If you've decided that it's time for a new floor, you might be considering laminate flooring. Laminate flooring provides you with the appearance that you're looking for in a material that is easier to keep clean and more affordable to purchase than many other flooring solutions. Before you start installing your new floors, there are a few things that you should know to help ensure a positive experience.
Let the flooring acclimate first
You might be tempted to get started on the flooring installation as soon as your laminate flooring arrives. However, it's in your best interest to delay that installation a few days so that the flooring material can acclimate to your home. This delay provides the flooring material time to adjust to the temperature and relative humidity of your home, both of which can affect the condition of the flooring and the way that the pieces come together. Skipping this step could lead to gaps and uneven installation after the fact. Put the flooring materials in the room where you will install them and let them sit for a couple of days to adjust to the environment.
Make sure your subfloor is solid
The next thing to consider is the condition of the subfloor. Remember that your subfloor provides the foundation for your flooring, so make sure that it is in good condition. That means ensuring that wood subflooring is clean, free of damage, and secure and concrete is solid, level, and properly cured. If you are using concrete for your subfloor, you'll want a vapor barrier between the concrete and your laminate flooring to protect against moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Allow room for floating
Laminate floors are not manufactured with the intent of adhering or fastening them in place. Instead, laminate floors are designed to interlock together with a gap around the perimeter and around any fixed items in the space. That gap provides room for the flooring to expand, contract, and shift as necessary with temperature and humidity changes. If you don't allow for that space around the perimeter and any obstructions, the flooring could buckle or bubble.
These are some of the most important things to think about when it comes to laminate flooring. Make sure that you have enough time and resources to handle the installation or work with a professional flooring contractor to install the flooring material for you. That way, you can be sure that you get the end result that you wanted.
Contact a local company to learn more, like Rejuvenation Floor & Design.
