Probably one of the most versatile flooring products on the market, Laminate floors are made for fast and simple installation over a variety of subfloors.  From concrete, OSB, plywood to even previously installed floor coverings, laminates can be installed over just about anything.

Depending on the company’s design, laminates lock together and float, meaning they require no adhesive or setting materials.  Better quality laminates have stronger, better quality locking systems.  A great locking system not only provides better structural stability, meaning it is less likely to gap or create voids in between boards, but it also provides better moisture resistance, making for an overall better product.  Talk to an employee at Custom Home Interiors to ensure you get the perfect quality suitable for your household and traffic patterns.

Laminate floors are great products for do it yourself installations.  There are simple guidelines to follow depending on the brand of laminate, and all information will be provided to you at the time you purchase from Custom Home Interiors.

Get stuck or have questions about do it yourself laminate installations?  Just give us a call, we would be happy to help! 517-543-7120

 

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Subfloor Recommendations:

• Clean, smooth and dry.  Make sure the floor is well swept and free of all debris.
• Large voids or cracks must be filled, or a proper underlayment foam must be used.
• Repair any squeaks or loose subfloor boards by screwing them down into the floor joists.
• Check to make sure your subfloor is level.  Use a flat tape measure and a level, and check about every 8-10 feet to make sure there isn’t more than 3/16″ of height difference.  Fill in low spot and sand down high spots if needed.
• Subfloor must be firmly adhered to the foundation, meaning you cannot put a floating laminate floor over another floating floor. (It is also not recommended to put laminate over more than 2 payers of previous flooring)
• Use a quality underlayment foam or cork to ensure a smooth, flat, warm and quiet floor.  (Try to avoid products with the foam attached in specific situations, ask us for more details)
• Moisture testing is always recommended before installation.  This test will ensure your laminate floor performs properly in the area you are installing it.

General Knowledge:

• Install your planks perpendicular to floor joists.  This gives your floating floor better stability.
• Centering and pattern layout.  Always use chalk lines to determine how to start your first row, and how to stay even as installation progresses. Measure, measure, measure!
• Expansion gaping.  Though there are different requirement depending of the floor, you must leave an expansion or perimeter gap to allow the floor to properly expand and contract. This gap is covered with wall molding, base shoe or quater round.
• Undercutting door jambs is a very important part to a clean and quality installation.
• Make sure to have you humidity within the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
• Allow the laminate to rest in the room where it will be installed at least 72 hours before installation.  Proper acclimation is important for success.
• Tapping blocks can be helpful when installing certain types of laminate flooring products.  Ask a staff member at Custom Home Interiors what materials you will need to get the job done right!
• Make sure this is the right product for your room.  Ask detailed questions to get the best possible answers, make a list before you enter the store to shop.
• Always try to use a separate underlayment foam rather than the pre-attached padded laminate options.  This gives you better overall performance, warmth and moisture resistance.

 

Mohawk Laminate Floors combine beautiful styling, textures and colors with the 100% Unilin® InstaClic laminate technology, the premier glue-less locking system.

The patented INSTACLIC glue-less locking system means fast and easy installation. No glue is necessary. Boards slip easily into place – at an angle – or slide together with a snap. And with INSTACLIC construction on all four sides of a panel, there is always secure locking action, even when space gets tight.

 

 

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Here are some helpful articles in regards laminate installation if you need more information:

Detailed Information About Kronotex Installations:

 

 

 

Detailed Information About Mannington Installations:

 

 

 

Detailed Information About Mohawk Installations:

 

 

 

 

Repairs:

One of the great benefits of laminate flooring products is the ability to repair damaged planks or areas.  Give us a call to find out specific repair information in regards to your laminate floors.  Professional laminate flooring repairs are available by Custom Home Interiors.  517-543-7120