How to lay laminate flooring in one piece. How to lay laminate flooring with your own hands: methods and diagrams
Laying laminate flooring without thresholds is used in cases where it is planned to create the effect of a single space in an apartment or house. With this method of installation, interior thresholds in doorways are not installed, due to which the home visually becomes more spacious. This technology is not recommended by manufacturers of multi-layer flooring, which does not stop home craftsmen who want to make the interior of their home as harmonious and original as possible.
Pros and cons of laying laminate flooring as a single sheet
When installed without thresholds, the floor has a truly aesthetic appearance. This is considered the main advantage of the described technique.
No obstacles in doorwayseliminates the risk of injury to a person when moving from one room to another. The third advantage of the technology is the simplification of cleaning and caring for the coating.
Laying laminate flooring without thresholds also has a number of serious disadvantages. They are given below:
- The installation method under consideration is not approved by manufacturers of finishing materials. They disclaim any responsibility for the life and quality of the floors (the warranty for the latter is void).
- If one of the laminated planks is damaged during operation, it is necessary to dismantle the coating in several rooms where it is laid. This leads to increased effort and time spent on repairs.
- Due to changes in humidity and temperature, swollen areas, cracks, and other defects may form on the floor.
Important! Threshold-free installation is more labor-intensive and expensive than standard installation. Many home craftsmen cannot cope with this procedure without the help of specialists.
Features of creating seamless floors throughout the apartment
Laying laminate flooring without thresholds is carried out in rooms up to 10 m long, with a total area of no more than 50 sq. m. m. If this condition is violated, the probability of deformation of the coating already in the first year of its use increases significantly. The following is also taken into account:
- Installation of a single sheet is possible only in rooms with normal humidity.
- It is prohibited to use carpet as a backing for laminated boards. Experts advise making an intermediate layer using polyethylene or cork pads.
- You cannot install a multi-layer coating on wooden floors with rotten or deformed areas.
- Surface under seamless fabric must be well aligned. The permissible height difference on the base is 4–5 mm.
- Gaps of 10 mm are left between the walls of the rooms and the laminated panels. In them before installation decorative items special plugs (limiting wedges) are installed, which are removed after completion of the work.
Preparation for laying laminate consists of leveling the rough base. The depressions on it are filled with putty, and the protrusions and tubercles are cleaned.
If the floor surface is severely damaged, it must be filled with concrete screed and wait 85–90 days. And only after this should we begin arranging a seamless coating.
The work is carried out using a tape measure, a hammer, a laser (or regular) level, limiters, a hammer drill, a square, a miter box, and a pencil. To cut decorative items, a hacksaw (jigsaw) is required.
Installation of lamellas without thresholds - instructions for self-taught craftsmen
After leveling floor base a substrate is laid on it. It plays the role of a shock absorber and increases the service life of facing products. If decorative boards are laid in a private house, it is advisable to additionally place a layer of mineral wool or other heat-insulating material under the lining.
The laminate is installed using locking technology using latches located on each panel. The covering is installed in all rooms of the home at once. The work is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Products that are planned to be installed in interior openings are cut (in advance). The doors in the latter are dismantled. A small cut is made on the floor underneath them for ventilation.
- Pegs mark the boundaries of technological gaps near the walls.
- The first row of laminated boards is mounted near the window. The panels are neatly connected to each other with latches.
- The slats are laid strictly in one direction in all rooms of the apartment. This is the only way to really achieve it visual increase home spaces.
- The last products in each row are cut with a jigsaw if necessary.
After installing all the boards, the stop caps are removed. Instead, decorative skirting boards are fixed.
Today laminate is the most common flooring. Ease of installation, reasonable price, aesthetics of the laminate made this look finishing material one of the most sought after. Laying laminate flooring without thresholds is another new trend in flooring. With this method of installation, the room looks more spacious and monolithic, and the risk of tripping over the interior threshold is completely eliminated.
Disadvantages of threshold-free styling
- Without thresholds, you can cover a room with an area of no more than 50 m2 and a length of 8 to 10 m with laminate boards. In a larger room, the laminate flooring may swell, especially in the areas of doorways.
- The installation method without thresholds will require certain skills and abilities and will take more time.
- If you need to replace just one laminate panel, you will have to disassemble everything flooring to get to one damaged board.
