Laminate flooring buying guide

We also show you what to consider for your perfect purchase, because you won’t just need your laminate flooring. These 5 tips show you what not to forget.

Tip #1: Moldings

If you are remodeling, it will certainly be necessary to remove the old baseboards. Or, if it’s a new home project, you will definitely need to include the baseboards in your purchase. You can choose them to match your floor or in basic colors.

Tip #2: Transition moldings

You will require transition profiles for the joints between your laminate flooring and other floors, or to finish off the space where you are installing your flooring. These should match the design of your laminate flooring.

Tip #3: Children and pets

On the particular needs of your project. Consider whether your home will have children or pets, as you may need water-resistant, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant flooring.

Tip #4: Spaces in your home

Also, consider the space where you want to install your laminate flooring. They are mainly recommended for living rooms, hallways, bedrooms and living rooms.

Tip #5: Flooring quality

Finally, don’t forget that laminate flooring is AC-rated, so choose AC1, AC2 and AC3 for residential traffic areas, or AC4 and AC5 for high traffic or commercial traffic areas.

Laminate flooring installation cost

One of the main questions that arise when you are going to request this service, is the cost it will have. First of all, it is worth saying that laminate floors have a great variety of styles and colors; besides, their similarity in appearance with hardwood floors is unparalleled. However, in cost they are much more affordable; as well as in their installation.

Average total project costs for laminate flooring are between $3.30 – $4.30 per square foot (sqft).

These costs include:

• Installation: $1.50 – $2.50 per square foot (sqft).
• Materials: $1.60 per square foot (sqft).
• Underlayment: $0.20 per square foot (sqft).

Therefore, when requesting your estimate, please consider that it includes flooring, underlayment, materials and labor. It is also important to consider that installation costs may vary according to the particular conditions of your project.

Laminate flooring installation guide

Here are the instructions to follow for the laminate flooring installation. These 6 steps will show you the quality of our service.

Step 1: Prepare the installation

In this step, both the laminate flooring and the subfloor are prepared. Therefore, you must acclimate the pieces to be installed for a period of 72 hours. These instructions will be given by your installer at the measuring appointment. During this time you can mix the pieces from different boxes. In addition, you can design the pattern of your choice.

For the subfloor you will need to remove everything from the room along with the old baseboards. And if you wish, you can also remove the door frames. Also, in this step it will be important to read the manufacturer’s instructions because you may need some additional elements or materials.

Step 2: Underlayment Installation

Once you have your space free of elements. And you have thoroughly cleaned the floor where you are going to install your laminate flooring. First, place the underlayment or acoustic base on the floor. Next, roll it out completely. Then, if you need more material, lay a second roll.

Finally, tape is used to join the ends of the rolls so that the entire subfloor is covered. The importance of the underlayment is centered on being a thermal and acoustic barrier. In addition, it helps to save small imperfections in the subfloor that could affect your floor.

Step 3: Start the laminate flooring installation

To begin, place the pieces in the first row. It is recommended to start with the longest wall in the room to save time and materials. Next, position the first piece and don’t forget to place the spacers. Next, for the installation of the second piece, place the tongue in the groove and lift the piece at an angle. Once you have adjusted the groove, lower the piece to the floor. Finally, you will hear a click to determine the fit.

Repeat these steps for all the pieces in the first row. Finally, you must measure the last piece, most likely it will not fit the size of the room. So measure the space allowing 3/8″ for expansion. Then cut the piece and fit it in the same manner as the previous pieces. You can also secure the last row with the drawbar because the space may be too small to turn it.

Step 4: Install the next floor rows

With the leftover piece from the first row, start the second row. Be sure to stagger the joints. This will give the floor firmness and stability. It will also improve the design of the floor.

To begin, take the piece and place the groove in the tongue again, but this time on the long side of the board. Once you have adjusted it, turn it towards the floor to adjust.

Continue with the second piece in this row until finished. Then repeat these same steps for as many rows as you need. Also, don’t forget to place spacers on all edges because your laminate flooring will expand over time.

Step 5: Install the last row

When you reach the end of the room, measure the available space. Then pass this measurement to the width of the board, leaving the expansion space. Next, cut the boards to length by the measurement you took. Finally, for installation to the floor, use the pull bar and rubber mallet to achieve the fit.

In this step, be sure to tap evenly along the length of the plank. Also, make sure there are no gaps between the boards. Finally, remove all spacers from the floor.

Step 6: Installation of final parts

With your laminate floor installed, only the finishing touches remain. Initially, place your chosen baseboards around the room. Also, secure them with nails and a hammer. Then, if you have removed the door frames, replace them. Finally, locate the transition pieces.

Areas we serve

Our laminate flooring installation service is provided by licensed and insured installers, backed by the company, which provides services in the following geographic areas:

• Florida, United States: Hialeah, Kendall, Plantation, Weston, Brickell, Miami, Davie, Sunrise, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, Palm Beach, Doral, Miramar, Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Pinecrest & more.

Frequently asked questions about laminate flooring installation

In this section we answer frequently asked questions about laminate flooring installation.

• Is the molding installation required with my laminate flooring?

Definitely yes. The baseboard is an essential part of your project. Our professionals will not only install your laminate flooring, they will also install the chosen baseboards.

• Where can laminate flooring be installed?

Laminate flooring can be installed in all of your rooms. Besides, they are perfect for foot traffic in hallways and living rooms. On the other hand, they are not recommended for installation in kitchens or bathrooms because they are not waterproof. However, for these spaces there are other suitable flooring options.

• How much does laminate flooring installation cost?

The cost of installing your laminate flooring will depend on the size of your space. Also, the materials you require. This includes baseboards and transition profiles. Therefore, in your quotation you will receive the details of the associated costs.

• When does the installation or laminate flooring require a moisture barrier?

If you are installing your laminate flooring over concrete. In addition, an acoustical barrier underlayment. It is recommended that a moisture barrier be installed because laminate flooring contains wood. Therefore, install this barrier before the underlayment.

Others of them are…

• Is underlayment required for installing laminate flooring?

However, it is not necessary for installation. It is recommended to install underlayment with laminate flooring because it reduces moisture and sound. It also improves the comfort under your feet.

• Why choose Best Laminate Flooring?

First, because our laminate flooring collections are of a wide variety. Therefore, you will find the design and style you are looking for. In addition, we offer excellent quality and warranty. On the other hand, our installers are certified and have extensive experience in all types of projects. From your beautiful living room and bedrooms, to garages, patios, kitchens and bathrooms.

The quality of our service will show in your result. In addition to the quality of the service, the fulfillment and guarantee identifies us. Undoubtedly, the budgets will be in accordance with your needs to offer our more than 15 years of experience at your service.