Laminate Flooring Installation Methods: Choosing the Right Approach

Laminate flooring installation is known for its relative ease, making it a popular choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers. However, understanding the different laminate flooring installation methods is crucial for ensuring a successful and long-lasting result. 

The primary laminate floor installation methods are floating and glue-down, each with its own set of procedures, advantages, and disadvantages. Learn the secret to efficient and high-quality laminate installations today with Flooring Attic, your go-to laminate flooring store in Buford, GA. 

Understanding the Basics of Laminate Flooring Installation

Before delving into the specific methods, it's important to understand some fundamental aspects of laminate flooring installation:

Subfloor Preparation: 

Regardless of the installation method, a clean, level, and dry subfloor is essential for a successful laminate floor installation. Any imperfections in the subfloor can lead to unevenness, squeaking, or damage to the laminate.

Acclimation: 

Laminate flooring needs to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity for at least 48-72 hours before installation. This allows the planks to expand or contract and prevents issues like buckling or gapping after installation.

Underlayment: 

An underlayment is typically installed beneath laminate flooring. It provides cushioning, sound absorption, and moisture protection. The type of underlayment may vary depending on the subfloor and the specific laminate product.

Expansion Gap: 

A crucial element of laminate floor installation is leaving an expansion gap (typically ¼ to ½ inch) around the perimeter of the room and around any fixed objects like pipes or door frames. This gap allows the laminate to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes without buckling.

 

Laminate Flooring Installation Method 1: Floating Installation

The floating laminate flooring installation method is the most common and generally the preferred approach for residential applications. It involves connecting the laminate planks to each other using a tongue-and-groove or click-lock system, without directly adhering them to the subfloor. The entire floor "floats" above the subfloor.

Steps for Floating Laminate Floor Installation:

1. Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure the subfloor is clean, level, and dry. Repair any imperfections.
2. Install Underlayment: Roll out and tape the seams of the chosen underlayment.
3. Start the First Row: Begin along a straight wall, leaving the appropriate expansion gap. Connect the first row of planks end-to-end.
4. Connect Subsequent Rows: Angle the tongue of a new plank into the groove of the previous row and click or tap it into place. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to ensure a tight fit.
5. Cut Planks as Needed: Use a laminate cutter or saw to cut planks to fit at the ends of rows and around obstacles, always maintaining the expansion gap.
6. Stagger Seams: Stagger the end seams of planks in adjacent rows by at least 6-8 inches to create a more natural look and add stability.
7. Install Transition Pieces: Use transition moldings (e.g., T-moldings, reducers, end caps) where the laminate meets other flooring types or changes in elevation.
8. Install Baseboards and Shoe Moldings: Once the flooring is complete, install baseboards and shoe moldings to cover the expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room. Nail these moldings to the wall, not the flooring.

Advantages of Floating Laminate Floor Installation:

• Ease of Installation: Generally easier and faster than glue-down, making it a popular DIY choice.
• No Adhesive Required: Saves on the cost and mess of adhesives.
• Suitable for Most Subfloors: Can be installed over various subfloors, including concrete, wood, and existing resilient flooring.
• Allows for Subfloor Movement: The floating nature allows the subfloor to expand and contract independently of the laminate.
• Easier to Repair or Replace: Damaged planks can often be removed and replaced more easily than with a glue-down installation.
• Can Be More Comfortable: The underlayment provides cushioning and sound absorption.

Disadvantages of Floating Laminate Floor Installation:

• Can Sound Hollow: In some cases, especially over uneven subfloors or with inadequate underlayment, floating floors can sound slightly hollow when walked upon.
• Not Ideal for Very Large Areas: For extremely large rooms, expansion joints within the floor surface may be required to accommodate movement.
• May Not Be Suitable for Wet Areas (Depending on Product): While many laminates have some water resistance, standing water can still seep into the seams. Glue-down may be preferred in consistently wet areas for some laminate types.

Laminate Flooring Installation Method 2: Glue-Down Installation

The glue-down laminate floor installation method involves adhering each laminate plank directly to the subfloor using a special laminate adhesive. This method is less common for residential DIY projects but is sometimes preferred in commercial settings or specific residential applications.