The larger the area where laminate flooring is laid seamlessly, the greater the likelihood of floor deformation and swelling.
Despite the warnings, thousands of ordinary people are willing to take the risk and install seamless laminate flooring in their apartment to achieve visual spaciousness.
Before you begin the threshold-free installation of laminate panels with your own hands, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the theoretical nuances of seamless installation, as well as decide on the method of fastening the panels.
Methods of fastening laminate panels
Glue mount. This type of panel connection involves gluing laminate boards together.
Advantages:
- This method is ideal for heavily polluted rooms with high humidity;
- The joints are reliably sealed; dirt and debris do not enter them.
Flaws:
- Mistakes are not allowed, since the entire floor covering will have to be dismantled.
Locking method of fastening. Assumes the presence of panels with special latches.
Advantages:
- locking fasteners allow you to more accurately adjust the boards;
- it is possible to lay laminate panels in different directions, which is very convenient when installing flooring;
- the ability to dismantle a small section of the covering and, if necessary, replace several boards;
- simplicity and ease of installation;
- saving time.
Flaws:
- high cost of laminate panels with a locking profile.
Essential tool for seamless laminate installation
Before laying laminate panels, you need to prepare the following tools:
- an electric jigsaw, if you don’t have one, you can use a hacksaw, however, high accuracy may not be achieved;
- roulette;
- laser level;
- perforator;
- pencil;
- glue (if the adhesive installation method was chosen);
- square;
- miter box;
- restrictive wedges;
- rubber hammer;
- tamping block.
This set of tools and accessories is quite enough to carry out threshold-free installation of laminate flooring.
The choice of laminate panels will depend on the degree of load on the floor covering. In order to figure out which class of laminate needs to be used as a floor covering, you need to familiarize yourself with the classification of the room (Table 1).
Table 1 - Selection of laminate class depending on the load on the floor covering
|
Type of load on floor coverings |
Class of laminate panels |
|
Living spaces: |
|
|
Public areas: |
|
|
Industrial premises: |
|
As can be seen from the table, the greater the load on the floor covering, the higher class of laminate must be used. The choice of class of flooring material is determined by the overall degree of load in the entire living space. When laying laminate boards without threshold, experienced specialists advise choosing panels of class 33 or 34. This class of panels has high degree wear resistance. At the right technology When laid, the flooring material will not swell and will last more than 20 years without the need for complete replacement.
- The room in which the laminate is installed must have normal humidity. Otherwise, the laminate panels may swell and become deformed.
- The base on which the laminate is laid must be perfectly flat. Differences in surface height should not exceed 3–5 mm.
- If laminate panels are laid on wooden base, then floor fragments that have deformation or rotten areas must be replaced.
- As a substrate for the laminate coating, you can use cork and polyethylene, as well as sheets of cardboard connected with tape. It is not recommended to use carpet due to its high softness.
- Since laminate is a “floating” floor covering, when laying it it is necessary to leave gaps along the walls. The width of the gaps is 1 cm. For uniform laying and accurate placement of the panels, it is necessary to install special plugs between the laminate and the wall, which are removed after completion of the work.
Stages of threshold-free installation of laminate flooring
The process of laying laminate flooring is simple if you know the technology and take into account the features of a seamless coating. The seamless installation algorithm is presented below.
Preparatory stage
Removing the old covering and leveling the subfloor. If the surface of the base has minor differences, then it is enough to simply remove the roughness and level the floor by sanding. If the base is severely damaged, then a concrete screed will be required. The concrete screed must dry for three months. The surface of the base must be smooth, clean and dry.
Installation of the insulating layer
- The insulating layer (mineral wool) is immediately laid over the entire area of the room;
- The apartment uses only a backing (cardboard, polyethylene or cork), which extends the life of the laminate and serves as a shock absorber.
Laying laminate panels
- Installation of the covering should begin from the window, carefully connecting the laminate boards together using locks.
- When laying, it is necessary to pay attention to the first three rows, as they will be fundamental for the further installation of the panels.
- Be sure to leave a gap between the wall and the panels (approximately 1 cm). Then the gaps are closed with skirting boards, which are attached to the wall.
- The laminate must be laid under the door frame so that it “breathes”. For this below door frame a small cut should be made. Slats in combined rooms should be laid in one direction. It is advisable to remove interior doors during installation.
