Most people believe that installing laminate flooring is a complicated process that should only be done by professionals.
However, with proper preparation and basic DIY skills, most homeowners can install their own laminate floors.
Another misconception about installation is that glue-down methods are always necessary to ensure stability.
While glue-down installation can offer added security for extremely high-traffic areas, most modern laminates are designed to be installed using the floating method without any adhesive.
Overall, understanding the basics of what laminate flooring is and how it can be installed can help you make an informed decision when choosing types of laminate flooring.
Does Laminate Flooring Need to be Glued Down?
Whether to glue down laminate flooring or not, depends on the type of laminate floor that you have.
There are two main types of laminate flooring: glue-down and floating.
If you have the glue-down type of laminate, you will need to use the glue method. In contrast, the floating laminate does net require to be glued down.
The main difference between the two is how they are installed.
Glue-down laminate flooring requires an adhesive to be applied to the subfloor before laying down each plank.
Each subsequent plank is then glued to the previous one until all planks are in place.
On the other hand, floating laminate flooring does not require any adhesives or nails, as it simply “floats” on top of a foam underlayment layer.
Factors To Consider When Deciding Whether To Glue Down Or Float Laminate Flooring
When deciding which type of installation method will work best for your space, there are several factors to consider.
One important factor is the subfloor type.
Glue-down laminate flooring is recommended for concrete or plywood subfloors, while floating laminate flooring can be installed over any type of subfloor, including tiles, hardwood, or even carpet.
Another consideration is the amount of foot traffic in the area where you will be installing the laminate flooring.
If you expect heavy foot traffic or have young children or pets running around, glue-down laminate flooring may be a better choice since it’s more durable and less likely to shift or move.
Additionally, if you plan on installing underfloor heating systems in your space, then floating laminate flooring may be a better option since it allows for better heat transfer compared to glue-down laminate flooring.
Overall, whether to use glue-down or floating installation method for your laminate flooring depends on several factors such as your budget, preferences, and specific conditions of your space.
Pros and Cons of Glue-down laminate vs Floating Laminate
One advantage of glue-down laminate flooring is that it provides a more stable and secure surface than floating laminate flooring.
The adhesive creates a strong bond between each plank and ensures that they do not separate or shift over time.
Additionally, glue-down laminate flooring can be more resistant to moisture since there are no gaps for water to seep through.
However, installing glue-down laminate flooring can be more difficult than its floating counterpart since you have to apply adhesive precisely for every piece.
It also takes longer for the adhesive to dry before you can walk on it.
In contrast, floating laminate flooring is easier and quicker to install because you do not need any special tools or adhesives.
Another benefit of floating laminate flooring is that it can better absorb sound since it “floats” on top of foam padding which reduces noise from footsteps or other sources.
Glue-down Laminate Flooring Installation Process
Before starting the installation process, it is important to properly prepare the subfloor.
Make sure that the subfloor is clean, level, and free from any debris or protruding nails.
If there are any imperfections in the subfloor, flatten them out with a leveling compound and let it dry completely before proceeding.
Next, measure the room to determine how much laminate flooring you will need.
You should also allow for an additional 10% of flooring to account for cutting waste and any mistakes that may occur during installation.
Acclimate your laminate flooring to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours prior to installation. This will help prevent gaps or buckling in the future.
Tools and Materials Needed for Installation
Here are some of the tools and materials you’ll need for a glue-down laminate flooring installation:
- Trowel
- Adhesive
- Knee pads
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
- Spacers
- You should also wear protective gear such as gloves and eye goggles during installation.
Step-by-step Guide on How to Install Glue-down Laminate Flooring
1. Begin by laying out your first row of laminate planks along one wall, spacing them evenly with spacers between each plank.
2. Apply a small amount of adhesive onto the first plank using a trowel.
3. Press the second plank into place next to the first plank firmly.
4. Continue this process until you reach the end of your first row.
5. Repeat steps 1 – 4 until all rows have been completed.
6. Once all planks are in place, roll over them with a floor roller to ensure they are securely adhered to the subfloor.
7. Allow glue to dry completely before walking on the floor.
Following these steps will ensure a successful glue-down laminate flooring installation.
