If you're considering laminate flooring for your home, it's important to choose the right option based on how the room will be used. Laminate floors are a popular choice for spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens, thanks to their durability, style variety, and ease of maintenance. Available in a range of designs, from realistic wood finishes to elegant stone looks, laminate flooring offers both beauty and practicality. Once you’ve selected and purchased your laminate planks, the next step is the professional installation of your new flooring.
At Underfoot Flooring, our experts ensure your laminate flooring is installed efficiently and to the highest standards. The installation process can be broken down into two main phases:
Preparing the Flooring Area
Proper preparation is key to a successful laminate floor installation. Begin by acclimating the laminate boards to the room's temperature and humidity. It's recommended to leave the unopened packages in the room for at least 48 hours before installation. This helps the boards adjust to the environment and minimizes the risk of expansion or contraction once installed.
During this waiting period, it’s essential to check the moisture levels of the subfloor. The moisture content should not exceed 1% on the Protimeter prong test scale. Additionally, ensure that the room’s humidity level falls between 45% and 65% relative humidity for optimal conditions.
Next, check that the subfloor is completely level. Any unevenness could affect the final look and feel of your laminate flooring. Once confirmed, clean the floor of any debris or dust to ensure a smooth, clean surface for installation.
To protect your new laminate flooring from moisture, lay down a moisture barrier. This can be a plastic sheeting that covers the subfloor. Avoid overlapping the plastic, as this could cause the flooring to lift.
The final preparation step involves installing the padding. Many moisture barriers come with attached foam padding, but if not, simply add a foam underlayment to the plastic sheeting. This will help prevent creaking sounds and provide additional protection against sand or gravel that may be underfoot. Be sure to lay the padding smoothly without overlapping.
Laying Down the Boards
Once the preparation steps are complete, it's time to begin installing the laminate boards. Start by placing the first board in the top left corner of the room, ensuring the finished side is facing up, with the tongue or ridge side facing the wall. Use spacers between the edge of the board and the wall to allow for the necessary expansion gap.
Proceed with the second board, making sure it aligns properly with the first. Once in place, tap the boards together using a rubber mallet or hammer to close any gaps. Continue installing the boards in this fashion, working your way across the room.
For the second row, stagger the joints by cutting the first board so that it is not aligned directly with the first row. This staggered pattern adds visual interest and strength to the floor’s overall structure. Again, use spacers along the wall to maintain the proper expansion gap. Continue this process row by row until the entire floor is laid.
At Underfoot Flooring, we make the flooring selection and installation process easy and hassle-free. Take advantage of our free estimates and professional consultations to help you find the perfect laminate flooring for your home or business. Thanks to our exceptional buying power, we offer competitive pricing that’s hard to beat in Omaha, Lincoln, and Sioux Falls. From removing your old flooring to installing your new laminate, we handle all aspects of the job, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Contact us today to learn more about laminate flooring options, installation costs, and how we can help transform your space with beautiful new floors. We look forward to working with you!
Proper maintenance is essential to extend the life of your flooring. For hardwood and laminate, regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Use a damp mop for cleaning but avoid excessive water, which can damage wood. For carpet, vacuum frequently and consider professional deep cleaning periodically. Avoid dragging heavy furniture and use protective pads. Also, place rugs in high-traffic areas to minimize wear. Finally, follow the manufacturer's care guidelines for your specific flooring type to ensure longevity.
Starting your flooring project with Underfoot is simple and straightforward. First, explore our curated collections from top flooring vendors to find the materials that best suit your space and style. Then, schedule a sample room appointment to see and feel the options in person—if a sample isn’t currently available in our showroom, we’ll make sure it’s brought in for you. Once you’ve selected your flooring, our team can provide a detailed consultation, discuss project timelines, and handle everything from measurement to professional installation. For commercial projects, we also welcome bid requests and can work closely with developers and contractors to ensure a seamless process from start to finish.
Choosing the right flooring for your space is an important decision, and at Underfoot, we make the process simple and personalized. Start by considering the function of the room, the level of foot traffic, and your desired style and aesthetic. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the options, from durable commercial-grade materials to elegant residential choices like hardwood, LVP, tile, and carpet. We encourage you to visit our sample room to see and feel the textures and finishes firsthand—if a sample isn’t available, we’ll bring it in for you. With expert advice and hands-on experience, Underfoot ensures you select a flooring product that not only complements your space but also meets your practical needs and long-term expectations.
Preparing for your flooring installation is easy with guidance from Underfoot. Your estimator will provide you with a pre-installation checklist and tips on how to prepare your space, including what furniture or items need to be moved to ensure a smooth and efficient installation. Following these guidelines helps our team work quickly and safely, allowing us to deliver the high-quality results you expect while minimizing disruption to your home or business.
At Underfoot, we prioritize providing full-service flooring solutions, including both materials and professional installation. During peak seasons, our scheduling focuses on customers who have purchased the complete flooring package through us to ensure timely and seamless service. While we do offer labor-only installations at certain times of the year, availability can vary based on workflow and demand. We recommend giving us a call to discuss your project, as we can provide the most accurate guidance on timing and options based on your specific needs.