Laminated Flooring Installation Tips

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When investing in a new floating laminate floor or any other flooring one should take precaution to assure that the floor will not only look great but also perform great. Here are a few tips on laminate flooring installation that will assist you in achieving your goals.

While the requirement of one manufacturer may differ from another the following information is common to many manufacturers. When purchasing a floor always obtain and read the installation instructions for the floor you are purchasing. The instructions for most laminate manufacturers may be found by clicking here.

Unfortunately as flooring inspectors we see many installations where the person installing the floor claimed to be an expert but did not install the floor as required by the manufacturer. Failing to follow the manufacturers installation instructions is a huge laminate floor problem as it often voids the warranty.

Subfloor Requirements of a floating floor

Concrete

• Perform a mat test to check for moisture. If any indication of a high moisture content perform a calcium chloride test.  Moisture content should not exceed 2.5% on a dry weight basis or the floor may fail.
• New concrete needs to cure for a minimum of 60 days.
• Use an approved vapor barrier.  Most companies require a vapor barrier even when the floor is covered by vinyl, linoleum, tile or sheet flooring.

Vinyl & Linoleum Subfloor

• Usually you can install over these if they are clean and level.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

• This is the one floor that most floating floors cannot be installed over and it needs to be removed unless approved by the manufacturer.  If the carpet is glue down be sure to thoroughly clean the surface of glue residues.

Ceramic Tile and Stone Subfloor

• These will normally not require removal but they must be leveled to within 5 mm in a 3 m radius.  A vapor barrier may be required, particularly over concrete.

Hardwood Subfloor

• Test for moisture content, it must be stable and between 6 and 10%.
• Correct the floor to eliminate any movement.  If the subfloor sags, inspect the joist below for twist or weakness.  If the subfloor is uneven or cupped at the joist, recheck the moisture making sure it is in the 6 – 10% range.
• Check for excessive moisture in the crawl space or basement including signs of potential water problems.
• Sand or plane high areas and patch or fill low areas with an appropriate leveling compound, or cover with a rigid underlayment.
• Do not use a vapor barrier on top of wood floors.

More Laminate Flooring Posts

• Water Damage Laminate Floor
• Acclimation of Laminate Flooring
• Laminate Floor Problems and Concerns
• Laminate Floor Plank Alignment
• Identification of Common Laminate Floor Problems