How to Install Laminate Wood Flooring Over Existing Floors

When Jake inherited his grandmother’s house, he loved everything about it except the existing flooring. “They’ve got to go,” he said.

But replacing them will require the services of a professional and he didn’t have a large budget for the task. That’s when he discovered the magic of how to install laminate wood flooring.

He could give the place a fresh, modern touch with a little patience and the right tools without the headache of removing the old floors too.

Jake knew it was time to get to work. He quickly got the right tools and was ready to make his grandmother’s house feel like a home again.

If you want to change your floors to a laminate wood floor, then this blog is for you. Join us as we show how to install laminate wood flooring over your existing floors.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Key Highlights

●        You need to use the right tools to properly install your laminate wood flooring.

●        You should prepare your space before beginning your installation.

Understanding Laminate Wood Flooring

 Laminate flooring is a popular type of wood floor installation for many homes in Arizona. Especially, for homeowners who want to beautify their space.

But what is laminate flooring? In simple terms, it is a multi-layered synthetic flooring product fused through a lamination process.

The bottom layer provides stability because of its strong fiberboard. However it has a picture inlay at the top layer which makes it look like hardwood floor installation.

Types of laminate wood available

Selecting laminate flooring types creates an overwhelming situation for homeowners. This is because there are numerous flooring options available. However, if you understand the basic categories, it makes it easy for you to select the right one for your home. 

Direct-glue laminate planks are a budget-friendly option requiring adhesive to secure the planks.The popular click-lock system connects planks through locking mechanisms. This helps to make your  DIY choice to install laminate wood flooring simpler.

When considering thickness, laminate planks typically range from 6mm to 12mm.

Thick planks have high durability and soundproofing capabilities. The cost of thinner laminate floors is more affordable than thicker options.

You should understand the distinctions between laminate wood flooring and engineered wood flooring. Even though they are beautiful wood flooring types, engineered wood has a thin layer of real hardwood on top.

The flooring design creates an authentic appearance and feel. However, it's more expensive.

Tools and materials that you will need

You need to use the right tools and materials if you want to easily install laminate wood floorings. Before beginning your project you need to get the following items:

●        Measuring tape and chalk line: It helps you to perform accurate measurements and draw guidelines.

●        Tapping block and pull bar: This is for seamlessly joining the laminate planks.

●        Utility knife and circular saw (or jigsaw): It’s used for making precise cuts.

●        Underlayment, moisture barrier (if necessary), and spacers: It helps in proper installation and expansion gaps.

Ensure that your circular saw or jigsaw blades are designed for cutting laminate flooring. A fine-tooth blade will help prevent chipping. It also ensures clean and proper cuts.

You should also have a safety gear. It should include safety glasses, a dust mask, and work gloves. This helps to protect you during the installation.

Preparing Your Space

 

The installation process becomes smoother when you prepare everything properly. It even reduces potential problems.

Start by clearing the room of all furniture. You should also remove your appliances and any objects that may affect your work. Preparing your workspace allows you to move freely and work properly. It helps you to have a professional result.

Clearing the room and removing baseboards

You can maneuver around furniture when dealing with limited spaces.  However, for the entire room, it's best to empty it. This facilitates easier movement, measuring, and cutting of the laminate planks.

You need to remove the baseboards carefully using a pry bar. Take necessary measures to shield your wall surfaces and the baseboards (if you plan to reuse them) from damage.

You will need either a putty knife or a small piece of wood as a buffer material when using a pry bar to separate surfaces. As you remove each section of the baseboard, label it with masking tape and a marker.

Following this deliberate method in your project will result in better efficiency during the final installation stages.

The Beginner's Guide to Installing Laminate Flooring

The following section will outline a step-by-step method on how to install laminate wood flooring by yourself.  Remember, patience is key! Taking your time will lead to a more professional outcome in your project.

Step 1: Acclimating the laminate planks

Your laminate flooring planks require temperature and humidity adjustment before you start the installation. This step is often overlooked.However, it helps to prevent warping or buckling after installation. Especially, during temperature changes.

Most manufacturers recommend acclimating the laminate flooring for at least 48 hours before installation. Use a central position in the room to begin your flooring installation. 

Then, lay the unopened boxes flat on the floor. The best technique for stacking boxes involves crossing them to enable air circulation.

Keep in mind that extreme temperature fluctuations can negatively impact the laminate planks. So, ensure that you maintain a consistent temperature in the room during the acclimation period.

