From hardwood floors and tile flooring, many flooring options are available in the market. However, laminate flooring remains a popular choice among homeowners for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. With a 6% yearly growth in sales, laminate flooring installations are only on the rise.
However, despite its numerous benefits, common mistakes during the installation process can lead to costly consequences, especially if you’re installing the laminate planks yourself as part of a home improvement project.
In this article, we will review some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing laminate flooring and the potential consequences of these errors. We’ll also touch upon the role of professional installation services, such as those offered by MyNewFloor.com.
Whether you’re planning to follow the manufacturer’s instructions in a DIY project or seeking step-by-step professional installation, understanding and avoiding these common pitfalls is essential for a successful laminate flooring installation.
Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring
Laying laminate flooring—a popular choice among homeowners—can seem like a manageable DIY project, but several common mistakes can lead to costly consequences. These mistakes include the following.
Incorrect Subfloor Preparation
Incorrect subfloor preparation is a leading cause of problems while laying laminate flooring material.
A smooth, clean, and level subfloor is essential. Even minor imperfections can result in an uneven laminate floor and potentially cause creaking or other issues. Fixing any subfloor irregularities is necessary to preserve structural integrity. Make sure it’s completely clean before proceeding with installation.
Suppose you live in a high moisture area or are installing laminate flooring in an area of the house with high-density humidity levels. In that case, subfloor moisture can also wreak havoc on your laminate floor. Excessive moisture can lead to warping, buckling, and mold growth.
To avoid this, try using a suitable moisture barrier or sealant.
Poor Underlayment Selection
Choosing the wrong underlayment can lead to discomfort, noise, and a subpar laminate floor.
Choosing the best underlayment for your flooring is important as underlayment provides sound insulation, reducing noise when walking on the floor. If you’d like a quiet house despite high footfall, choose an underlayment with proper sound-absorbing qualities.
Selecting an underlayment that isn’t too hard to walk on is also essential. Of course, this chalks up to personal preference, but a good underlayment adds cushioning and comfort underfoot.
Inaccurate Measuring and Cutting
Measuring and cutting errors can result in waste and extra costs.
Before you lay laminate flooring, make sure that you take precise measurements of the room. Overestimating can lead to excess material costs, while underestimating may result in delays and extra trips to the store.
If you’re sticking with DIY, using the right tools and cutting techniques is an absolute must. A sharp utility knife with a straight edge is often the best tool for the job. Precise cutting will ensure tight seams and a professional appearance.
Improper Acclimation
Laminate planks need time to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where they’ll be installed. Failing to acclimatize can lead to warping, edge expansion gaps, and improper fit, even if you have a proper installation done.
Incorrect Locking and Sealing
Depending on the type of floor, be it adjustments to an existing floor or an entirely new floor, you need to lock and seal the planks correctly to avoid future troubles. Proper locking creates a tight fit that prevents seams from opening over time.
While laminate floors are not glued, ensuring that seams are securely closed is crucial. If gaps remain between planks, moisture and debris can penetrate, causing damage over time.
You can also use silicone caulk to seal gaps effectively.
The Consequences of DIY Mistakes
When DIY laminate flooring installation goes wrong, the consequences can be immediate and long-lasting, impacting your floor’s aesthetics, durability, and overall value.
Some of the short-term consequences include:
- Uneven Flooring: Not preparing the subfloor and a lack of proper measurements can lead to an uneven floor surface. This rough surface looks unattractive and creates an uncomfortable walking experience.
- Noisy Creaks and Squeaks: Inaccurate subfloor underlayment installation may result in loud creaks and squeaks whenever you walk on the floor. This noise can be irritating and disrupt the peace in your home.
- Gaps and Misalignment: Failing to lock the planks correctly and seal the joints can cause gaps and misalignment between planks. This disruption looks unprofessional and allows moisture and debris to seep into the seams.
Some long-term consequences include:
- Decreased Durability and Lifespan: Short-term mistakes can have a cumulative effect, significantly reducing the overall durability and lifespan of your laminate flooring. Uneven surfaces, noise, and misalignment weaken the floor’s structural integrity.
- Costly Repairs and Replacements: DIY mistakes often lead to long-term issues that require expensive repairs. For example, water damage due to poorly sealed seams can lead to the need for total replacement. The expenses associated with these repairs can quickly add up.
- Aesthetic Deterioration: Over time, misaligned planks, gaps, and other installation errors can lead to aesthetic deterioration. Your floor may lose its luster, and the flaws can become more pronounced over time.
MyNewFloor.com’s professional installation services are essential to avoid these consequences.
Professional installers have the expertise to properly prepare subfloors, ensuring you avoid all the problems described above.
The result is a beautiful, durable laminate floor that enhances your home’s value and comfort.
MyNewFloor.com Solves Your Flooring Problems
Now you know the common laminate flooring mistakes and the detrimental consequences they can have.
But there’s good news: MyNewFloor.com offers professional expertise to ensure your flooring project is a resounding success.
Here’s how we solve these issues:
- Professional Expertise: Our experienced installers are well-versed in the intricacies of flooring installation, from subfloor preparation to precise measurements and locking systems. We guarantee a flawless result.
- Quality Assurance: We stand behind the quality of the products we offer and the work we do. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we back it with warranties and guarantees.
- Cost-Effective: We’re committed to providing exceptional service and products that meet your specific needs. Your satisfaction is our success.
- Customer Satisfaction: Professional installation ensures a beautiful, long-lasting floor and saves you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and replacements.
So, if you’re looking for a combination of moisture protection and water-resistant laminate planks with a vapor barrier for your floors, check out our Novo collection.
If you have any questions, get in touch with us!