In order for the room to appear visually spacious and monolithic, laying laminate panels must be done in only one direction.
It is quite easy to make a floor beautiful, durable and reliable if you know and follow all the features and nuances of seamless installation of laminate flooring. Watching the video will help you avoid mistakes and unwanted consequences.
Video
Features of laying laminate in a doorway with non-threshold installation:
One of the most popular floor coverings is laminate. Even an inexperienced person can carry out the installation of this material.
At the same time, laminate has a low cost. That is why it is quite a popular floor covering.
If the laminate is installed in several rooms, there are thresholds in the doorways...
One of the most popular floor coverings is laminate. Even an inexperienced person can carry out the installation of this material. At the same time, laminate has a low cost. That is why it is quite a popular floor covering. If laminate is installed in several rooms, thresholds are not created in the doorways. But before carrying out work on securing the material, you need to learn about the features of working in the interior space.
Materials and tools
It is impossible to carry out high-quality work without using the right tool. To install laminate flooring, you need a hacksaw with fine teeth. Also, before work, you should prepare a jigsaw and a building level. In addition, a tape measure and a marker will come in handy.
You can also purchase a specialized set for laying laminate flooring, which includes plastic wedges and a tool, which is a device for cutting boards. But such products can be replaced with improvised materials. For example, instead of wedges, many people use laminate cuttings.
When purchasing flooring, it is important to remember that if you use a low-quality laminate, the coating may be used for a shorter period of time. The described material is divided into several classes.
If it is purchased for use in the bedroom, you should choose class 23 material. It is low cost, but it is not intended for loads such as those that affect the floor in a hallway. If you still use class 23 laminate, it can last about 6 years in the living room.
When choosing a material, it is important to remember that the higher the class, the higher quality the purchased products are. It is also important to pay attention to the quality of the board joints and their density.
The reaction of the floor covering to changes in air humidity and temperature depends on the density. If the board locks are not secure enough. This can lead to deformation of the floor covering. When purchasing, it is also important to remember that you need to purchase with a margin of approximately 10 percent.
Laminate flooring without thresholds should only be laid on a prepared base. If this rule is not followed, defects may appear during operation. In addition, for work you will need the following materials:
- waterproofing agent;
- thermal insulation material;
- grout for seams.
Thermal insulation material is usually installed only in country houses, since the interfloor ceiling in multi-storey structures reliably retains heat.
Preparing the floor for laying laminate
Almost all instructions for laying the described floor covering indicate that the optimal area of the room in which installation takes place should be 45-50 square meters. If the material is laid in a single mass in a room of 100 square meters, this can lead to its deformation.
To prevent this from happening, builders usually install thresholds between rooms, which are expansion joints. To prevent deformations from occurring during use of the rooms, it is necessary to lay the material on a perfectly flat surface. Typically, distortion occurs due to air cushions remaining between the subfloor and the laminate.
During work, it is worth remembering that the more carefully the work is carried out to remove old materials, the easier it will be to level the surface.
After dismantling the old flooring, it is necessary to assess the condition of the subfloor. If the damage is minor, cosmetic smoothing can be done. Such work involves sealing small cracks and irregularities with cement mortar. If the subfloor has serious defects, it is necessary to create a new screed.
After leveling, it is necessary to determine where the laying of the material will begin and where it will end. This is important because the underlayment is placed across the laminate. It is important to consider that the backing strips must be joined with an overlap of approximately 10 cm.
In the case when laying laminate flooring without thresholds is carried out in a private house, it is necessary to create a hydro- and thermal insulation layer. When installation is carried out without thresholds, work is carried out immediately over the entire area of the house. That is why waterproofing material is fixed in all rooms at once. If the material is too thin, it will not be able to perform its functions effectively. If the layer is thick, this can lead to deformation of the floor covering. After laying the waterproofing material, you need to check the reliability of the joints.
Features of laying laminate
When installing the floor covering, it is necessary to take into account the features of such work:
- The first 3 layers need to be laid more carefully, as they are fundamental. Work must begin from the window.
- The boards are connected using locks, so even a person with no experience can carry out the work. On one side of each board there is a protrusion, and on the other there is a groove into which the protrusion of the next element is inserted.
