Yes. It is very much possible to install laminate flooring over most of the varieties of existing flooring. However, it’s important that the surface of the following is as clean, level and smooth as it can be. First of all, let us see the types of floors that accept laying of new laminate flooring.
- Tiles: If the tiles are in good shape (not loose or broken), you can apply laminate flooring over them.
- Hardwood: Make sure the current floor is smooth and level before laying laminate flooring over it.
- Concrete: If the subfloor is level and clean, laminate flooring can be laid over it.
- Vinyl: If the current floor is smooth and level, it is possible to lay a laminate flooring over it.
Floors That Do Not Accept Laminate Flooring
- Carpet: It is needless to say that laminate floor cannot be put directly on top of carpeted floor
- Brick: Laminate flooring over brick is not possible.
- Uneven/Damaged Floors: Prior to putting in the laminate flooring, you must fix any uneven, damaged or loose tiled areas in the current floor.
A Detailed Explanation…
Before you decide to lay hdf laminate floor over your existing flooring, there are a few things you should think about.
Because not all surfaces are created equal, it is crucial to choose the kind of flooring you plan to place laminate flooring over. Generally speaking, hdf laminate flooring can be installed over existing flooring that is smooth and level. This excludes flooring made of natural stone, brick and carpet.
Wooden Laminate flooring over more homogeneous flooring, such as concrete, vinyl, tile and plywood, is simple; however, you must ensure that an underlay has been installed before placing your new flooring.
Why Choose Laminate Flooring?
Underlays are crucial when laying laminate flooring over an existing floor, such as tiles or a subfloor. An underlay serves as a barrier between the hdf laminate flooring and the current flooring, producing a perfectly level surface and shielding the flooring from harm. It also enhances the final flooring appearance and quality. Above all, it provides protection against any moisture that could seep through from the subfloor, especially from a concrete slab.
In addition to providing insulation and absorbing sound when you walk on the hdf laminate flooring, underlays also contribute to a wonderful underfoot sensation.
What is the best laminate flooring underlay?
When selecting the best underlay, there are a few important things to take into account.
- What kind of material is your current flooring constructed of?
- Does the underlay come with your laminate flooring or do you have to buy it separately?
- What kind of insulation and noise reduction are you looking for?
- How much do you have to spend?
All of these factors play a crucial role in determining the ideal underlay for your needs.
Rubber Underlay:
Rubber underlays are the most common choice due to their durability, breathability and slight bounce, which makes the floor feel softer underfoot. However, rubber underlays can be more expensive.
Foam Underlay:
A more budget-friendly alternative is foam underlay. Modern foam underlays now offer quality that closely matches that of rubber, making them an excellent cost-effective option.
How to Install Laminate Flooring on Your Existing Floors?
Step 1: Get your subfloor ready
You must inspect the subfloor as the first stage is contingent on the type of subfloor you are working with. We strongly advise working on a clean, level and stable subfloor. Remember to look for any loose parts.
What is the maximum size of the joints in your current tile floor? How may irregularities be levelled out? How about heating beneath the floor? To ensure you are ready to begin, take your time reading the installation instructions!
Step 2: Selecting the underlay
Selecting the appropriate underlay is essential to a hassle-free installation of your new laminate flooring. The laminate floorings are easy to install because of their flat top surface.
Step 3: Gathering all the equipment
During the installation, do you want to avoid a few excursions and disruptions? Before you begin, make sure you have a few necessary tools available.
Among the standard tools are a hammer and a saw, but there are a number of additional tools that will greatly simplify your life.
Step 4: Installing the Underlay
It’s time to begin! At first, push the underlay as close to the wall as you can after rolling it out Proceed in the same way as you intend to lay your floor while laying one row at a time. For simple underlay installation with an integrated moisture-resistant screen, use the flap and glue strip. If you are unable to utilise the flap and strip, you can make the installation waterproof by joining the rows together with adhesive tape.
Once done, the laminate flooring installation should take place.
Step 5: Sawing the Laminated Floor
This step involves sawing of the laminate floor, which essentially is tailoring the floor to the required size. The tools used for this include a miter saw, jigsaw, circular saw or even a handsaw, a miter saw is frequently used for precise, clean cuts. For smoother cuts and less chipping, the professionals generally use a fine-tooth blade to saw the floor planks and tailor it to the measurement.
Step 6: Finishing Off the Installation
The installation of your laminate floor is done! It’s time to add finishing profiles, matching skirting boards and other finishing touches to complete the image.
Over time, installing laminate flooring over another may result in more expensive issues to resolve. Because of this, we usually advise taking out the old laminate flooring before putting in a new one. To save time and money, it’s also a good idea to hire a professional flooring company that can install laminate flooring effectively.
The Final Words
A competent installer has the necessary skills and equipment and is trained to evaluate the area, taking into account any potential challenges with installing laminate flooring. It is an excellent choice for almost any flooring application and works well in a range of spaces.
Laminate flooring is an excellent investment because it is a strong and long-lasting. Because of the material’s comparatively high water remittance, this type of flooring is appropriate for places like bathrooms and kitchens that are more likely to experience higher levels of moisture. Just make sure to install it over a vapour barrier to prevent water damage to your house.
So the bottom line is that you must hire the best of the lot to make sure that the laminate flooring is satisfying to the flies.