It doesn’t matter if you are installing a laminate, hardwood, tile, or other type of flooring into your home—there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid. This article will discuss those common pitfalls, as well as offer tips for a successful installation. So read on and get ready to upgrade your home in a beautiful and seamless manner.
The first mistake many homeowners make is not accurately measuring their floors. Take precise measurements of each room, then double-check to see if there is enough flooring. You don’t want to start the installation only to discover you don’t have enough material. This mistake could end up costing precious time and money.
Another major error is neglecting to properly prepare the subfloor. This is particularly important with laminate flooring, where a flat surface is indispensable for a successful installation. Remove any existing flooring and nails, then make sure the subfloor is clean and level. To increase the life expectancy of certain types of flooring, consider adding a moisture barrier or sound barrier underlayment.
Lack of attention to the details of installation is yet another common mistake. Read any instructions that come with your flooring thoroughly before beginning the installation. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions, including the type of adhesive and any other materials needed. Don’t mix and match different types and brands of flooring. This could keep the flooring from performing as expected.
Something else to keep in mind is to design for installability. Choose floor patterns that are easier to work with and remember to add enough extra material for pattern matching and threshold pieces. For easier installation, you can also consider so-called “floating floor” installations that allow you to click individual pieces together.
Lastly, avoid over-tightening the flooring. This can lead to dented panels or broken locking edges. Of course, make sure to secure the planks firmly to the subfloor, otherwise, they won’t stay in place.
Now that we’ve gone through the common errors that come with home flooring installation, it’s time to look at the specific tips.
The first step for any flooring installation is to make sure that all the necessary materials and tools are available. Take an inventory of all your materials and be sure to have a full set of tools on hand. These include a hammer, a saw, a drill, a sanding block, and a chalk line. A quality adhesive is also a must. Second, you should always stagger the ends of the boards by at least 8 inches. This helps with the overall strength of the floor.
Third, you should make sure that you leave a gap between the flooring and any walls. This allows for expansion and contraction due to seasonal changes in temperature. A good practice is to leave a 1/4-inch gap for vinyl and a quarter-inch for wood flooring.
Fourth, make sure that planks are placed over a joist for added support. Installing the flooring perpendicularly to the joists ensures that it will not sag over time. Fifth, follow any manufacturer’s instructions for the proper installation of the flooring. This may be as simple as following arrows to show the direction of the planks or using a particular adhesive.
Lastly, use the right adhesive and follow the instructions precisely. Each type of flooring may need a different adhesive, so be sure to check before beginning. Once everything is in place, make sure to give the adhesive time to set before walking on the floors.
Another important area to consider when installing flooring is ventilation. If you’re dealing with a subfloor made of wood or other organic material, it’s important to provide a few centimeters of ventilation to reduce the risk of mold or mildew. Airtight insulation on the walls can cause areas to remain damp. Installing a dehumidifier or ventilation fan can help reduce this risk.
You should also be sure to trim any planks that fall too close to doors, as this can lead to problems when opening the door. It’s also a good idea to use a jigsaw or power saw to trim the edges of the planks near the walls to ensure they fit nicely.
Finally, be aware of the expansion space around your new flooring. Different materials can expand and contract with temperature changes or due to weakening over time. So make sure to leave an expansion gap between the flooring and any walls
The key to a successful installation is to take the time to thoroughly prepare. Measure twice and cut once. Take note of any manufacturers’ instructions, and always make sure to provide adequate ventilation. Prepare subfloors, have the right tools, and use the right adhesive. If you do all of these things, you should experience a successful installation with minimal hiccups.