- The lock of the first board to be laid must be cut off. The connection is made at an angle of 30 degrees. In this position, the board is inserted into the groove of the previous one, after which it is pressed to the floor until a click appears. During joining, you need to make sure that there are no gaps at the joints.
- If the protrusion of the boards that will be located near the wall is not cut off, the floor will look less aesthetically pleasing.
- The entire row is installed using the described method. When laying the last element, it is usually necessary to cut off part of it, since it rarely fits completely between the already fixed boards and the wall.
It is important to remember that you cannot lay boards close to the walls, as they may move when the temperature changes. That is why restrictive pegs are installed between the flooring and the walls. When laying material without thresholds, a gap of approximately 15 mm must be left between rooms. After securing all the elements of the floor covering, it is worth inspecting the floor for large gaps.
Important! If you need to seal the joints of laminate and tiles without a threshold, just carefully cut the boards and use grout or mastic after installation.
When laying laminate between rooms, it is important to take into account the decoration of the rooms, since the flooring can look different in rooms with different decorations. If one of the rooms has a tile floor, it is important to cut the boards as accurately as possible before installing and matching them with the flooring of another room.
Features of creating a transition without a threshold
Before laying the laminate in a doorway without a threshold, it is necessary to make a cut in the door frame so that there is space between the material. small space. To carry out all the work carefully, it is worth removing the door leaf.
If the transition is made parallel to the laying of boards, no more than two boards may be needed to carry out the work. In the next room, installation continues on the base of the laminate, which is located in the opening. If there is space between the wall and the laminate, it is filled with sawn boards.
If the boards are laid crosswise in the opening, it is necessary to continue creating several rows from the door to the opposite wall. Only after this do the remaining boards begin to be attached, which are brought to the side walls.
When choosing a laminate installation method, it is worth considering that fixing elements in several rooms without creating a threshold is quite complex process. That is why, in the absence of experience, it is important to carefully prepare for the work. By following the described rules, you can install laminate flooring without thresholds throughout the entire apartment without the help of assistants and without spending money on professionals.
After all the boards are secured, it is worth securing the baseboard. It is important to choose products that match the laminate flooring and the decor style of the room. It is important to promptly clean the laid floor covering from dirt and prevent it from getting onto the floor. large quantity liquids. If water gets under the laminate, it can have a negative effect on the material.
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Laying laminate flooring without seams in doorways
Parquet or vinyl tiles, laid in a single sheet throughout the apartment, looks impressive and expensive. Laying laminate flooring without thresholds, used to create a solid floor, is very difficult task. You will need high-quality premium finishing materials, a professional installer with extensive work experience and knowledge of many nuances.
Threshold-free laminate installation: what is it?
Installation of multi-layer flooring in several rooms in a single sheet, without breaks or cuts in doorways (regardless of their width), is called “laying without thresholds.” The purpose of this technology is decorative, it is used in the design of apartments or houses to create the effect of a single space, without highlighting special zones.
Let's voice it known fact : Not a single manufacturer of multilayer coatings recommends continuous installation of finishing flooring material in several rooms. This is due, first of all, to the physical parameters of laminated parquet. Being a derivative of wood, it is characterized by such properties as change linear dimensions with changes in temperature and humidity.
Let's give an example for a better understanding of the processes. On a rainy day autumn period air humidity increases. Since laminate has a certain water absorption index (from 4 to 18% depending on the density and quality of the slab), it gradually expands by these same percentages in linear terms. Moreover, the board increases more along the length than across. Gaps with a cross-section of 0.8-1 cm left around the perimeter make it possible to compensate for this expansion, the floor remains smooth and solid, without swelling or creaking areas.
Formation of gaps between planks due to violation of installation rules.
In winter, at the height of the heating season, we observe the opposite reaction. The laminate, relatively speaking, dries out and slightly decreases in size due to a decrease in relative air humidity. If the installation is carried out in violation of the technology, then gaps appear between the slats, the locks stretch and weaken, ceasing to perform their functions.
One of the conditions correct installation is the formation of peculiar expansion joints that cut off a certain part of the canvas from the rest of the floor. According to the instructions, the maximum area for continuous assembly should not exceed 48-100 m2. For example, for products from Belgian and German factories, the maximum permissible parameters for a solid floor are 10x10 m. This means that every ten linear meters it is necessary to leave a gap in width and length to compensate for seasonal fluctuations in the geometric dimensions of the laminate. For floor coverings produced by Russian factories, these parameters are much smaller - no more than 8x6 m.
