Choosing new flooring is an exciting part of renovating your home, but knowing what happens during laminate flooring installation can make the entire process much easier.
From preparing the existing floor to fitting the final plank, proper installation plays an important role in achieving a floor that looks beautiful, feels solid underfoot and performs well for years.
At Picasso Laminate Flooring, we offer a wide selection of stylish, durable and water-resistant laminate flooring, with professional installation available to help make your flooring project as straightforward as possible.
Here is what you can expect from start to finish. π
π 1. Measuring the Room
The first step is accurately measuring the area where the new flooring will be installed.
The total floor area is normally calculated in square metres. It is also important to allow for some additional material to accommodate cutting, room shapes and installation requirements.
Accurate measurements help ensure you order enough flooring without unnecessarily purchasing large quantities of extra material.
For larger projects, professional advice can also help identify areas that may require additional attention before installation begins.
π 2. Choosing the Right Laminate Flooring
Not every laminate floor is suitable for every room.
Before installation, consider how the room will be used and how much daily traffic the flooring will receive.
For example:
ποΈ Living rooms – Choose a durable floor that complements your furniture and décor.
ποΈ Bedrooms – A comfortable, attractive laminate can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
πΆ Passages and entrances – These areas experience more foot traffic and benefit from a durable wear rating.
πΎ Homes with pets – Scratch-resistant and durable flooring can be particularly useful.
π½οΈ Dining and family areas – Consider a water-resistant option where spills are more likely.
Picasso offers AC3, AC4 and AC5 laminate flooring options designed for different residential and commercial requirements.
π§Ή 3. Preparing the Existing Floor
Good installation starts underneath the laminate.
The existing floor should be checked to ensure it is suitable for the new flooring. It needs to be sufficiently clean, dry, stable and level.
Uneven areas may need to be corrected before the laminate is installed. Small imperfections can sometimes be accommodated by the appropriate underlay, but significant unevenness should be addressed before laying the floor.
This preparation stage is important because installing laminate over an unsuitable surface can affect the appearance and performance of the finished floor.
π‘οΈ 4. Choosing the Correct Underlay
Underlay is an important part of a quality laminate flooring installation.
Depending on the flooring and the installation requirements, underlay can provide several benefits, including:
π Helping reduce sound
π£ Improving comfort underfoot
π Helping compensate for minor surface imperfections
π§ Providing an additional moisture barrier where appropriate
Not every laminate product requires the same type of underlay, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
π¦ 5. Allowing the Flooring to Acclimatise
Depending on the product and manufacturer's instructions, laminate flooring may need time to acclimatise to the room before installation.
This allows the material to adjust to the temperature and humidity conditions of the installation environment.
Your installer or flooring supplier can advise you on the correct procedure for the specific laminate you have selected.
π§° 6. Starting the Installation
Most modern laminate flooring uses a click-lock system, allowing individual planks to connect securely without traditional nails or glue.
The installer carefully works across the room, connecting the planks while maintaining the correct installation pattern.
The direction of the flooring can also have a major visual effect.
For example, installing planks towards a window can help emphasise natural light, while running flooring along the length of a narrow room can make the space appear longer.
β¨ A professional installer can help you decide on the most suitable layout before work begins.
π 7. Allowing for Expansion
One of the most important aspects of laminate flooring installation is allowing the floor sufficient room to naturally expand and contract.
Laminate flooring can respond to changes in temperature and humidity. For this reason, an appropriate expansion gap is generally required around walls, door frames and other fixed objects.
The exact requirements depend on the flooring manufacturer's installation instructions.
Expansion gaps are normally hidden with skirting boards, trims or profiles, giving the finished installation a clean appearance.
πͺ 8. Cutting Around Doorways and Obstacles
Very few rooms are completely straightforward.
Door frames, corners, built-in cupboards, pillars and other obstacles may require careful cutting of the laminate boards.
Doorways are particularly important because the flooring needs to transition neatly between rooms.
Professional installation can help achieve cleaner cuts and a more consistent finished appearance.
πͺ΅ 9. Adding Skirting and Finishing Profiles
Once the laminate flooring has been installed, the finishing details help complete the look.
Skirting boards can cover the expansion gap around the perimeter while creating a neat transition between the wall and floor.
Transition profiles may also be required where laminate meets another type of flooring.
Matching these finishing elements with your flooring colour can create a much more polished result. β¨
π§Ό 10. Cleaning After Installation
Once installation is complete, the floor should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's care recommendations.
Laminate flooring is generally easy to maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps remove dirt and grit that could cause surface wear.
For routine cleaning, use a suitable laminate floor cleaner and avoid excessive water.
If your floor is water-resistant, remember that water-resistant does not necessarily mean completely waterproof. Always follow the specifications of the particular product you have chosen. Picasso offers water-resistant laminate options designed to provide additional protection against everyday spills and moisture.
π How Long Does Laminate Flooring Installation Take?
The installation time depends on several factors, including:
π The size of the area
πͺ Number of rooms
π¨ Condition of the existing floor
βοΈ Number of cuts and obstacles
πͺ΅ Type of laminate selected
π οΈ Preparation required before installation
A single room can generally be considerably quicker to complete than an entire home or commercial property.
Your flooring installer can provide a more accurate timeframe after assessing the area.
β οΈ Should You Install Laminate Flooring Yourself?
Laminate flooring can be easier to install than many traditional flooring products, particularly when using a modern click-lock system.
However, professional installation has advantages.
An experienced installer understands how to deal with:
β Uneven subfloors
β Expansion requirements
β Doorways and transitions
β Difficult room shapes
β Cutting around obstacles
β Skirting and finishing details
β Correct installation patterns
For homeowners who want the best possible finished appearance, professional laminate flooring installation can provide valuable peace of mind.
π‘ Tips for Getting the Best Results
Before your installation begins, remember these simple tips:
Choose the right product for the room. Consider traffic levels, moisture and everyday use.
Prepare the floor properly. A good foundation is essential for a quality result.
Don't ignore the underlay. The correct underlay can contribute to comfort, sound reduction and floor performance.
Allow for expansion. Follow the manufacturer's installation requirements.
Think about the overall design. Flooring direction, colour, skirting and profiles all contribute to the finished appearance.
Use professional installers when necessary. Particularly for larger or more complicated projects.
π Why Choose Picasso Laminate Flooring?
At Picasso Laminate Flooring, we offer a wide selection of laminate flooring in different colours, styles and durability ratings.
Our range includes AC3, AC4 and AC5 laminate flooring, including water-resistant options designed for busy homes and commercial environments.
We also have a network of qualified installers who can provide professional flooring installation across several areas of South Africa.
Whether you are updating one bedroom, transforming your living area or renovating an entire property, we can help you choose the right flooring and arrange professional installation.
π Ready to Install Your New Laminate Floor?
The right laminate flooring can transform the appearance of a room while providing a practical and durable surface for everyday living.
If you're planning a flooring renovation, speak to Picasso Laminate Flooring about our range of water-resistant laminate flooring, installation services and professional advice.
π Contact Picasso today for a quote and let us help you take your flooring project from selection to finished installation.
π‘ Picasso Laminate Flooring – stylish floors, professional installation and quality you can enjoy for years.
