Floors are one of the most critical aspects of your apartment because they provide a foundation for everything else in your building. Having outdated, damaged, or ugly floors can make your entire apartment look bad. In contrast, beautiful and well-maintained floors can add a lot of beauty and style to your living space. If you’re looking for a way to improve the look and feel of your apartment, then investing in new floors may be the best option.
Are you looking for a new flooring option? Want to get the feel of natural hardwood or tile flooring without using them? Fortunately, there is another alternative that is famous nowadays, which is laminate flooring.
Laminate flooring is a great way to add style and elegance to any room in your apartment. Laminate flooring may mimic the style or design of any project you care to name. It’s also an affordable way to update the look of your space without having to replace all of your furniture. However, many people are hesitant to install laminate flooring because they fear the installation process.
Installing laminate flooring can be a daunting task. But with, the proper preparation and tools can be an easy and rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from start to finish. So whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you’ll have everything you need to get the job done right.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring was invented in the late ’70s and became popular in the U.S. market in 1994. Residential laminate flooring is made using a process known as direct-pressure laminate (DPL) construction, which fuses four separate layers in a single press operation at temperatures over 300°F. DPL is the most frequent fusing technique for producing residential laminate flooring.
Laminate flooring is designed to be durable and affordable. People choose laminate flooring because it looks like more expensive types, wood or stone. It still exists as one of the most popular types of flooring today.
Four Different Layers of Laminate Flooring
As discussed previously that laminate flooring is made of four separate layers which are fused. These layers are given below:
1st Layer – Wear
The wear or overlay layer is the top laminate flooring layer. It performs several vital roles in enhancing the longevity and aesthetic appeal of laminate flooring, such as:
- Provides finishing and a beautiful sheen to each plank.
- It keeps laminate flooring in pristine condition by guarding against commonplace wear and tear, like scuffs and scratches.
- It protects the bottom layer of paper that is decorative and visible from harmful ultraviolet rays that may cause the color to fade.
2nd Layer – Decor
The decorative layer is the next. This is a high-quality paper that gives the laminate plank it’s distinctive aesthetic. You may select from various wood, stone, and marble designs. There are also many distinct colors and patterns to consider. Some look like leaves or grass, artwork, or paint splatters in different places around the room.
3rd Layer – Core
The core layer of laminate flooring is typically made from high-density fiberboard (HDF). HDF is stronger and more stable than medium-density fiberboard (MDF), making it a better floor choice. HDF and MDF are made by combining softwood fibers with wax and resin, then heating and pressing the mixture into panels.
4th Layer – Backer
The backer, or bottom balancing layer, is found at the base of every laminate flooring plank and keeps the board straight. The backer board seals off any openings at the back, ensuring that moisture or other conditions don’t affect its stability. Some laminate flooring planks even come with foam padding to serve as an underlayment, which in addition to providing acoustic benefits, also makes walking on the floors more comfortable.
Types of Laminate Flooring
It has different types depending on the material, surface type, installation, and laminate flooring pattern.
1. Stuff or Material
PVC or engineered wood is the stuff that your product or service is made of.
I. PVC
Laminate flooring made of plastic or PVC can be an excellent choice for your apartment. It is cheaper than other kinds of laminate flooring, and it is also waterproof. This means that it is a good choice for areas that get a lot of traffic or are messy. It also looks realistic, so it can be an excellent choice to make your apartment look nicer.
II. Engineered Wood
Engineered wood, also called composite wood, is made from natural and artificial materials. Engineered wood flooring is an excellent alternative for those desiring natural wood. Unlike laminate flooring, engineered wood uses layers of actual wood instead of plastic lamination; however, this does come at a significantly higher cost. Additionally, it is less durable against water and damage than regular hardwood floors.
2. Installation Types
Installation type is one method to categorize laminate. If you’re installing the laminate flooring yourself, this is especially essential to keep in mind since it will influence which type of installation method you choose. The four types of laminate floor installations are:
I. Glueless click
Glueless click installation is when you don’t have to use glue to put the floor down. You click it into place. Most of today’s feet use this kind of installation. Installing laminate flooring over existing hardwood or carpet is considerably more accessible since the underpad is already in place.
II. Glued Laminate
The first form of laminate flooring was created by gluing the joints together. This method is messy but highly durable when installed correctly. However, installation costs and time are higher than with a glueless-click system.
III. Pre-Glued
The peel-and-stick method is employed by pre-glued laminate flooring, which has a mess-free and easy installation process. The glue that’s already been applied to the joints may need to be dampened before you secure the panel to the floor for it to become activated.
