GUIDE

Installing the flooring yourself – what is worth keeping in mind?

Laminated panels
Some parts of renovation can be carried out without the help of professionals. Preparing a beautiful floor is a perfect example. What should be keep in mind so that it goes smoothly and provides satisfactory results? In the following text, we discuss the installation of flooring, step by step!

Installing flooring yourself – why is it worth it?

Renovation costs are usually very high. However, it is not worth saving on the quality and aesthetics of the selected elements of furnishings. It particularly applies to flooring, which should be resistant to damage, negative impact of water or scratches. Thanks to this, it will serve you for a long time. However, if you want to reduce expenses, you can do some of the work yourself instead of hiring a renovation team. Modern floorings are often designed in such a way that even inexperienced people can install them without any problems. In this way, you will not only save money, but also time – there will be no need to wait for the specialists to become available. You will carry out the renovation at the time most convenient for you.

Choose laminate flooring that is easy to install

To ensure easy and smooth installation of flooring, choose models designed for DIY renovations. When browsing the technical specifications of the individual models, you will certainly find the manufacturer’s information on this subject.
Classen’s Megaloc is one of the most convenient installation systems. In the case of planks equipped with it, no glue or special tools are necessary to create a perfectly even, stable floor. As a result, the installation time can be reduced by up to half compared to standard techniques. This is possible thanks to the intuitive locking system. Joining individual planks in this way is really easy, and the finished floor looks very neat. It also significantly reduces the risk of damaging the planks when tools are used or staining them with glue. On the other hand, when you decide to refresh your interiors and change the appearance of the flooring, dismantling it will be just as easy.
When choosing the flooring installation system, it is worth opting for products that stand out for their durability. One of the most important parameters in this case is resistance to water. Using laminate flooring that remains water-resistant for 48 hours will be a very practical choice. This feature ensures that spilt water can stay on its surface for this time without causing any damage. All you have to do is wipe off the puddle and there will be no signs of a fitting failure, water spilt by a pet or melted snow brought on shoes. It is a really useful and convenient feature, especially in a bathroom, hallway or kitchen, where moisture and the risk of flooding are permanent elements of everyday life. However, in order to make sure the floor will serve you well for many years, choose water-resistant laminate flooring for every room in your home.
Additional protection is provided by the Megaloc Aqua Protect installation system. The innovative shape and coating seal the joints like a lock, preventing water from penetrating into them. You also don’t have to worry about the planks swelling or their detachment from the substrate – they will stay in place and look beautiful.

How to install the flooring? Key tips

Although the installation of flooring with a well-chosen system is very quick and easy, it is worth remembering a few important principles. Thanks to them, you will achieve very aesthetic results, as well as durability and stability of the floor. What to pay special attention to?

Proper preparation

Regardless of how the flooring is installed, proper preparation of the substrate is essential. If you’re laying it on the old parquet, get rid of any unevenness or moving parts of the floor – they can cause deformation and instability of the new floor. Each surface should be carefully vacuumed, washed and degreased to ensure there is no dirt present, as it can also reduce the durability of the installation.
Before installing the planks, store the purchased materials for 24 hours in the room where they will be used. The conditions in warehouses and shops are different than in a flat, so the planks should adapt to room temperature and humidity. This will help you to avoid unpleasant surprises after the flooring installation.
An underlay is also a necessary element for floor installation. It perfectly enhances the advantages of specific models and allows you to increase the functionality of the entire room. Underlays provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation and protect the floor against moisture. With their help, you can remove any unevenness on the substrate surface. Therefore, lay it before installing your new floor.

Taking measurements

Before the purchase of flooring, take accurate measurements of the room in which you will be installing it. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs associated with buying it in excess as well the stress caused by running out of materials during the renovation. Before starting the installation, it is good to test-fit the flooring to find out how to cut the planks. For this job, use only high-quality tools, designed for specific materials. This way you will not damage the planks. When planning the flooring layout, remember about the expansion gap. It is essential to allow your floor to move in varying conditions. Leave about 10 mm of free space between the wall and the planks to avoid possible deformation of the floor in the future.

Laying the flooring

The actual installation of flooring with click system is very simple. Once you have prepared the substrate properly, start laying the planks. Install the first row with the tongues on the edges facing the wall. Then connect the shorter sides using special click system. The last plank in the row will probably be too long. Cut it and start laying the next row with it. It will be most convenient to work with individual planks – connect them to the previously laid sections of the floor.

Finish

Skirting boards are also an important element. They enhance the beautiful interior design and help to maintain the right proportions in the interiors. They are also necessary to secure the expansion gap. When you have finished laying the floor, install the skirtings using the method recommended by the manufacturers. They are most often fixed using dowels, screws or glue. Which method works best depends primarily on the specificity of materials that the particular skirting boards are made of.

Flooring installation doesn’t have to be difficult!-0

Laminate flooring is a practical, easy-to-install and durable flooring material. If you decide on high-quality products designed for DIY renovations, you’ll achieve beautiful and long-lasting results. We hope that thanks to our tips, laying flooring will turn out to be a piece of cake for you. Make use of our hints and enjoy a quick and easy renovation!