If you’re considering installing new flooring on your own, you’ll find an abundance of installation guides available. Even here on the Wood and Beyond blog, we’ve explored everything from wood to laminate installations and everything in between. Having sold and installed flooring for well over 15 years, we thought it pertinent to share some of the more unconventional flooring installation tips that can enhance your expertise.
10 Unusual Flooring Installation Tips:
- Start From The Bottom Up: Ensuring your subfloor is properly prepared is crucial before beginning any flooring installation. Issues such as moisture, unevenness, or debris can compromise the integrity of your new floor, leading to problems like warping, creaking, or even dislodgement of the flooring material. An impeccable job by even the most skilled fitter can be undermined if the subfloor isn’t ready. It’s essential to assess and treat the subfloor for any irregularities, ensuring a solid and level foundation that will support your new flooring and contribute to its longevity and appearance.
- Visualise Laying Direction: Before permanently fitting your new flooring, it’s beneficial to lay out some planks loosely at the start and end of the area. This allows you to visualise the potential outcome and ensure the direction and pattern of the planks complement the space. The laying direction can significantly impact the room’s overall aesthetics, making spaces appear larger or creating a seamless flow between rooms. This step helps in making an informed decision on the final layout, ensuring a visually pleasing result.
- Familiarise Yourself With The Required Tools: Having the right tools at hand is essential for a successful flooring installation. However, there’s no need to purchase specialised tools that you may only use once. Many tools, such as a tapping block, flat bar, floor scraper, floor roller, and saw, can be hired for the duration of your project. This approach is not only cost-effective but also ensures you have access to the specific tools required for your flooring type, contributing to a professional-quality finish.
- Plan The Installation Direction: When fitting flooring in adjoining rooms, maintaining the same direction of installation can create a uniform and cohesive look throughout your home. This continuity can enhance the sense of flow and space, making separate areas feel connected. It’s particularly effective in open-plan layouts or when you wish to draw the eye towards a specific feature or view in your home.
- Correct Underlay Installation: Properly installing the underlay is just as important as fitting the flooring itself. Begin by placing the underlay at one end of the room, unrolling it towards the opposite wall. Ensure the lengths are laid parallel, and use scissors or a knife for trimming. Edges should be joined with masking tape, avoiding any overlap to prevent an uneven surface. Remember to leave a 10mm gap around pipes and other protrusions to accommodate expansion and contraction.
- Fit Left Corner On Longest Wall: A good starting point for flooring installation is the left corner of the longest wall, particularly in square or rectangular rooms. This method ensures that the planks are laid in a straight line, reducing the need for numerous cuts and adjustments. Additionally, installing the planks in the same direction as the main light source in the room can enhance the floor’s appearance, highlighting the texture and colour of the flooring material.
- Template Tricky Cuts: For intricate cuts around obstacles like corners or pipes, using a cardboard template can save time and reduce waste. This method allows for precise measurement and fitting, ensuring that the actual flooring material is cut accurately the first time. It’s a practical approach that can prevent costly mistakes and ensure a neat, professional finish around complex shapes.
- Work in Sections: Tackling a large room can be overwhelming, so it’s advisable to divide the space into manageable sections. This strategy allows you to concentrate on getting each area right before moving on, making it easier to spot and correct any errors. Working in sections also helps maintain motivation and organisation throughout the project.
- Clean as You Go: Keeping the workspace clean and tidy is essential, especially when working with messy materials. Promptly cleaning up spills and drips can prevent them from setting or causing damage, making the overall process smoother and reducing clean-up time at the end of the project.
- Save Some Leftover Materials: After completing your flooring installation, it’s wise to keep a box of leftover materials. These can be invaluable for future repairs or adjustments, ensuring you have an exact match in terms of colour and pattern. This foresight can save time and ensure consistency if any sections of the flooring need to be replaced or repaired in the future.
Bear in mind, the flooring installation advice provided here is designed to complement your particular choice of flooring. The exact methods for fitting wood, laminate, luxury vinyl, carpet, and other types of flooring may differ, yet the tips outlined should prove beneficial regardless of the flooring you select.
As illustrated in our customer flooring gallery, Wood and Beyond offers not only a wide selection of flooring for purchase but also a fitting service, subject to regional availability. Do not hesitate to contact us for a quotation.
—
FAQ
Why is it important to prepare the subfloor before installing new flooring?
Proper preparation of the subfloor is essential to prevent issues like moisture damage, uneven surfaces, and debris from affecting the new floor’s integrity. A well-prepared subfloor ensures a solid foundation, enhancing the new flooring’s longevity and appearance.
How can I determine the best direction to lay my new flooring?
To decide on the optimal laying direction, it’s recommended to temporarily place some planks at the area’s start and end. This helps visualise the final look, ensuring the direction and pattern complement the room’s dimensions and aesthetic.
Do I need to purchase special tools for flooring installation?
No, there’s no need to buy special tools for a one-time installation. Many necessary tools, like tapping blocks and floor rollers, can be rented, making the installation process both cost-effective and efficient.
How does the direction of flooring installation affect adjoining rooms?
Maintaining the same installation direction in adjoining rooms creates a uniform look, enhancing the flow and connectivity between spaces. This is especially beneficial in open-plan layouts or to accentuate specific features in your home.
What is the correct way to install underlay for new flooring?
Start by placing the underlay at one end and unrolling it towards the opposite wall, ensuring the lengths lay parallel. Join the edges with masking tape without overlapping to avoid an uneven floor, and leave a 10mm gap around pipes for expansion.