Laminate flooring is a favorite among DIY enthusiasts thanks to its click-and-lock installation system and affordability. While installing a floating floor is less complex than nailing down hardwood or setting tile, it is far from foolproof. Even small mistakes during preparation or execution can lead to major failures, such as gapping, buckling, or squeaking.
Avoiding these common pitfalls is the key to achieving a professional, long-lasting look and protecting your floor’s manufacturer warranty.
Mistake 1: Skipping the Acclimatization Period
Laminate’s core is typically made of High-Density Fiberboard (HDF), which is highly susceptible to expanding or contracting based on ambient moisture and temperature.
- The Problem: Installing planks right after purchasing them means they haven’t adjusted to your home’s permanent environment. If the planks absorb moisture after installation, they will expand, causing the whole floor to buckle.
- The Fix: Place the unopened boxes of laminate flooring flat in the room where they will be installed for a minimum of 48 hours (and often 72 hours) before starting the project. This allows the material’s core temperature and moisture content to stabilize.
Mistake 2: Failure to Prepare the Subfloor Properly
Laminate is a floating floor, meaning it lies flat over the subfloor. It cannot conceal underlying unevenness or imperfections.
- The Problem: Uneven subfloors (dips, bumps, or loose boards) will transfer directly to the laminate surface. This results in the floor feeling spongy, wavy, or hollow when walked upon, and can damage the locking mechanisms over time.
- The Fix: The subfloor must be flat within 1/8 inch over a 6-foot span. Patch low spots with leveling compound and sand down high spots before starting.
Mistake 3: Neglecting the Expansion Gap
Laminate, like wood, expands and contracts, and requires room to move. This is a crucial step often missed by DIY installers trying to get the planks tight against the wall.
- The Problem: Laying the planks flush against the baseboards, walls, or fixed cabinetry prevents the floor from moving. When humidity rises, the planks push against the wall, causing the floor to “tent” or buckle in the center of the room.
- The Fix: Maintain a 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch expansion gap around the entire perimeter of the installation, including all fixed objects like door casings, pipes, and cabinets. Use spacers during installation, which are removed before the baseboards are replaced.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Underlayment Use
Laminate requires a clean, suitable underlayment beneath the planks. Using the wrong type, or none at all, leads to functional problems.
- The Problem: Failure to use a foam underlayment results in poor sound absorption (a loud, hollow sound when walked on) and can leave the locking systems vulnerable to damage. If installing over concrete or in a basement, skipping the moisture barrier leads to inevitable water damage to the HDF core.
- The Fix: Always install a foam or cork underlayment (unless the laminate planks have padding pre-attached). When installing over concrete, ensure your underlayment includes a vapor barrier or lay a separate 6-mil poly sheeting down first.
Mistake 5: Forcing the Locking Mechanism
The click-and-lock system is precise and easily damaged if handled improperly, leading to visible gaps.
- The Problem: If you see a small gap when connecting two planks, forcing them together with excessive hammer blows can permanently damage the fragile tongue-and-groove profile. This broken profile cannot hold the planks together, leading to planks separating and visible gapping later.
- The Fix: If the plank doesn’t click easily into place, stop. Lift the plank, check the alignment, ensure there is no debris in the locking groove, and reinstall. Use gentle tapping pressure with a tapping block to set the plank, never brute force.
By paying close attention to subfloor preparation, respecting the material’s need for acclimatization, and executing the installation with precision, you can successfully install your laminate floor and enjoy its durability for many years.
