Installing a new floor can give your home an entirely new fresh look and feel. It is important to follow the proper floor installation steps to ensure a durable, long-lasting finish whether you are installing hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring. Here, I will discuss the essential steps for installing various types of flooring.
Preparation
The first and foremost important step in any flooring installation is to prepare the surface. This involves removing the old flooring, repairing any damage to the subfloor, and ensuring that the surface is properly clean and level. If you are installing hardwood or laminate flooring, it is important to let the flooring material acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours.
Installation
The installation process varies depending on the type of flooring you choose for installation. For hardwood flooring, the first step is to lay the underlayment over the subfloor. The underlayment offers a fine and smooth, level surface for the hardwood planks to be laid on. Then, the hardwood planks are installed in a staggered pattern, starting at one corner of the room and working your way across.
For tile flooring, the first step is to lay down a cement board over the subfloor. The cement board offers a tough, strong, and stable base for the tile to be laid on. Then, the tiles are laid out in a pattern and adhered to the cement board using tile adhesive. For laminate flooring, the beginning step is to lay the underlayment over the subfloor. The underlayment furnishes a moisture barrier and a cushion for the laminate planks to be laid on. Then, the laminate planks are installed in a staggered pattern, beginning at one corner of the room and working your way across.
Finishing
Once your required flooring is installed, it is time to add the finishing touch to the floor. For hardwood and laminate flooring, the edges can be cut or trimmed with baseboards or molding. On the other side, for tile flooring, the edges can be cut or trimmed with a border of smaller tiles or with molding.
Maintenance
After the installation of the flooring, it is significant to properly clean and maintain your new floor to ensure its longevity. For maintenance, you should regularly clean the surface and avoid excessive moisture or heavy foot traffic in certain areas.
Conclusion
Installing a fresh and new floor can be a daunting task, but by following the proper steps, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting finish. Make sure to properly prepare the surface, properly follow the installation procedures and guidelines for your specific flooring type, add the finishing touch, and also maintain your new floor regularly. By doing so, you can enjoy your new flooring for many years to come.
