7 Common Mistakes That DIYers Make When Installing Laminate Flooring

For homeowners looking for a flooring solution that's easy to install, offers design flexibility, and doesn't break the bank, then laminate flooring is what you're looking for. With plenty of styles to choose from, laminate flooring can completely transform homes to fit any desired aesthetic without the need for specialists. 

However, while the installation process can be relatively simple, there are some very common (and avoidable) mistakes that DIYers often make. To help you, we're identifying the top seven common mistakes when laying laminate flooring and showing you how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Skipping Floor Preparation

Before getting to the installation stage, it's critical to properly prepare the subfloor. This means ensuring that it is:

• Clean, to avoid any debris or dust from getting under the laminate. 
• Level, to maintain long-term structural integrity and overall longevity. 
• Dry, to avoid any of the damaging impacts of moisture on the laminate. 

To avoid any post-installation issues, start by looking out for any protruding nails, staples or leftover screws from previous flooring. You can sweep up these bigger bits of debris and follow that up by vacuuming any dust and dirt along the surface. Check out our blog on how to clean laminate flooring for more information. 

Depending on the condition of your flooring, you may also need to address uneven surfaces by sanding down high spots or ridges. Laying laminate on uneven flooring could cause your laminate planks to shift or even crack in the future. 

It's equally important to check for any moisture along the surface of the subfloor, as it can potentially cause your laminate to warp, create gaps, and allow mould to grow. To test for moisture, you can use a moisture meter, if you have one, and lay down a moisture barrier in the form of an underlay. 

Want some more information on underlays and their function? Our blog has everything you need to know. Check it out here.

Mistake #2: Failing to Acclimatise the Laminate Planks

Laminate, like most wood flooring, is susceptible to expanding or contracting with changes in temperature and humidity. Many forget to let the laminate acclimatise to the room's temperature before laying down the flooring, resulting in gaps and buckling. 

While it can be tempting to immediately lay down the flooring, it's generally recommended that you allow at least 48 hours for the laminate to properly acclimatise to the room's temperature. However, different brands may require different acclimatisation periods, so be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines. 

Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Tools or Techniques for Cutting

Now that the surface has been prepared and your laminate has been left to acclimatise to the room’s temperature, it’s time to address the third mistake – using incorrect tools and techniques. Simple errors like wrong measurements or using the wrong cutting tools can completely derail your laminate flooring project. So, before you start cutting laminate flooring, make sure you have the following: 

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Mitre saw or jigsaw
• Rubber mallet 
• Spirit level 
• Spacers
• Carpenter’s square 

When it comes to cutting your laminate flooring, getting the measurements right and using the right tools can be the difference between a successful installation and a failed one. To get started, you’ll need to: 

1. Measure and Mark Where You’re Going to Cut

2. Choose the Right Cutting Tool

3. Position the Plank for Cutting

4. Cut the Plank

5. Sand the Edges (Optional)

If you want more information on how to install laminate flooring, check out our complete step-by-step guide here. 

Mistake #4: Not Leaving Enough Expansion Space

As previously mentioned, laminate is responsive to ongoing changes in temperature and humidity. You may think that because you've let the flooring acclimatise, that there is no need to consider expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room.

This is not true. Leaving expansion gaps allows the laminate to expand in the face of seasonal temperature changes and heating systems like central heating, air conditioning or underfloor heating. If expansion gaps aren't left, the planks are more likely to buckle, warp, and crack. 

The recommended gap is 10mm but can be anywhere between 8mm and 12mm. You can use a spacer to help you get the spacing right. 

Mistake #5: Incorrect Underlay Choice or Installation

Choosing the right underlay is crucial when installing laminate flooring, as it directly impacts the floor's performance, comfort, and longevity. Laminate flooring underlay essentially acts as a buffer between the laminate and the subfloor, and provides insulation, noise reduction, and moisture protection. 

Choosing the wrong underlay for the type of subfloor you have can lead to problems such as creaking, uneven flooring, or moisture damage.

Here's what kind of underlay we recommend for each type of subfloor:

Concrete Subfloor

• Damp-proof underlay

Wooden Subfloor (Plywood or Floorboards)

• Foam or fibreboard underlay

Tile or Stone Subfloor

• Foam or rubber underlay with a moisture barrier

Vinyl or Lino Subfloor

• Thin foam underlay
  

Check out our carpet and laminate underlay options to find the best one for your flooring. 

Mistake #6: Ignoring Layout and Alignment

It’s crucial to approach your laminate floor project knowing how you want to align your laminate planks and in which direction you want them. 

The direction of your planks can have a big impact on your room’s appearance. For example, you can make a room appear larger and more open by laying laminate planks parallel to the longest wall or in the direction of natural light. 

While installing, if you don’t properly align your laminate flooring planks, you can significantly disrupt the visual balance and flow of the room. 

To get the layout and alignment perfect for your room, you need to get your measurements spot on! Establish a straight baseline on the subfloor parallel to your chosen starting wall.  Check the room’s squareness by measuring the width of the room at multiple points.  Measure twice, cut once! Use a Carpenter’s Square for accuracy.  Lay your planks out first without adhesive to ensure the alignment and spacing is sound. Maintain consistent expansion gaps between the planks and the walls.

 

Mistake #7: Not Protecting the Floor After Installation

Even after your laminate floor has been installed, there are some post-installation steps to take care of to ensure your floor is protected in the immediate and in the long term. 

Do a Final Clean

The installation process can leave behind dust and debris that you may have missed. These can lead to scratches on the surface of your laminate and can also affect its appearance. 

You can use a broom, vacuum or a mop when cleaning laminate floors. 

Note: do not use a soaking wet mop or excessive water for cleaning immediately after installation, as laminate is not waterproof, and the water can seep into the seams, causing swelling or warping of the planks. 

Use Furniture Pads 

Placing heavy furniture directly on the floor or dragging it across the surface without pads can cause scratches or dents. Avoid this by using felt pads or rubber protectors under all furniture legs. 

Don’t Walk on the Floor Too Soon

It’s generally recommended that laminate flooring be left to settle for 24 hours after being installed before being walked on or adding/moving furniture. 

Maintain Regularly 

Always keep an eye out for minor damage like small chips, scratches or damaged planks, as they can worsen over time and lead to extensive repairs or replacements. 

Stick to a regular cleaning schedule to make sure no debris or dust damages the surface of your laminate. For example, you can spot clean daily or weekly with a broom or vacuum and do a deeper clean on a monthly basis. If you have children or pets, or experience higher foot traffic in general, consider deep cleaning more often. 

If you avoid these common mistakes when laying laminate flooring in your home, you’ve set yourself and your DIY project up for success. Get started by picking one of our many laminate flooring styles, from wood style, stone style, herringbone style and more!