Laminate Floor Installation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install a laminate floor by myself?
There are some laminate products that will lend themselves to a "do-it-yourself" installation. A trained professional should install the other laminate products. Your flooring retailer can assist you in making that choice.
How is laminate flooring installed?
The most important thing to consider in laying laminate flooring is the nature of the subfloor on which it is being laid. Is it even enough and sufficiently dry? For concrete floors a vapor barrier will be required. This prevents any residual moisture from the subfloor forcing its way upward. A PE sheet, for example, designed for the purpose and available from dealers and retailers, is ideally suitable as a vapor barrier. It should be at least 0.2 mm in thickness. In addition, you will also require a separating layer in order to reduce footstep sound, for example in PU foam or ribbed cardboard. Laminate flooring can be laid not just on concrete floors, however, but on existing old floors as well such as, e.g. wood, stone, ceramic, plastic, or similar. It is imperative, however, that you comply with the specific information and specifications of the manufacturer when doing so!
Can laminate flooring be installed over carpet?
According to the information supplied by manufacturers, carpets do not form a suitable base because the pile layer in the carpet gives way excessively under load. The joints in click systems, in particular, can be subjected to extreme loads. In principle, however, "harder carpets" are more suitable than softer types and it is advisable to contact the manufacturer of the laminate flooring in each case for advice.
Can laminate flooring be laid on tiles?
If the tile surface is suitably even and meets the requirements for laminate flooring in terms of the subfloor then it is in principle possible. Any unevenness or variations in height in the tile surface can be evened out with an insulation mat. Contact with your manufacturer to check on your specific case.
Can I install laminate flooring in an unheated space (e.g., garage, cabin, porch)?
Laminates need to be installed in climatically stable environments, avoiding extreme temperature swings and excessive humidity.
Can laminate floor be installed in a basement?
Generally, laminate flooring may be installed in a basement in accordance with the manufacturer product specific installation recommendations. Your laminate retailer or manufacturer can provide more specific detail on this matter.
Can laminate flooring be installed over a radiant heated floor?
Laminate flooring can also be laid on a hot water underfloor heating system if it is installed correctly. The laminate flooring offers good resistance to heat transmission and permits the hot water underfloor heating system to be run highly efficiently. The insulation mat, however, must be the right type for the underfloor heating system Â- it is imperative that the resistance to heat transmission is not too high.
For electric underfloor heating systems it is essential that you first check the suitability of the laminate flooring for the system. The maximum surface temperature of the laminate flooring when laid must never be permitted to exceed 78 degrees Fahrenheit since this may lead to unsightly swelling of joints and arching. It is therefore essential that you check with your manufacturer first. As a general rule, technical advice should always be sought before laying laminate flooring on electric underfloor heating.
Can laminate flooring be installed in a bathroom?
Most manufacturers offer laminate product for use in bathrooms. However, since bathrooms are high moisture areas, special installation procedures may be required. Please refer back to the manufacturer of the specific product for specific instructions.
How big should the edge/expansion joints be?
The total area of laminate flooring elements can change with changes in climate. It is therefore imperative that you allow for edge joints of at least 10 mm or more in accordance with the manufacturer's/supplier's specifications and subject to the area involved.
There must always be a gap between the total floor unit created out of the individual laminate flooring elements and all fixed building components around it (walls, door frames, supply lines, pillars, etc.), i.e. an edge joint which provides sufficient leeway for the laminate flooring to move without coming into contact with those fixed building components.
Why is a vapor barrier always necessary?
Manufacturers always recommend the use of a vapor barrier (PE sheet or an insulation layer with aluminum coating) to protect the laminate flooring from rising damp coming from the subfloor. This is particularly important for rooms without cellars and in new buildings.
Why must the laminate product be in the room it will be installed in 48 hours prior to installation?
The laminate, underlayment, and glue should be acclimated to the conditions of the room in which it will be installed. By allowing typically 48 hours to acclimate, you are allowing the product to stabilize to its installation environment and minimize subsequent dimensional changes.
What should I do about an uneven sub-floor?
Underlayment should take care of most minor imperfections. Larger sub-floor irregularities may require patching, filling or other measures. Please refer to manufacturer instructions.
Can I glue the laminate to the sub-floor?
Most laminate flooring is installed as a "floating floor". To the extent any glue may be used, refer to manufacturer instructions.
