Where to Start Laying Laminate Flooring in a Room: A StepbyStep Guide for Beginners
Where to Start Laying Laminate Flooring in a Room?
When starting to lay laminate flooring in a room, it is recommended to begin in the left corner of the longest wall.
Install the planks in the same direction as the main light source, such as the main window.
Always install planks from left to right.
Starting in the trickiest area of the room, like an area with multiple doorways, can make the installation easier.
It is important to acclimatize the laminate flooring boards in the room for at least two days before installation.
Prepare the room by burying screws, leveling concrete sub-floors, and applying a waterproof membrane.
Temporarily cut and remove skirting boards during installation.
Start laying the flooring at the opposite end of the room from where the first rows will be placed.
Keep the floor clean and free of grit.
Use threshold transition strips at doorways and cut architrave and door lining if necessary.
Remove and cut bottoms of doors before laying the laminate flooring.
Choose the correct underlay and stagger tiles.
Lay the first row of floor boards from left to right with spacers for an expansion gap.
Cut the last board and stagger joints in a random fashion.
Accommodate radiator pipes by starting the row at the pipe or drilling a hole and cutting a keyhole shape behind it.
Use radiator pipe covers and lever in the last floor board.
After laying the floor, cut and fix skirting boards around the room.
Key Points:
- Start laying laminate flooring in the left corner of the longest wall.
- Install planks in the same direction as the main light source.
- Always install planks from left to right.
- Begin in the trickiest area of the room for easier installation.
- Acclimatize laminate flooring boards in the room for at least two days before installation.
- Temporarily cut and remove skirting boards during installation.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that laminate flooring is actually a layered synthetic material that mimics the appearance of real wood or stone? It is composed of four different layers, including a protective wear layer, a design layer, a core layer, and a balancing layer.
2. One interesting fact about laminate flooring is that it was actually invented by a Swedish company called Pergo in the late 1970s. Originally, it was designed as an alternative to hardwood floors, offering a more affordable and durable option.
3. If you’re wondering where to start laying laminate flooring in a room, experts suggest beginning in a corner of the space and working your way towards the main entrance. This method allows for a more seamless and visually appealing installation.
4. When installing laminate flooring, it’s crucial to acclimate the planks to the room’s temperature and humidity before beginning the installation process. This process, which involves allowing the planks to rest in the room for at least 48 hours, ensures that the material adjusts and reduces the risk of warping or buckling later on.
5. If you ever need to clean your laminate flooring, an interesting trivia is that you should avoid using traditional wet mops or excessive amounts of water. Instead, experts suggest using a slightly damp mop or a specially formulated laminate floor cleaner. Excessive moisture can seep into the seams and cause the planks to swell or deteriorate over time.
Starting Point And Direction
When laying laminate flooring, it is crucial to determine the starting point in the room. The recommended starting point is in the left corner of the longest wall in the room. This starting point allows for a smooth and organized installation process. Additionally, installing the planks in the same direction as the main light source, such as the main window, is important. This helps enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the flooring, as the natural light will highlight the beauty of the laminate.
Remember, planks should always be installed from left to right. This consistent installation pattern ensures a cohesive and visually pleasing result. However, if the longest, straightest wall in the room is parallel to the desired direction of the floor, it is advisable to start the installation there. This approach simplifies the installation process and minimizes potential challenges.
It is recommended to remember the following points:
- Start in the left corner of the longest wall
- Install planks in the same direction as the main light source
- Planks should be installed from left to right
- Consider starting the installation from the longest, straightest wall if it is parallel to the desired direction of the floor
Tips For Tricky Areas
In some cases, there may be areas in the room that present challenges, such as multiple doorways. These tricky areas can be made easier to navigate by starting the installation in that specific area. By beginning in the most complex part of the room, it becomes simpler to align the flooring correctly and can prevent potential issues later on.
Additionally, it is important to consider the layout of the room when determining the starting point. If corners or tricky areas are present, it may be beneficial to start the installation away from these sections. This approach allows for better planning and alignment, resulting in a more seamless and professional-looking finished floor.
Preparation And Acclimatization
Before beginning the installation process, it is crucial to properly prepare the room. Here are some important steps to follow:
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For timber floors, make sure to bury screws and punch down nail heads. This will ensure a smooth and even surface for the laminate flooring.
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Concrete sub-floors should be leveled. Use a self-leveling compound to remove any unevenness and create a solid foundation for the laminate flooring.
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Apply a waterproof membrane to concrete sub-floors. This will help prevent moisture damage and ensure the longevity of the laminate flooring.
