Laminate flooring has gained popularity among Mississauga homeowners—and for good reason. It is durable, affordable, visually appealing, and relatively easy to install, making it a favourite for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
However, there are several common mistakes people make during its installation. These mistakes can lead to costly repairs, substandard finishes, and even reinstalling an entire floor if they are not addressed early.
In this post, Super Choice Carpet & Hardwood, a leading flooring store in Mississauga, walks you through the common errors made when laying laminate flooring. We will also discuss the benefits of hiring a professional for the desirable result.
Below are some of the frequent errors that occur when installing laminate flooring—and ways to solve them.
One big mistake when laying laminate flooring is neglecting proper surface preparation. Overlooking this important step can result in uneven floors, creaking, and premature damage.
To fix this, it is important to carry out a moisture test if you are installing laminate flooring on a newly constructed subfloor or in an area prone to dampness. This step ensures that excessive moisture will not compromise the flooring.
Moreover, the subfloor must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris, dust, or remnants of previous flooring materials, which can otherwise cause bumps or unevenness.
Addressing subfloor imperfections is equally important. Gaps, cracks, and low spots should be taken care of with a suitable filler, while raised spots should be sanded down to create a level surface.
Another key step is to acclimatize the laminate flooring by allowing it to rest in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours. This ensures that the planks adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation begins.
Another common error when installing laminate flooring in your Mississauga home is leaving an incorrect expansion gap. Laminate flooring naturally expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Without sufficient space, the planks can buckle or develop visible gaps between them.
To resolve this, you should always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the recommended expansion gap for your specific laminate flooring product, which is generally around 8 to 10mm. During installation, spacers should be placed along the walls to maintain a consistent expansion gap around the room’s entire perimeter.
Moreover, it is recommended that the flooring at doorways be broken by installing door bars, which accommodate expansion while maintaining a clean finish across different rooms.
Improper installation of the underlay is another mistake that can compromise the comfort, appearance, and longevity of your laminate floor. A poorly installed underlay can result in sound issues, moisture infiltration, and an uneven surface.
To avoid this, it is essential to choose a high-quality underlay that is suitable for laminate flooring. Many manufacturers recommend using an underlay between 1 and 3 mm thick, although it is important to verify this based on your specific product. For example, some brands recommend using a 2 mm foam underlay for residential laminate installations to provide adequate cushioning and sound absorption.
When installing underlay rolls, you must ensure that seams overlap properly and are securely taped to prevent moisture infiltration.
It is also vital to smooth out the underlay as you go, eliminating any wrinkles or bunching that could affect the stability and appearance of the laminate flooring once installed.
Proper cutting and trimming of laminate flooring planks are important for achieving a professional installation. However, using the wrong tools often results in uneven cuts, poor fitting around obstacles, and an insufficient expansion gap.
To address this mistake, it is important to invest in high-quality tools designed specifically for cutting laminate flooring, such as a circular saw, jigsaw, or laminate cutter. These tools help ensure clean and precise cuts. Before making any cuts, always double-check your measurements and account for the expansion gap to ensure a proper fit.
Proper installation of the laminate planks is important for a professional finish. Common mistakes during plank installation include improper staggering, using damaged planks, and failing to maintain the correct orientation.
To resolve these issues, make sure to stagger the joints by avoiding the alignment of end joints row by row. Instead, the end joints of adjacent rows should be staggered according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to create a more natural appearance and enhance structural integrity. Each plank should be inspected before installation to check for any damage, defects, or inconsistencies. Flawed planks should be set aside and used for cuts or installed in less visible areas.
While installing laminate flooring yourself can seem cost-effective, working with a professional flooring installation company offers significant advantages. From ensuring a flawless finish to saving you time and stress, hiring experts can make all the difference when transforming your home.
One of the benefits of hiring a professional laminate flooring company is the level of expertise and experience they bring to the project. Skilled installers have completed many flooring jobs and are familiar with all types of subfloors, laminate products, and installation challenges.
Although it might seem like DIY installation saves money, mistakes can quickly lead to additional expenses in materials, repairs, and time. Professionals work quickly and efficiently, completing installations within a set timeline. Their experience allows them to anticipate and avoid problems that could cause delays or added costs.
Most professional flooring companies offer warranties or guarantees on their installation work. This extra protection gives you peace of mind, knowing that if any issues arise, they will be addressed promptly and professionally. Moreover, you can trust that professionals will follow manufacturer guidelines, protect your flooring warranty and ensure compliance with product specifications.
While laminate flooring offers an attractive, durable, and budget-friendly solution for homeowners in Mississauga, achieving a flawless installation requires careful attention to detail and proper technique. By avoiding common mistakes such as inadequate surface preparation, incorrect expansion gaps, poor underlay installation, and improper tools, you can enhance the longevity of your flooring. However, if you want good results, peace of mind, and a truly professional finish, hiring an experienced laminate flooring installation company like Super Choice Carpet & Hardwood is necessary. With our expertise, precision, and commitment to quality, we ensure that your flooring project not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time, adding long-term value to your home.
Our experience and team of experts is the reason we are #1 in the industry.
After satisfying thousands of clients, we know how to get project done professionally with outstanding support.
