Laying laminate flooring can transform the look and feel of your home, adding style and durability to your space. However, the process isn't without its challenges, and even seasoned DIY enthusiasts can encounter pitfalls along the way.
From improper acclimatisation to misaligned planks, several common mistakes can occur during installation. In this guide, we'll explore these common errors and provide valuable tips on how to avoid them, ensuring a smooth and flawless laminate flooring installation.
Before you buy – take Tapi’s expert advice
You may be in a rush to buy your new floor and install it, but we’d always advise that you use a professional fitter. We can arrange the perfect fit from one of our trusted partners. But if you feel confident enough to do it yourself, we have lots of hints and tips to support you in our guide on how to lay your own laminate flooring.
Before you’ve even laid down a single plank, one of the most critical steps in laminate flooring installation is acclimating the planks to the environment in which they will be installed. That simply means making them the same temperature as the room they’re going in. If you don’t, the flooring could warp, buckle, or end up with gaps between the planks. To avoid this mistake, follow these steps:
A smooth and level subfloor is essential for a successful laminate flooring installation. Failure to properly prepare the subfloor can result in squeaks, uneven flooring, and premature wear and tear. Here's how to avoid these common mistakes:
Misaligned planks can detract from the overall appearance of your laminate flooring and create tripping hazards. Proper planning and attention to detail can help you avoid this common mistake:
Despite careful planning and preparation, unexpected challenges may arise during laminate flooring installation. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common issues:
Dealing with damaged planks: If you encounter damaged planks during installation, set them aside and use them for cuts at the end of rows.
Fixing squeaks: Likely to be ill-prepared subfloor but could be a lack of expansion in which case the planks could be trimmed.
While laying laminate flooring can be a rewarding DIY project, it's not without its challenges. All of our laminates have a click installation, so none of them use glue. For those who prefer to leave it to the experts, hiring a professional flooring installer can ensure a flawless finish and peace of mind. Professional fitters have the experience and expertise to tackle even the most complex installations, saving you time and hassle in the process. We’ve even provided some information on what laminate flooring is if you want to understand more.
Take the next steps to install laminate flooring with Tapi
By avoiding common laminate flooring mistakes and following proper installation techniques, you can achieve a beautiful and durable floor that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home. Whether you choose to tackle the project yourself or enlist the help of a professional, we can help you create the perfect floor.