WHAT TO EXPECT
Laminate flooring is a versatile material designed and engineered for easy installation. You can install laminate floors in almost every room in your home, above or below ground, and over wood or concrete. Laminate flooring installation is 30% – 50% faster than other floors because there is no need for adhesives or special tools. It is a great weekend project for DIYers with intermediate experience.
BEFORE
Laminate flooring is designed for a “floating floor” installation method that doesn’t require glue, nails or staples. Instead, laminate boards have a unique tongue-and-groove profile that connects by simply locking edges into place for a firmly fastened surface. Once complete, the entire floor “floats” above the subfloor, expanding and contracting with the temperature and humidity changes in your home.
DURING
The versatility of floating floor installation allows it to be installed directly over various existing floors, including wood, concrete, vinyl tile, vinyl sheet, and even carpet. That means you do not have to pull up old flooring or deal with the mess of repairing a damaged floor before installing your new laminate floor. Just make sure the subfloor is structurally sound, dry, clean and flat. An underlayment is recommended for laminate installation. Underlayment serves as a moisture barrier and will help quiet floors in areas with heavy foot traffic. It also makes your laminate floor sound and feel more like a real hardwood floor.
AFTER
After installation, if you are sensitive to dust and odours, good ventilation should be established for 48 to 72 hours after installation to make sure that dust from the installation settles. From there, routine care and maintenance are up to you!