Preparing for a Floating Laminate Flooring Installation
Before beginning the floating laminate flooring installation process, it’s important to prepare your space properly.
First, remove any existing flooring and ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.
If there are any dips or bumps in the subfloor, use a self-leveling compound to even it out.
Once the subfloor is prepped, let it sit for 24 hours before installing your new laminate flooring.
Tools and Materials Needed for Floating Laminate Flooring Installation
The tools required for installing floating laminate flooring include:
- a saw (either a jigsaw or circular saw),
- tape measure,
- spacers,
- tapping block,
- hammer/mallet and
- pull bar.
As far as materials go, you’ll need:
- laminate planks (make sure to order extra in case of mistakes),
- underlayment (either foam or cork),
- transition strips if you’re connecting to another type of flooring or room, and of course – patience!
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install Floating Laminate Flooring
Here are the basic steps for installing floating laminate flooring:
1. Lay out your underlayment perpendicular to the direction you plan on laying your planks.
2. Start in one corner of the room and lay down your first row of planks with spacers between each plank.
3. Cut your last plank in each row to fit against the wall.
4. Begin laying subsequent rows with staggered joints (plank ends should not line up with previous rows) until you reach the other side of the room.
5. Use a tapping block and mallet/hammer to ensure each plank is snugly fitted together as you go.
6. When nearing doorways or transitions between rooms/flooring types – measure carefully and cut transition strips/planks accordingly.
7. Once complete, install any necessary trim/molding around the edges of the room to cover expansion gaps.
By following these steps, you’ll have successfully installed your own floating laminate flooring! Remember to take your time, measure twice, and cut once.
Maintenance and Repair Tips for Laminate Flooring
How to Properly Care for Your Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a popular choice because it is durable and easy to maintain. However, it still requires proper care to prevent damage and keep it looking its best.
To care for your laminate flooring, start by sweeping or vacuuming regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface.
You can also damp mop with a solution of water and a non-abrasive cleaner made specifically for laminate floors.
It’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface of your laminate flooring.
Never use wax or polish on laminate floors, as they can build up over time and leave a dull, sticky residue.
Additionally, avoid exposing your laminate flooring to excessive moisture from wet mopping or spills, as this can cause the planks to warp or swell.
Common Issues with Laminate Flooring and How to Fix Them
While laminate flooring is generally low-maintenance, there are some common issues that may arise over time.
One of the most common problems is scratches on the surface of the floor from regular wear and tear.
To fix minor scratches, you can use a touch-up pen that matches the color of your flooring.
For deeper scratches, you may need to replace individual planks.
Another problem that occurs due to moisture exposure is peeling of the laminate flooring top layer.
Another issue that may occur with laminate flooring is buckling or warping due to moisture exposure.
If this happens, you’ll need to identify where the moisture is coming from (such as a leaky pipe) and fix the problem before repairing your floor.
Once you’ve fixed any underlying issues, you may be able to repair minor buckling by carefully removing affected planks and re-installing them using adhesive.
If you notice gaps between planks in your laminate flooring over time due to fluctuations in temperature or humidity levels, you can use a flooring repair kit to fill in the gaps and restore the seamless look of your flooring.
Conclusion
Glue-down installation offers a more secure and stable floor, but it can be more difficult and time-consuming to install.
It also requires a completely flat subfloor, which may not always be possible.
On the other hand, floating installation is quicker and easier, it can be installed over uneven subfloors, but it may not be as stable or durable as glue-down installation.
So, should you glue down your laminate flooring? That depends on your personal preference and the specific circumstances of your installation.
If you are looking for a more durable and secure floor that will last for many years to come, then glue-down installation may be the best choice for you.
However, if you want a quick and easy installation that still looks great, then floating installation may be the way to go.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to do your research beforehand so that you can make an informed decision about which type of laminate flooring is right for you.
Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from professionals.
