gap? If you come across any tiny spaces or cracks between the skirting and the new floor, you can use the caulking compound that is available in any floor colour. Apply this to any tiny gaps that you see and allow it to dry. Once the job is done, you can enjoy your new floor that would have cost you a fortune if a contractor was brought in to do it for you.