To successfully install vinyl flooring or laminate flooring, it’s important to follow the preparation guidelines. This flooring installation guide outlines the things to check before you begin installation and the mistakes to avoid in order to reduce the risk of shifting, creaking, and damaged joints.
Key Points – What to Remember
- The subfloor must be clean, dry, level, and stable.
- Acclimatization and expansion requirements vary by product.
- A suitable underlayment supports the installation and can improve acoustic comfort.
- A floating floor must be able to move without being restricted by fixed elements.
How to properly prepare your subfloor : flooring installation tips ?
The first step in this flooring installation guide is to properly prepare the subfloor to ensure a stable and durable floor. Before installation, check the condition of the subfloor, correct any imperfections, and determine the type of underlayment required.
What should you check before starting the installation ?
Before opening the flooring containers, this installation guide recommends checking the following :
- Cleanliness : remove dust, staples, residue, and other debris that could interfere with installation.
- Stability: the subfloor must not move, creak, or have any damaged areas.
- Irregularities : correct bumps and dips according to the manufacturer’s tolerances.
- Moisture : measure the moisture content of the room and the subfloor when required by the product.
- Instructions : review the requirements regarding acclimatization, the underlayment, subfloor preparation, and expansion gaps.
As the National Wood Flooring Association points out, understanding how to install wooden flooring also means knowing how wood-based materials react to their environment. High humidity can cause them to swell, while excessively dry air can cause gaps or cracks between the planks. To prevent this, the NWFA generally recommends maintaining indoor humidity between 30% and 50% year-round.
How can you ensure that the subfloor is straight and stable before installation ?
The planks of a floating floor are joined together and must rest uniformly on the surface. If an area is too low, the joints will bend every time someone walks on them, which accelerates wear, loosening, and breakage.
Vinyl flooring covering requires a level surface to support its planks, which are very thin and flexible.
Laminate floor covering, which is generally thicker and stiffer, must also be installed on a level and stable subfloor.
It is important to not rely on the new flooring to hide defects in the subfloor.
« It is important to understand that a floor must be level. If there are bumps or holes, you need to pay special attention. »
Note : The new flooring will not correct bumps, dips or hide defects already present in the subfloor.
What type of membrane should be installed under a floating floor ?
The underlayment is a layer placed between the subfloor and the flooring. Depending on the product, it can reduce impact noise or act as a vapor barrier. Some vinyl floors already have a built-in underlayment. Knowing how to install laminate flooring, include choosing a foam underlayment that is compatible with the product and the room’s requirements.
« With laminate flooring, you have no choice but to install an underlayment. It is part of the installation guidelines. »
Note : Don’t add a second membrane under a product that already has one, unless the manufacturer authorizes it. An underlayment that is too thick can cause movement and weaken the fasteners.
Why is it necessary to allow for expansion space ?
A floating floor can shrink or expand as temperature and humidity change. It is therefore important to leave a gap around the flooring so that the planks can move without putting pressure on the joints.
This clearance must be provided around :
- Walls
- Door frames and columns
- Pipes and other fixed obstacles
- Cabinets, islands, and other heavy objects
During installation, use blocks to maintain a uniform gap. The width of the gap depends on the product and the dimensions of the room. To hide this gap, use moldings that are attached to the wall rather than to the floor, so as not to restrict the floor’s movement.
What are the differences to expect between installing vinyl flooring and laminate flooring ?
| Checklist | Vinyl | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Condition of the subfloor |
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| Underlayment |
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| Moisture |
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| Acclimatization |
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| Installation |
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What mistakes should you avoid during installation ?
Certain mistakes made during installation can compromise the stability of the flooring and damage the seams.
Before and during installation, be sure to avoid, in particular :
- Starting without checking the condition of the subfloor.
- Ignoring the required acclimatization period.
- Using an incompatible or excessively thick membrane.
- Applying pressure directly to the seams.
- Forgetting to leave expansion gaps.
- Installing the floor over fixed elements without verification.
- Continuing installation with a damaged batten.
Check the alignment of the rows regularly and make sure each joint is tightly sealed. Correcting any issues immediately often prevents the need to dismantle several rows later on.
When should you seek advice from a specialist ?
Do-it-yourself installation may be appropriate when the room is simple, the subfloor is sound, and the instructions are clear. Ask for help if the floor has significant gaps, moisture, multiple defects, or a complex layout.
This guide will help you plan your project, but the manufacturer’s specifications remain the definitive reference for the product you’ve chosen. Bring the dimensions of the room and photos of the surface to one of our Ateliers 1867 locations to receive personalized recommendations.