Dos And Don’ts Of Laminate Flooring From The Experts
Laminate is a fantastic flooring option thanks to its durability, low maintenance, and glueless installation system. The decors and detail on the boards have improved so much over the years that it can be hard to identify any differences compared to real wood.
Whether you are looking for some installation advice or aftercare instructions to ensure the longevity of your floor, the specialists from EGGER share some essential tips to help you choose, fit, and take care of your flooring.
What should you consider when choosing your laminate?
When it comes to choosing your laminate flooring, it’s not a simple one-size-fits-all approach. For one, many people don’t realise laminate flooring comes in a variety of thicknesses, normally between 6mm and 12mm. You’ll need to choose a thickness that will still allow you to open doors, otherwise, you will need to trim the doors to allow them to open and close.
Flooring also comes with different class ratings, sometimes called the abrasion class (AC) rating. This determines how suitable the flooring is for high-traffic areas. You’ll want either Class 31 flooring or Class 33 flooring (AC3 or AC5), both of which are suitable for domestic and commercial settings. For particularly busy areas, such as hotels, stick to Class 33 (AC5).
Next, consider any extra features you want your laminate to have. Some laminates are specially designed to be fitted in high-moisture environments like bathrooms, so be sure to bear this in mind. Finally, the finish of your laminate flooring can make a significant difference to the overall look, so choose a style and colour that fits your home’s décor. It’s worth getting a few samples before committing to a final design.
Dos and don’ts of installation
If you decide to install the laminate flooring yourself, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a smooth installation. Below we have listed a number of dos and don’ts to help you with the process:
Dos
- Always check that your subfloor is level and free of debris.
- Acclimatise the floor for 48 hours before installation in the room.
- Ensure the recommended underlay is used (normally between 1.5mm and 3mm) and use a moisture barrier if required.
- Always follow the installation instructions for fitting as the click system can vary depending on the manufacturer.
- Leave an expansion gap of 8–10mm around the perimeter of the room, including doorways, to allow for expansion and contraction of the flooring.
Don’ts
- Don’t install the floor on a wet subfloor. Make sure a moisture test is carried out prior to fitting, especially on new builds.
- Don’t install laminate flooring in areas prone to high moisture, such as bathrooms, unless it has been specially designed for these environments.
- Don’t rush the installation process. Take the time to properly prepare the subfloor, acclimate the flooring, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a successful installation.
How to maintain your flooring once installed
Laminate flooring is a very low-maintenance product to look after once installed, however, there are a number of tips to keep your floor looking newer for longer:
Dos
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent water damage to the laminate.
- Use a damp (but not soaking) mop with a laminate floor cleaner for routine cleaning.
- Use felt pads under furniture to prevent damage to the flooring.
- Always lift furniture when moving to prevent scratching your laminate flooring.
Don’ts
- Don’t use a steam mop to clean your laminate flooring unless otherwise stated by the flooring manufacturer, as this can force moisture between the planks and damage the laminate’s protective layer.
- Avoid using wax, polish, or oil-based products, as they can leave a cloudy residue and make the floor slippery.
Top photo by Mitch Moondae on Unsplash