Laminate flooring was developed in Sweden in the 1970s, and it's come a long way since then. Laminate floors are a very popular flooring choice not only for their durability and resistance to scratches but because they are easy to clean. Laminate floors can replicate many types of wood; oak, cherry, mahogany, walnut, chestnut, maple, pine, and many more.
Knowing how to install them properly is paramount:
DO:
- Use a laminated floor underlayment. It acts as a moisture barrier, keeps the water from coming through. It gives the floor a little bit of resilience just makes it more comfortable to stand and walk on and it will correct minor surface imperfections.
- Make sure the new floor is up close to the wall, but not touching it. You’ll want to leave a margin around the edge when installing because it expands and contracts.
- Be prepared to make a design decision when laying down the floor
- Undercut door casings so you can tuck your flooring underneath
DON’T:
- Assume you can lay laminate flooring on top of any floor surface
- Continue to the second row before making sure your first row is straight.
- Install laminate flooring in areas subject to excessive moisture.
- Use too much water when mopping.
