Just bought the perfect flooring for your home and choosing to self-install? From the tools and preparation to the measuring and fitting, here at Discount Flooring Depot, we’ve got all the tips you need to get started. But remember, while this handy guide will help you with the basic steps, it’s important to note that there are many different installation systems and you should always refer to your manufacturer’s guide before installing. We do always recommend using a professional fitter when laying flooring.
First things first; when you’re doing any kind of DIY, safety is paramount. If you’re choosing to self-install the laminate flooring within your home, it’s important to seek professional advice if you feel you need to or you become unsure at any step. Once you've ensured you are confident in your process, the next step is to make sure you follow the appropriate safety measures. We recommend:
First things first, before you get started, get organised. Below is a list of tools we would recommend having ready for installing your flooring
Now you’ve gathered all your tools and equipment, the next step is to prepare your sub-floor and chosen laminate flooring ready for laying:
Followed all those steps? You’re ready to lay your laminate.
PLEASE NOTE: Installation guides may vary. Always read the full manufacturer’s recommended installation guides before installation.
Fitting your laminate boards around your doorframe can be a difficult step in your self-installation process, but you have two options to consider:
Option 1:
To ensure a professional finish and bridge any gaps between your laminate and doorway, apply door trims on the line where your flooring meets the door and corresponding room.
Once you’ve laid all your laminate in place, the final step is to apply laminate beading around the skirting board, which serves to cover the expansion gap between the laminate and wall and create a seamless overall aesthetic:
Follow these steps and laying your laminate should be as easy as possible!
Remember: Consult your manufacturer’s installation guide before proceeding and seek professional advice if you are unsure at any step of the process.
OTHER USEFUL GUIDES:
Recommended Tools:
To make things easier for you, we’ve included the basic tools you’ll need in our installation kits.
Our LVT flooring can be installed over concrete, screed, timber and plywood subfloors and all evenly spread underfloor heating systems.
Sweep, vacuum and clean the sub-floor of the room you’re planning to lay, ensuring it is fully dry and clear of all debris. It is vital that your subfloor is perfectly level. We would advise either having the flooring professionally levelled or using a self-levelling compound.
Lay down the specific LVT underlay foil side up and ensure a gap of 16mm gap around any pipes
PLEASE NOTE: Always check the manufacturer’s recommended installation guide before installing.
To ensure a professional finish and bridge any gaps between your laminate and doorway, apply door trims on the line where your flooring meets the door and corresponding room.
Prefinished hardwood flooring not only allows you to stylishly transform your home, it also provides a great investment for any property. This guide highlights the essential information required for your hardwood installation.
We always recommend utilising the services of a professional fitter prior to beginning the installation of solid or engineered wood flooring due to the complex nature of the product. The number of environmental factors which can affect the integrity of the installation are high and can easily be overlooked by inexperienced DIY installers. The experience of a professional fitter will help to ensure many of the common problems which can arise during the installation of the product (or after) can be invaluable and will help you avoid many of costly pitfalls or difficulties of a DIY installation.
The following information is for guidance and information only and we cannot be held responsible for any problems which may arise as a result of utilising the information contained below. There are three methods that can be utilised to install hardwood flooring :
General Tools:
Glue Down Installation:
Nail / Staple Installation:
PREPARE YOUR SUBFLOOR
TIPS AND TRICKS
GLUE DOWN INSTALLATION
Use this method for solid tongue and groove flooring fitted over a wood or concrete subfloor.
INSTALL THE FIRST ROW
Extra time should be taken when installing the first row of your flooring as it is vital that the first row is straight even if the walls are not.
INSTALL THE MAIN PART OF THE FLOOR
INSTALL THE LAST ROW
YOUR FINISHED FLOOR
NAIL/STAPLE INSTALLATION
Use this method for engineered or solid tongue and groove flooring fitted over plywood. Nails and staples should be chosen in accordance to manufacturers recommendations.
Each tongue should be fastened at proper intervals:
INSTALL THE FIRST ROW
Extra time should be taken when installing the first row of your flooring as it is vital that the first row is straight even if the walls are not.
INSTALL THE MAIN PART OF THE FLOOR
INSTALL THE LAST ROW
FINISH YOUR FLOOR
PROFILES AND NOSINGS
OTHER USEFUL GUIDES