In addition to preparing the room, it is also important to acclimatize the laminate flooring boards before installation. This involves leaving the boards in the room where they will be installed for at least two days.
- Why is acclimatization important? Acclimatization allows the boards to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room. This reduces the risk of warping or buckling after installation.
Lastly, it is advised to temporarily remove the skirting boards around the flooring during installation. This will make the process cleaner and more precise. By eliminating the need to cut the boards around the skirting, you can achieve a seamless transition between the flooring and the walls.
- Buried screws and punched down nail heads
- Leveled concrete sub-floors
- Waterproof membrane application
- Acclimatize laminate flooring boards for at least two days
- Temporary removal of skirting boards for cleaner installation
“Properly preparing the room before installing laminate flooring is crucial for a successful installation process.”
Installation Process
Once the preparation and acclimatization are complete, it’s time to begin the actual installation process.
The first step is to lay down the underlay, which provides insulation, soundproofing, and helps to level the floor. The correct underlay should be chosen based on the type of sub-floor and laminate floor being installed.
When it comes to laying the floorboards, it is important to start from the opposite end of the room from where the first rows will be placed. This ensures a balanced and visually appealing result.
Each board should be installed with the tongue facing the wall, and 8-10mm spacers should be used to create an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.
During the installation process, it is crucial to keep the floor clean and free of grit to prevent scratching. Additionally, halfway through the job, covering and protecting a section of the floor that has already been laid with cardboard packaging from the flooring is recommended. This precautionary measure ensures that the previously installed boards are not damaged during the subsequent steps.
Handling Obstacles And Finishing Touches
Throughout the installation process, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. One of these involves addressing obstacles such as doorways and radiator pipes. To ensure a seamless transition between rooms, it is recommended to fit threshold transition strips at doorways where the floor will finish. These strips should be positioned under the center of the closed door, making them invisible from either side.
When it comes to accommodating radiator pipes that come up through the floor, there are two methods that can be employed. The first approach involves starting the row of flooring at the location of the pipe and joining the ends of the boards on either side of it. Alternatively, a hole can be drilled for the pipe, and a keyhole shape can be cut behind it using a thin hacksaw blade. It is important to ensure that the holes are larger than the size of the pipe to allow for movement and expansion.
In terms of finishing touches, attention should be given to the last floorboard. It needs to be cut to length, leaving a 10mm gap from the wall to accommodate expansion. A recommended technique is to rip the last floorboard to be 10mm narrower than the remaining gap and then use an old chisel to lever it in off the wall. If there is a long run left, all ripped boards can be joined together and tapped in with a special bar.
Finally, after laying the flooring, the skirting boards can be cut and fixed around the room. This step is crucial for achieving a polished and professional finish. By paying attention to detail during this stage, you can achieve a beautiful and durable laminate floor that adds both style and value to any space.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What part of the room do you start laying laminate flooring?
To ensure a smooth and efficient installation, it is recommended to start laying laminate flooring in the corner of the longest wall. By positioning the first piece with its tongue edge against the wall, you can establish a sturdy foundation for the rest of the flooring. This starting point allows for a systematic and organized installation process, ensuring that the laminate flooring is properly aligned and visually appealing throughout the room.
Where is the best place to start laminate?
The most ideal place to start laying laminate flooring would be in a corner of the room, with the first row of boards laid in such a way that the tongue side faces the nearest wall. However, it is important to consider the subfloor material as well. If the subfloor is wooden and has joists underneath, it is advisable to install the laminate boards across the joists for better stability and support. This ensures a seamless and secure connection when using the click system to join the boards together. Therefore, when deciding where to start laying laminate, considering both the direction of the longest wall and the subfloor material will help achieve the best results.
Where should I start laying flooring?
Start laying the flooring parallel to the longest wall or the focal point of the room. By doing so, you will create a visually appealing and cohesive space. To determine the width of the final row of planks, measure the width of the room from the longest wall and divide it by the width of the planks. This calculation will ensure that the final row is proportional and aesthetically balanced with the rest of the flooring.
Can you start laminate from the door?
While it is generally recommended to start laying laminate from the front door and go perpendicular to it, the decision ultimately rests with the homeowner. This is an opportunity to personalize the flooring and choose a layout that best suits one’s aesthetic preferences. By starting the laminate from the door, you can create a visually striking entrance that adds a unique touch to your home. Ultimately, the choice of where to begin the laminate installation is an excellent way to express your creativity and make a bold statement in your living space.