Direction Of Laying Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is the newest and most popular alternative to real wood or stone flooring. While it looks almost the same as the real thing, it can best be appreciated when it is properly installed and laid.

There is no hard and fast rule in the direction of laying laminate flooring. However, it is suggested that it be laid in the same direction as that of the longest wall. This is true for long narrow rooms and spaces such as hallways. If the room is somewhat square in form, the beauty of the flooring would depend on the direction in which the panels are laid relative to where it is viewed and where the light enters the room. In laying the panels, it is recommended that it be in the same direction as that of incoming light. This way, your room would seem bigger or to have more space.

Now the common notion is that installing laminate flooring is difficult and only experts can do the job. But laying laminate flooring is not as hard as it seems. All it takes is some tools and instructions or directions of laying laminate flooring that one must follow. Before actually installing your laminate flooring, here are some tips that would serve as guide in the installation. Take note that different manufacturers have different set of instructions, so be sure to read and follow carefully the installation manual.

First prepare the subfloor surface. It must be clean, dry and even. Any cracks or holes in the subfloor must be filled to have a level surface. It is advisable to install a polyethylene or polystyrene underlay. This absorbs sound and moisture as well as smoothes out any small cracks or uneven surfaces. Heating systems such as carbon heating film may also be installed. Follow carefully the installation procedures for the underlayment and heating systems.

Next prepare the materials and tools. Some tools you will need are saw, hammer and tape measure. You will also need wood glue or high performance adhesive, although this is not necessary if the laminate flooring is the dry fix type or interlocking ones.

An important process called acclimatisation is then done. Leave the materials for the flooring in the room where it is to be installed for 24-48 hours. This will allow the materials to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the room before laying.

Clip the strips together. Since the panels are usually tongue and grooved, it would be easy to join the ends. Leave a gap between the plank and the wall, the size of which would depend for each manufacturer. This is to allow the flooring to expand when exposed to moisture or high temperature. Lay the panels at least two rows at a time, then leave for the glue to dry before laying the next panel. When fitted around pipes or other weird shapes, use templates if necessary. Mouldings may be added to hide the gaps or edges of the floor.

Now that installation is done, your floor is all set! And to keep your floor well-maintained, just follow the care instructions that come with the packaging. That way you are assured of beautiful floors that would last for a long time, and who knows? It may last a lifetime.

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