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Laminate Flooring Dos And Don’ts

Flooring Installation & Care Laminate Flooring

15mm-nutmeg-lam-roomGenerally speaking, laminate flooring is a low maintenance option that is generally easy to install. That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing laminate flooring, and after you’ve installed it. If you want to preserve your laminate floor’s finish for as long as possible, consider these do’s and don’ts carefully before making the purchase.

Do:

  • Consider the area in which you intend to install your floor. Judge it for foot traffic and moisture levels in particular to be sure that your choice of flooring is appropriate. This is where it is handy to check the AC rating of your chosen laminate floor
  • Choose a quality underlayment to protect against moisture coming from the subfloor
  • Read any installation instructions you have very carefully
  • Hire a professional if you’re unsure how to proceed
  • Ensure that your subfloor is level, clean, and dry
  • When installing, leave a 10mm gap around the perimeter of your installation area as well as any fixed objects in the center. You will need to allow room for expansion as the laminate will respond to temperature changes over time
  • Once the laminate flooring has been installed, be aware of any spills on your laminate floor and clear them up as soon as they happen
  • Use a dry mop or a vacuum cleaner to keep the laminate floor clear of dust and dirt.
  • Use protective pads on the feet of all furniture to reduce the risk of scratching the laminate flooring
  • Lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling it, when you can
  • In lieu of pads, use a piece of carpet face down under heavy objects while moving them across your laminate floor. For things as heavy as a pool table or a piano, make sure to get help when you need it
  •  Keep your curtains or blinds drawn during times of high sun. Direct exposure of sunlight can fade your flooring’s surface

Don’t:

  • Install laminate flooring over carpet
  • Install laminate flooring in areas subject to excessive moisture
  • Continue with your installation if your first row is not straight. The first row is the basis for the entire installation.
  • Use a wax seal, polish, or abrasive cleansers on your laminate flooring. This can ruin the finish and the overall look of the laminate
  • Try to seal, lacquer, finish or sand your laminate floor
  • Use soap-based detergents or “mop-and-shine” products
  • Walk on the laminate floor while wearing stiletto heels or athletic footwear with spikes or metal cleats
  • Flood the floor when cleaning. It’s important to minimize moisture levels on the laminate floor. If excessive moisture finds its way underneath the flooring, it can cause the boards to swell

For more detail on how to install and maintain a laminate floor, it’s helpful to talk directly with the professionals. Valuable resources include contractors with experience installing laminate floors, and BuildDirect’s knowledgeable product experts. Call 1-877-631-2845 or email sales@builddirect.com, we’d love to hear from you!

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(7) Comments

  1. Avy Abrams

    Good Afternoon,

    My Condo Association is requiring me to lay 9mm underlayment under my laminate floors. Is 3 layers of 3mm equivalent to 1 layer of 9mm? Will 3 layers of 3mm work the same as 1 layer of 9mm?

    Thanks

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Avy,

      Thank you for getting in touch! I would suggest asking your condo association to confirm that they need an underlay that is 9mm thick for laminate floors. We have never heard of an underlay that thick other than maybe for carpet and it seem that thickness would add too much cushioning for the laminate floor to stay stable when installed. Usually most HOA and condo associations require an underlay that offers a certain IIC and STC rating. These ratings are both based on how much sound they transfer to other floors. From my experience, a regular 3mm underlay with a proper IIC and STC rating are all that are needed. Please let us know if anything else comes up!

      • Avy Abrams

        Yes. They require 9mm thickness underlayment, nothing about a IIC or STC ratings, just the thickness. I already have 3mm underlayment. If I was to have 3 layers of the 3mm underlayment, is that equivalent to the one layer of 9mm underlayment that is required? Will the 3 layers of 3mm underlayment add too much cushioning for the laminate floor to stay stable when installed?

        Thanks.

  2. LindaRobert

    Thanks for sharing great tips. I truly appreciate your exertions for sharing this. Last week I have renovated maintenance my house. A lot of best designs concepts were introduced.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Linda,

      Thank you for letting us know! We’re glad we could help out and provide some inspiration! Hope your renovations went well!

  4. Dale

    the interlocking pieces don’t always snap together in a flat position, Is it proper to force them together by tapping with block or rubber mallet?

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