How can I find out the exact dimensions of the area within which it is permissible to lay laminate flooring without thresholds throughout a studio-type apartment or with wide arched openings? In the instructions, which are printed on the insert for each pack of flooring, you will find the entire package of required information, including the maximum permissible area of the canvas, the moisture content of the base, and the like.
Let's summarize: Manufacturers are against such a phenomenon as laying laminate flooring without thresholds. This is due to the risk of damage to the floor due to seasonal fluctuations in size, the appearance of swelling, creaks, gaps and other defects. However professional craftsmen carefully calculate the possibilities and quite successfully implement seamless flooring technology.
How to install non-threshold laminate flooring
The success of the event depends primarily on proper preparation of the foundation. The surface must be perfectly smooth, durable and dry. It is advisable to level out any differences, even acceptable ones. For this, thin-layer self-leveling floors on a gypsum or gypsum-cement base, dry prefabricated screed made of chipboard, OSB and others are used. On a concrete or anhydrite screed, you can also use a mosaic grinder with fine-grained attachments, which will ensure a complete “zeroing” of the entire plane.
Laminate flooring laid in the direction of movement in the room.
To lay the covering without gaps in doorways as evenly and reliably as possible, use a deck pattern in which each subsequent row is offset by 1/3 of the length of the lamella. The best option layouts - in the direction of travel, as this allows to minimize wear of the finishing material at the joints. Floor assembly starts from the largest room, from far corner gradually reaching the door area.
Advice! Take the time to first draw a plan of the apartment or house on a piece of paper and schematically, observing the scale, plan the installation. This will make your work much easier and help avoid a lot of waste.
Laying laminate in a doorway is carried out according to the standard scheme. The floor extends up to the box, close to the platbands. Experts recommend filing down the fittings in order to attach the floor plank underneath them to the wall. Next, several long, solid strips are placed in the center, and trimmed at the ends are added. It is imperative to leave gaps near the walls.
If installation is carried out across the doorway, then at the entrance the cut slats should be laid in a standard manner, secured with a lock to the main leaf. To seal joints, you can use joint sealing gels.
To make the job easier and improve grip quality, purchase a cover with special profile locks, like Uniclick. The shape of the connection allows you to snap adjacent planks at an angle, vertically or horizontally.
Advantages and disadvantages of laying laminate flooring without a threshold
Which installation method is better - with or without gaps in doorways? Of course, the first one. But if the customer absolutely does not like threshold profiles or the developed design project requires it, then you can find good craftsmen who can do high-quality, threshold-free installation of laminate flooring.
Let's consider the pros and cons of this solution.
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Aesthetic appearance of the floor | Does not comply with manufacturers' installation instructions, which automatically voids the floor's warranty |
| No obstacles in doorways that could cause a tripping hazard | Gaps, swollen areas and other defects may appear due to seasonal expansion of the laminate |
| Simplify cleaning and maintenance of flooring materials | If one strip is damaged, you will need to disassemble the covering in several rooms, instead of just one |
| The need to find a truly professional installer | |
| Increased cost of installation due to the particular complexity of the work |
Let us separately note this fact. An inexperienced master can try to compensate for the possible expansion of the floor by increasing the deformation gaps around the perimeter. That is, make them not 1 cm wide, but larger, up to 2.5 cm. This is absolutely impossible to do, as it will lead to the formation of cracks.
Thus, the disadvantages of threshold-free technology are much greater than the advantages. In addition, manufacturers of floor profiles offer a huge range of decorative joints with wood or stone surfaces, with various systems fastenings:
- with T-shaped internal clamps,
- on adhesive basis,
- with an additional strip that hides hardware
- much more.
There are even plastic flexible thresholds with which you can create a joint of an interesting shape, including round ones or with complex geometry.
Flexible threshold for creating connections of complex shapes.
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Laying laminate flooring as a solid floor without a threshold
Laminate flooring laid as a solid floor without thresholds throughout the apartment looks solid and aesthetically pleasing. Laying laminate flooring to form a single floor is not an easy task and requires materials High Quality, skill and professionalism of the stacker and compliance with all features.
