Installing new laminate flooring? It’s an exciting upgrade that can instantly change how your home feels. But before the first plank goes down, a little preparation can go a long way. Prepping your space the right way helps avoid delays, surprises, or unnecessary stress. Let’s walk through the essential steps to get your home ready.
Clear out the room completely
First things first: everything has to go. Furniture, rugs, decor, even plants. Don’t just slide things to one corner. Laminate flooring needs a smooth, open workspace from wall to wall.
If you're replacing existing flooring, make sure that the old carpet, tile, or laminate is fully removed before installation day. And don’t forget to take out any nails or staples left behind.
Pro tip: Use this as a chance to declutter. You’d be surprised how much stuff piles up under couches and shelves.
Handle baseboards and trim
Look at the baseboards and trim. Will they stay or go?
If your laminate flooring installer plans to remove them, you can do it ahead of time using a pry bar and some patience. Be gentle if you want to reuse them. Label each piece so they go back to the right spot. If the baseboards stay, installers might add quarter-round molding to cover the gap between the wall and flooring.
Either way, check with your installer so you know what’s expected.
Check your subfloor condition
Laminate flooring only performs well on a clean, flat surface. If your subfloor has dips, squeaks, or signs of moisture, now’s the time to fix them.
Sweep and vacuum thoroughly. A clean subfloor makes installation faster and helps prevent dust under the new floor. For concrete subfloors, make sure it’s fully dry. For wood, look for soft spots or nails sticking up.
Still unsure? Ask your flooring pro to inspect it before installation day.
Create a temperature-stable environment
Laminate flooring needs to adjust to the conditions of your home. Most manufacturers recommend placing the flooring boxes in the room where they’ll be installed for 48 to 72 hours. This helps prevent expansion or contraction after installation.
During this acclimation period, keep the temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain normal humidity levels. Avoid extreme cold or heat.
Plan for pets and people
On installation day, keep pets and young kids away from the area. Not only is it safer for them, but it helps installers stay focused. You might even want to schedule installation when you're out of the house or have a quiet space to hang out.
Also, don’t forget about noise and dust. Even though laminate installation is fairly clean, it can still stir up debris. Cover nearby items with a sheet or move them to another room.
Call us for your laminate flooring installation
When you take time to prepare, the laminate flooring installation goes smoother, faster, and with fewer surprises. A little effort upfront leads to better results you’ll enjoy for years.
If you’re ready to upgrade your home with durable, stylish laminate floors, Rich's Carpet One is here to help. Let’s make the process as smooth as your new floors. Reach out today to get started. Our flooring store in Hamilton Township, NJ, serves Trenton, Evesham Township, Tinton Falls, Edison, Toms River, Hamilton Township, Mount Laurel Township, Long Branch, New Brunswick, NJ, and Bensalem Township, PA.