Installation Process of Laminate Flooring
Before installing the laminate, first prepare the subfloor. Also, make sure the floor is clean, flat, and smooth. By following the given instruction, you can make it possible.
1. Instructions
- Make sure the floor is level before installation.
- Calculate the room’s square footage and purchase the necessary amount of laminate flooring product.
- Understand that an underlayment is necessary for optimal results and buy the best one possible.
- Address any unevenness or missing chunks on the subfloor before installation.
- Install a few sheets of ¼-inch lauan over an uneven subfloor to take care of it.
- Remove all furniture from the room and thoroughly clean it before installation begins.
- Protect doorways, walls, and fixtures with painter’s tape before beginning installation (or use shoe molding/baseboard trim to cover any gaps).
- Make sure you have enough helpers to move and install each box of laminate flooring (two people are typically needed).
- Begin installing Laminate Flooring in one corner of the room using either a tapping block or mallet; then work your way across and down the length of the room until you reach another corner – repeat this process until finished.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for acclimating newly installed flooring to its environment.
2. Installation
The following steps can be helpful for the installation of laminate flooring.
I. Confirm and Collect Data Using the Equipment
Make sure you have everything you need before getting started with the removal of the old floor. This will make things go more smoothly. It would be best if you also bought a different floor than you require, in case some pieces are cut away. Before you begin, double-check that all equipment is in working order.
II. Get the New Flooring Accustomed to the Space
Because of the temperature and humidity, flooring contracts and expands. Before you put down the new flooring, allow it to get acquainted with the area for a day or two. Please leave it in the room for 24 to 48 hours where it will be installed. Remove all packaging from the new flooring so that there is air circulation around it.
III. The Subfloor Must be Prepared for Laminate Installation
The first step is to remove the base moldings and then pry up the old flooring. Be cautious as you do this, so you don’t damage the walls or ceiling. If there is any pre-existing damage to either, it might be necessary to start from scratch. Once all of the old floorings have been removed, sweep up any debris on the ground and inspect if repairs are needed for the subfloor before installing new floors.
IV. Install the Padding
Some laminate flooring is pre-bagged with foam padding. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to buy the padding and attach it one piece at a time. Begin with the longest wall and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for forming butt edges and sealing seams.
V. Cut the Door Jambs to Size
It will help if you trim the door jambs so that the wood plank would fit neatly under them. To do this, you first need to mark where you will make your cuts on the board. Then, use a saw to cut along those lines, being careful to keep your cuts parallel to the floor so that it looks neat and professional.
VI. Install the First Row
The first row of your flooring project is crucial to the project’s success. Make sure it’s installed parallel to the longest wall in the room, starting from one corner and working towards the other. Additionally, this first row must be straight for subsequent rows to fit correctly and look neat.
VII. Continue to Install the Remaining Flooring
Begin laying the next row after you’ve completed setting the first. Matching the tongues to the grooves is essential. Cut each row’s first and last piece using the flooring cutter. Each plank should be gently tapped with a hammer and tapping block. Take care not to hit it too hard, or you’ll damage it; don’t hit it too softly, either, or leave gaps where water could get in.
VIII. Apply Adhesive to the Back of Your Baseboards
Applying adhesive to the back of your baseboard can be challenging. You might need to trim the board to ensure it is aligned with the flooring. After you’re done, put thresholds in doorways or places where the laminate meets another surface. Don’t forget to remove spacers and put the molding back into place! Lastly, take a seat and enjoy your new look!
3. Finishing
It’s time to add the final touches to your laminate flooring installation.
- Please remove any spacers from the room.
- Fill the expansion gaps with a compressible PE 3/8-inch foam backer rod for wall-to-wall waterproofing.
- Connect the corner of the backer rod to the wall with a thin layer of 100% silicone sealant. Check that the silicone extends from one section of flooring to another.
- After you’ve removed your old baseboards, trim, and shoe molding from the walls, be sure to drive no nails into the new floor.
Want to Enhance the Aesthetic Appeal of Your Floor?
Valet Works is a full-service company that provides restoration and renovation services for apartment complexes. We specialize in Laminate Flooring installation, and our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-quality service at an affordable price. We understand that not everyone is familiar with the installation process, so we take the time to walk our clients through every step, so there are no surprises. We also believe quality should never come at a premium, so we offer competitive rates without compromising quality or service. Contact us today for a free consultation!