Let us remind you that laminate is classified depending on the level of strength and wear resistance. The highest strength is inherent in coatings of classes 31, 32, 33 and 34. When laying laminated flooring with thresholds between rooms, it is possible to select different strength classes of the material separately for each room, in accordance with the load.
When laying laminate flooring without thresholds, its class is selected based on the maximum load of a certain room in the apartment and is applied throughout the entire apartment. Those. To install laminate flooring without thresholds, you should choose a coating of at least strength class 33.
When laying laminate flooring without thresholds, be sure to lay down the underlay first. Optimal thickness substrate is 3 mm.
Laying laminate flooring as a continuous sheet without thresholds
The installation of a laminated flooring in several rooms at once with a solid floor, without gaps in doorways, will be called “installation without thresholds.” The technology aims to achieve a visual expansion of space and decorativeness. Such design technique creates the effect of a single space and spaciousness in the apartment.
It is impossible not to remind and warn that manufacturers of laminated coatings not recommended carry out such a continuous installation of laminated material on large area. This is explained by the property of laminated panels to change linear dimensions with changes in humidity and temperature in the room.
When air humidity increases, for example in autumn, the laminate, which has the ability to absorb moisture in certain quantities, does this and begins to expand. To do this, when installing the covering, gaps of 8-10 mm are left, allowing these expansions; as a result, the floor retains its appearance and integrity, without swelling or creaking of its panels.
During heating season the reverse process is observed. Laminate reduces its size slightly due to lower humidity levels in the air. If mistakes were made when installing the floor covering, or failure to follow the technology, gaps may appear between the panels, and the condition and functionality of the locks will deteriorate.
A prerequisite for flawless installation of laminate flooring is the special creation of an expansion joint that separates some part of the covering from the rest of the floor. According to the instructions, the maximum permissible area of continuous laminated flooring cannot exceed 50-100 square meters, the number is determined for each specific material. For example, for a Belgian covering, the size of the entire flooring sheet is allowed: length 10 m, width also 10 m. Then, after ten meters of length and width, a gap should be left to compensate for changes in the physical dimensions of the material. For other laminated panels, the dimensions may be within smaller limits, with actual length being 8 m, width 6 m, or less. They often require clearances.
Continuous laying of laminate in the doorwayHow can I find out exactly the maximum area of laminate without thresholds that can be installed throughout the entire apartment? The answer to this question and many others regarding a specific laminate can be found in the instructions included with each package of panels.
Bottom line: Flooring manufacturers do not recommend laying laminate flooring as a continuous floor without the use of thresholds. This is explained by the high probability of deformation of the coating when the dimensions “change”, which can result in swelling of the material, cracks, and creaking. Professional specialists correctly calculate the permissible parameters of the material and lay the laminate as a single sheet without thresholds.
How to lay laminate flooring without thresholds
First, it is necessary to properly prepare the base, making its surface as level, smooth and dry as possible. Even small unevenness in height should be corrected in advance. Can be used for leveling thin layer self-leveling floor, covering with sheets of plywood, etc. Concrete screed can be perfectly straightened using grinding machine, it will make the surface of the base perfectly flat. Only then can you plan and begin laying the laminate floor.
We advise you to first draw on paper the layout of the rooms in the apartment and distribute the location of the panels, keeping the dimensions to scale. This will greatly simplify the installation process and reduce the amount of waste when cutting material.
The laminate is laid in the direction of movement
To lay the panels in a continuous panel at the location of the doorway, apply the principle brickwork, when the next row is offset by about a quarter of the size of the board relative to the previous row. The most correct arrangement of the panels will be in the direction of movement, which will reduce the load on their joints in the form of abrasion. Installation of the coating should begin with larger room, from the corner on the window side towards the door.
In the doorway, laminate is laid using the same method. The floor is brought up to the door frame, until it is tightly adjacent to the platband.
Experts consider it correct to install the door frame after laying the floor covering. If this is difficult to do, then file down the fittings to bring the lamella under the platband. Then several long, uncut boards are laid out in the center of the passage, and trimmed ones are added to the sides. Don't forget about the gaps along the walls.
