- Start laying the Laminate flooring in the center of the room and work your way outward. This helps ensure that the flooring is symmetrical and balanced.
- Before installing the flooring make sure the subfloor is clean, flat, and dry.
- When cutting the laminate flooring use a sharp blade for a clean cut and make sure to measure twice and cut once.
- Use a foam underlayment to help reduce noise and provide extra cushioning.
- Use a tapping block to help seal the joints together tightly.
- Make sure to leave a gap around the edges of the room when installing the laminate flooring. This gap will help the flooring expand and contract with temperature changes.
- Use transition strips along doorways, thresholds, and at the edges of the room to help create a cleaner look and provide a smooth transition between the flooring and other surfaces.
Cons of Laminate Flooring
- Limited Durability: Laminate flooring is not as durable as hardwood, stone, or tile. It is susceptible to scratches and dents from heavy furniture or pets.
- Poor Quality: Low-grade laminate flooring can be easily damaged and is not suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Poor Resale Value: Laminate flooring does not add as much value to a home as hardwood, stone, or tile.
- Poor Insulation: Laminate flooring does not provide good insulation, which can lead to higher energy bills.
- Poor Quality Installation: Poor installation can cause the flooring to become loose or warped over time.
Drawbacks of Installing Laminate Flooring
- Limited Lifetime Warranty: Laminate flooring typically comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which means you won’t be covered if the flooring is damaged due to normal wear and tear or improper installation.
- Limited Design Options: While laminate flooring comes in a wide variety of styles and designs, it’s still limited in comparison to other types of flooring like hardwood, tile, and stone.
- Installation Difficulty: Laminate flooring can be difficult to install and requires precision. If the planks aren’t installed correctly, gaps can form between the pieces and the flooring can look uneven.
- Susceptible to Damage: Laminate flooring is susceptible to damage from moisture, heat, and heavy furniture. In addition, it’s not suitable for high-traffic areas since it can wear out quickly.
- Not Eco-Friendly: Laminate flooring is made from plastic and wood, which aren’t eco-friendly materials. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly flooring option, consider bamboo or cork instead
- Laminate flooring can’t be refinished like hardwood, so if it becomes damaged, it will need to be replaced.
- Laminate flooring can be slippery when wet and may not be suitable for areas prone to moisture.
- Laminate flooring can be sensitive to sunlight and may be prone to fading over time. Laminate flooring may not be suitable for all types of subfloors, so it’s important to check before installation.
- Installation of laminate flooring can be tricky and is best left to a professional.