Keep the boxes away from heating sources, air vents, and direct sunlight exposure. This may cause uneven temperature distribution.

Step 2: Laying the underlayment

Your flooring gains improved performance attributes from the underlayment which acts as a protective material. It also blocks moisture, minimizes noise, and provides a flat surface for the laminate planks.

There are a variety of subfloors and your choice of underlayment can vary depending on the subfloor type.  You should also consider the specific requirements of your laminate flooring.

For concrete subfloors, an underlayment with a built-in vapor barrier is best. It helps to prevent moisture from damaging the laminate floor.Many homeowners prefer to use foam underlayment as their flooring choice.

This is because of its moisture resistance and sound-dampening qualities.It can also remove minor imperfections.

On the other hand, if you have wood subfloors, a standard foam or felt underlayment will generally suffice. Then, roll out the underlayment. However, ensure the seams are butted tightly together without overlapping. Secure the seams with tape designed for underlayment.

Step 3: Planning your layout

You must design your laminate planks layout before starting the installation process. A proper layout planning at this stage leads to professional finished results. And guess what? It also reduces waste. 

The first step involves finding the most straight wall in the area. The selected wall functions as your reference point for beginning.

Next, measure the width of the room room and divide it by the width of a laminate plank. This will help you determine how many rows of planks you will need and whether you need to cut the planks in the last row to fit.

Aim for the planks in the last row to be at least 5 inches wide. If you find that the planks in the last row would be too narrow, adjust the width of the first row. A wider first row will result in a wider last row, creating a more balanced look.

Step 4: Installing the first row of planks

With the underlayment in place and your layout planned, it's time to install the first row of laminate planks. Starting from a corner along the longest wall, carefully position the first plank with its tongue side facing the wall.

Use spacers along the wall to create an expansion gap of approximately 1/4 inch. This gap is essential to allow the laminate to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity without buckling.

Continue laying planks along the starting wall, locking them together at the short ends. Ensure the planks are flush and tightly joined, with no visible gaps. Use a tapping block and hammer to gently tap the planks into place as needed, being careful not to damage the edges.

Step 5: Staggering the planks for a natural look

Once the first row is complete, start the second row by cutting a plank to approximately two-thirds of its original length. This offset creates a staggered pattern that improves the floor's visual appeal and its structural integrity.

Place the cut plank in the corner of the second row, ensuring the short-end butts are against the adjacent plank in the first row. Continue installing the rest of the planks in the second row, again ensuring they are tightly locked together.

Staggering the joints is essential for a natural-looking result. Aim for a minimum offset of 6 inches between the end joints of adjacent rows.

Step 6: Cutting planks to fit and installing around doorways

As you reach the opposite wall, you'll likely encounter areas where you need to cut the laminate planks to fit. Measure the remaining space accurately, taking into account the expansion gap.

Use a utility knife to score the plank along the cut line, then carefully snap the plank along the score. For more precise cuts, like those needed around doorways or intricate corners, use a miter saw or jigsaw.

Remember to undercut the door jamb with a handsaw when installing planks around doorways. This will create a seamless transition for the laminate flooring to flow underneath.

Finishing Touches for a Professional Look

With your laminate flooring successfully installed, it's time to focus on the final touches. This improves its look to achieve that polished, professional finish. Though these finishing touches might seem minor, but they make a big difference.

Start by attending to the expansion gaps along the walls. These gaps that are initially maintained by spacers need to be concealed for a refined look. Transition strips and baseboards are commonly used for this purpose.

Reinstalling baseboards and trim

When reattaching old or new baseboards, you should nail them into the wall studs instead of the flooring itself. This prevents the baseboards from restricting the floating floor installation’s movement.

Once the baseboards are in place, you can reinstall the shoe or quarter-round molding. This helps to cover the expansion gap between the baseboard and the final row of planks.

However, there’s something you should know. If you don’t have the time or you’re not sure of the process, it’s best to call professional installers like Master of Floors. They’ll help you to properly install laminate wood flooring for your home.

Here in Arizona, Master of Floors is the right professional laminate wood floor installer for your home. Whether you need a laminate flooring, vinyl flooring or any other type of flooring, we can help. And guess what? Our services are fast, top-notch, and affordable. Reach out to us!

Frequently Asked Question

Do I need power tools to cut laminate planks?

A utility knife can be used for scoring and snapping planks for straight cuts. However, miter saw or jigsaw equipped with a fine-tooth blade is best for cleaner, more precise cuts. Especially, when working around obstacles.