Steps for Glue-Down Laminate Floor Installation:

1. Prepare the Subfloor: The subfloor must be exceptionally clean, level, and dry. Any imperfections will be directly transferred to the laminate surface.
2. Apply Adhesive: Using the manufacturer's recommended adhesive and trowel, spread the adhesive evenly over a section of the subfloor. Work in manageable areas, as the adhesive has a limited open time.
3. Install the First Row: Begin along a straight wall, leaving the appropriate expansion gap. Press the first row of planks firmly into the adhesive.
4. Continue Installing Rows: Apply adhesive to the subfloor and carefully position and press each subsequent plank into place, ensuring tight seams. Use tapping blocks and a rubber mallet as needed.
5. Clean Excess Adhesive: Immediately wipe away any excess adhesive from the surface of the laminate.
6. Cut Planks as Needed: Cut planks to fit at the ends of rows and around obstacles, maintaining the expansion gap.
7. Stagger Seams: Stagger end seams in adjacent rows.
8. Allow Adhesive to Cure: Allow the adhesive to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before allowing foot traffic.
9. Install Transition Pieces and Moldings: Install transition moldings and baseboards/shoe moldings as with a floating floor.

Advantages of Glue-Down Laminate Floor Installation:

• Solid Underfoot Feel: Provides a more solid and stable feel compared to a floating floor, often eliminating any hollow sound.
• Can Be Suitable for Wet Areas (Specific Products): Some water-resistant laminate products may be recommended for glue-down installation in areas with potential moisture. The adhesive can help seal the seams.
• Can Handle Heavy Traffic: Often preferred in commercial settings with heavy foot traffic due to its stability.
• No Need for Underlayment (Some Products): Some glue-down laminates may not require a separate underlayment if the adhesive provides sufficient sound absorption and moisture protection.

Disadvantages of Glue-Down Laminate Floor Installation:

• More Difficult and Messy Installation: Requires more skill and can be a more time-consuming and messy process due to the adhesive.
• Adhesive Costs: Adds the cost of the specific laminate adhesive.
• More Difficult to Repair or Replace: Removing and replacing damaged planks is significantly more challenging.
• Less Forgiving of Subfloor Imperfections: The subfloor needs to be very level, as any unevenness will be directly adhered to.
• Can Be More Difficult to Remove: Removing a glued-down laminate floor can be a labor-intensive process.

 

Choosing the Right Laminate Flooring Installation Method

The best laminate flooring installation method for your project depends on several factors:

• Your DIY Skill Level: Floating installation is generally recommended for DIYers due to its simplicity.
• Subfloor Condition: Minor imperfections are more easily accommodated by a floating floor with a good underlayment.
• Room Size and Traffic: For most residential rooms, floating is sufficient. For very large commercial spaces or areas with extremely heavy traffic, glue-down might be considered.
• Moisture Levels: In areas with potential moisture, consult the laminate manufacturer's recommendations. Some water-resistant laminates may be suitable for glue-down in these areas.
• Desired Underfoot Feel and Sound: If a solid, quiet feel is paramount, glue-down can achieve this. However, a quality underlayment under a floating floor can also provide good sound absorption and comfort.
• Future Removal Considerations: If you anticipate potentially needing to remove the floor in the future, floating is generally easier.

Shop High-Quality Laminate Flooring in Buford, GA from Flooring Attic Today!

By carefully considering your specific needs and the characteristics of each laminate floor installation method, you can choose the right approach to ensure a beautiful, durable, and long-lasting laminate floor.

Call or visit Flooring Attic. We have a showroom location in Buford, GA and pick-up locations throughout the Southeast. We service the areas of Georgia, Florida & Alabama with next day shipping. 

Flooring Attic is part of Atlanta Flooring Design Centers. Established in 1985, The Flooring Attic Outlet is your source for quality flooring products in and around Buford, GA. We offer quality products and excellent service and pricing to the Southeast. We are a Top 10 Flooring Retailer in the United States and a premier flooring supplier for new homes throughout the Southeast.