Installing laminate flooring over a wood subfloor is a common DIY project that can transform a room, but proper preparation is key to a successful and long-lasting result.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Prepare the Wood Subfloor:
- Inspection: Carefully inspect the existing wood floor for any signs of damage, such as:
- Loose or squeaky boards
- Water stains or mold
- Protruding nails or screws
- Repairs: Address any issues before proceeding:
- Secure loose boards: Use screws to firmly attach any loose boards to the joists below.
- Replace damaged boards: Remove and replace any rotted, warped, or otherwise damaged boards.
- Remove protrusions: Hammer down or remove any protruding nails or screws to create a smooth surface.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the entire wood floor to remove dirt, dust, debris, and any old adhesive residue. Vacuum and then damp-mop (avoid soaking the wood).
- Leveling (If Needed): Laminate flooring needs a fairly level surface. Minor imperfections can often be handled by the underlayment, but larger dips or humps require correction.
- Small imperfections: A self-leveling compound suitable for wood can fill in small dips.
- Larger issues: Significant unevenness may require sanding down high spots or using shims to level low areas.
2. Install Underlayment:
- Purpose: Underlayment provides a smooth, cushioned surface for the laminate, reduces noise, and can offer some moisture protection.
- Types: Common types include foam, cork, and combination underlayments with a vapor barrier. Choose the appropriate type based on your needs and the manufacturer's recommendations for your laminate flooring. Some laminate floors have a pre-attached underlayment, so check your product specifications.
- Installation: Roll out the underlayment, following the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, you'll overlap the seams slightly and tape them together.
3. Install the Laminate Flooring:
- Acclimation: Allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before installation. Store the boxes in the room where the flooring will be installed.
- Layout: Plan the layout of the flooring to minimize the number of cut pieces, especially along walls.
- Installation: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the laminate planks. Most laminate flooring uses a click-lock system where the planks snap together. Use a tapping block and pull bar to ensure a tight fit.
- Expansion Gap: Leave an expansion gap (typically ¼ to ⅜ inch) around the perimeter of the room to allow for expansion and contraction of the flooring due to temperature and humidity changes.
- Cutting: Use a saw (circular saw, jigsaw, or laminate cutter) to cut planks to fit around obstacles and along walls.
4. Finishing:
- Baseboards and Trim: Install baseboards and trim to cover the expansion gap and give the room a finished look.
- Transitions: Use transition strips where the laminate flooring meets other types of flooring.
Example Scenario:
Imagine you have a wood subfloor with a few protruding nails and a slightly uneven surface. You would first hammer down the nails. Then, you'd choose a foam underlayment to help compensate for the slight unevenness. Finally, you'd install the laminate planks, remembering the expansion gap.
