Before Laminate Installation
Installing your new laminate will go as smooth as possible by completing thoughtful steps ahead of time! Remove all furniture and furnishings from your floors and walls, as well as from the closets. It’s also wise to remove all doors where your new laminate may raise the flooring height and prevent full range of motion. If your laminate is a glue-down variety, the old flooring must be removed, and your subfloor will need to be completely bare and level. If your laminate is installed as a floating floor, your existing floor can remain, and no subfloor prep is needed! Set the temperature of the area to 68 degrees Fahrenheit before installation and let the new laminate acclimate for at least 48 to 72 hours in advance.
During Laminate Installation
When the day comes for your new laminate, plan to be home so that you can answer questions for your installation crew. Keep all children and pets away from the rooms receiving new laminate! Designate an area for your crew to keep all the tools and saws they will be using during the process, as well as to cut planks as needed. Make sure to create proper lighting if needed and provide easy access to electrical outlets for your installers to use. If you haven’t read through your new laminate warranty, make sure to do so and have a good understanding to prevent voiding it. Now is the time to ask your installers any questions you may have regarding your new laminate floors!
After Laminate Installation
Once your laminate floors are down, wait at least 24 hours before use to allow any adhesive to dry. Make sure to use felt floor protectors under heavy furniture, use carpet cushion under rugs, and use mats with appropriate backing under pet food and water bowls. Sweep, dust-mop, Swiffer, and vacuum regularly to remove all abrasive particles. If your laminate is a floating floor, you may hear a slight hollow sound with foot traffic– this is normal. Especially with floating floors, you may also need to shave down the bottom of your doors before reinstalling them to ensure full range of motion.
