Flooring is the most important part of home improvement. Many types of flooring can be installed over the concrete. Conversely, some home owners feel difficulty in installing wood laminate flooring over concrete slab. Actually the laminated flooring is a good alternative to wood flooring in basement. You will be happy to know that it is also fairly easy to install over the concrete flooring. Interlocking laminate floating floors can be installed over clean and level ceramic, vinyl, concrete or plywood/OSB subflooring. But the main point is that the installer should be well aware of the key point that where to begin the laminated flooring process.
Some Points to Keep In Mind While Installing Wood Laminate Flooring
- Wear safety glasses when cutting the laminate pieces.
- Use knee pads for comfort and safety purpose. But only use a soft pad or a towel under your knees when installing wood laminate flooring otherwise the hard pads can leave marks and scratches on the floor.
- If you are installing laminate flooring over a concrete subfloor, a moisture barrier is required.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions before the installation.
- Check the moisture level of the subflooring using a moisture meter. Make sure the result is according to manufacturer’s specifications for moisture limits.
- Use a jigsaw, when you need to cut the flooring for fitting in places like floor vents, cabinets or columns.
- Apply silicone sealant in areas with high moisture levels
The number one step for installing laminated flooring is to prepare the subfloor. You can see the video tutorial for learning the process of leveling your floor and establish an installation guideline.
The second step totally depends on the type of laminate floors and it is to install an underlayment and a moisture barrier, making sure that the top surface side is installed as recommended. Actually, many laminate floors have the underlayment pre-attached to the underside. Thus reading the manufacturer’s instructions is mandatory.
Put the flooring materials in the installation room for at least 72 hours before the installation. In this way they will be able to acclimate to the temperature and humidity ranges recommended by the manufacturer.
Installation
Loosely lay the first row with the tongue of the boards facing the starting wall. Lay spacers between the laminate planks and adjacent walls for the recommended expansion gap. Most manufacturers call for an expansion gap of 1/4 of an inch.
Work from left to right. Begin piecing the first few rows of laminate boards about 2 feet away from the starting wall. This will give you extra room to work. Once the first few rows have been accumulated, and then carefully slide the flooring into its final position.
Add the tongue of the long side of second row into the groove of the first plank of first row. You may have to use a slight angle to set the tongue in the groove. Just press the board down until it locks in place.
Make sure the planks are aligned and the surface is even at the joints. This locking method should be used for the rest of the installation.
Continue installing wood laminate flooring concrete, staggering the joints at least 12 inches and maintaining the expansion gap.
For last row first measure the width and subtract the expansion gap. You may take help from a pull bar and hammer to lock the last row in place.
Apply Sealant for Watertight Seal
Apply a supple, 100-percent silicone sealant to the entire boundary lines to create a watertight seal. Hope you have enjoyed the article.