Easy To Follow Steps On How To Install Laminate Flooring On Cement
Do you want to upgrade your floor but don’t know how to install laminate flooring on concrete? Don’t worry! We have an easy to follow step guide for you.
Although laminate flooring is easy to install, it can turn your otherwise easy task into a daunting one if you don’t know the proper technique and essential tools. So, here we are with the following tips along with our detailed guide that will make your lamination installment hiccup-free.
Equipment Required For Installation
First, make sure you have bought the right kind of Laminate board. For easy installation, we advise glueless laminate boards. Also, leave them in the room where you will install them for at least up to 74-hours. This will help planks assimilate to the room’s temperature and humidity.
Tools that You will require:
⦁ Underlayment
⦁ Jigsaw.
⦁ Measuring tape.
⦁ Pencil.
⦁ Rubber mallet.
⦁ Tapping block.
⦁ Trowel.
⦁ Protective gear.
Get floor ready
Make sure the concrete is dry, clean and leveled. Avoid installing planks on a new concrete subfloor as the concrete still needs proper time to cure.
Moreover, to prevent deformation and bubbling of the planks, make sure there is no moisture left on the concrete. You can use a concrete moisture kit to measure how wet or dry the concrete surface is beforehand.
Clean any dirt or debris by vacuuming and then check the concrete surface level using a long-level tool. There shouldn’t be any variances higher than 3/16th of an inch for every 10-feet.
If the variance is higher, check the highs and lows of the surface with the level tool and use a concrete grinder to smooth the humped surface. You can also use the leveling compound for filling any troughs. However, to tackle the hassle, you can schedule a consultation with us, and we will help you decide the most suitable design for your house.
Install The Underlayment
Even after getting rid of concrete moisture, vapors can still pass through the concrete, distorting the laminate. That is why it is necessary to use the underlayment under the laminate planks to block the vapors from reaching the surface.
Installation
Start by laying a plastic vapor barrier on the concrete floor. It should have a minimum 6mm thickness or use the one recommended by the laminate manufacturer. Secure it with the vinyl tape, keeping it from coming out.
For making the floor more comfortable, you can also add a layer of laminate padding over the vapor barrier. This will give an additional cushion on otherwise hard concrete.
Finish Installing Planks
For easier installation, we recommend using laminate floorboards with a click-lock system. You can easily match the tongue and groove of the planks during the installation.
Start from the farthest corner of the room and ensure leaving a ¼ inch gap along all the room’s edges. The gap will allow plank expansion. Also, for better structural support, stagger the planks as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, cut and shape the last plank in each row to fit in the remaining space.
Precautions Required
Here are some precautions and tips to keep in mind after learning how to install laminate flooring on concrete.
⦁ Choose underlayment as per the condition of the subfloor. Vinyl underlayment can provide noise cancellation and moisture proofing. Foam barriers are suitable with additional vapor barriers. Cork is the most expensive one suitable for noise reduction.
⦁ If concrete is new, give it at least 30 days to dry. To avoid declamation, make sure that the moisture meter rating is not more than 4.5%.
Conclusion
You have finally learned how to install laminate flooring on cement. All you need is the suitable material, technique and some patience. So, what are you waiting for? Follow our easy guide and give your house a captivating look under minimum budget.
We want to thank you for taking the time to read this blog post, and we hope that it has been helpful. If you have any questions at all about our services or products please don’t hesitate to contact Kennedy Kitchens and Baths today by calling 706.888.8832. Remember, if you’re in need of a new flooring solution on your own property then schedule an appointment✔ with one of our experts!
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