Laying laminate diagonally without thresholdsWhen laying the laminate across the passage through the doorway, the cut panels are laid in the passage in a standard way and are fixed with a locking connection to the main fabric. It is good to use a joint gel to increase sealing.
Video: laying laminate with one sheet in one direction
Threshold-free laminate installation: pros and cons
If we compare which method of laying a laminate floor is preferable - with or without thresholds, then the answer is definitely, with thresholds. In case of categorical reluctance to install thresholds or profiles on laminate flooring, you should find experienced specialists capable of good level install laminate flooring as a solid floor without thresholds.
Let's consider the advantages and disadvantages of the method.
- spectacular floor, spaciousness;
- there are no obstacles in the form of thresholds that you can trip over;
- Makes cleaning the laminate flooring easier.
- violation of the manufacturer's instructions for laying the material, there is no warranty;
- cracks and swelling of the surface are likely to occur due to the “walking” dimensions of the panels;
- if one board is defective, it may be necessary to dismantle the covering in several rooms;
- Finding a good specialist, installation costs are more expensive.
As you can see, there are more disadvantages to threshold-free styling than advantages.
You should take into account the huge variety of profiles and thresholds for designing joints of floor surfaces. They differ in materials, shapes, decor and colors, and fastening methods:
- thresholds for laminate with hidden or decorative fastening;
- self-adhesive thresholds;
- flexible profile that allows you to create wavy joints.
Main types of thresholds
- Aluminum sill very useful for designing the connection of various surfaces, especially in the area of the doorway. It can connect laminate and laminate, and also act as a transition threshold from tile to laminate. Can connect two surfaces located at different levels.
The top of the threshold is covered with a decorative layer, this makes it possible to accurately match the product to the joining surfaces by color.
The threshold between tiles and laminate is multi-level
- Flexible PVC profile very good for designing joints of various shapes with bends and curved sections. Can also be used for straight joints. This is a flexible threshold between tile and laminate, laminate and laminate.
The profile consists of a base and a decorative attachment. Can join surfaces at different levels. The variety of shapes and a wide range of profile shades contribute to its frequent use.
- Flexible metal profile- Suitable for making joints with bends, as well as for straight joints. Used for joints of various materials. This is a flexible threshold for laminate and tiles, for laminate and laminate, etc.
- T-profile made of wood- looks beautiful, comes in a variety of designs in texture and color. It is used only in straight joints because it does not bend. Attached with glue. The most common joint between tiles and parquet. But it can be used as a T-shaped threshold between tiles and laminate.
- Rubber threshold for laminate flooring- the most commonly used type is the angular shape when designing the steps of a staircase. The surface of the threshold is anti-slip, allowing you to walk on steps without the risk of slipping and falling.
Laminate on the steps, joints are formed with an angular profile
Cork compensator is often used when designing the connection between tiles and laminate without a threshold, the joint between laminate and laminate without a threshold in one level. Enables resizing of the laminated product without gaps. Performs joining on a line no more than 6 m. The top of the compensator can be painted using colored sealant.
Note that the use of a cork expansion joint for the junction of two surfaces clearly requires that the surfaces be strictly at the same level.
CONCLUSION
Now you know how to lay laminate flooring as a solid floor without thresholds, what features and disadvantages are inherent in this method, you know what thresholds exist for laminate and tiles, what thresholds there are for laminate flooring, you know several types of threshold fastenings.
All that remains is to translate your knowledge, desires and skills into the design of your floor. We wish you success and excellent results!
Today laminate is the most common flooring. Ease of installation, reasonable price, and aesthetics of laminate have made this type of finishing material one of the most popular. Laying laminate flooring without thresholds is another new trend in flooring. With this method of installation, the room looks more spacious and monolithic, and the risk of tripping over the interior threshold is completely eliminated.
Disadvantages of threshold-free styling
- Without thresholds, you can cover a room with an area of no more than 50 m2 and a length of 8 to 10 m with laminate boards. In a larger room, the laminate flooring may swell, especially in the areas of doorways.
- The installation method without thresholds will require certain skills and abilities and will take more time.
- If you need to replace just one laminate panel, you will have to disassemble the entire floor covering to get to one damaged board.
The larger the area where laminate flooring is laid seamlessly, the greater the likelihood of floor deformation and swelling.
Despite the warnings, thousands of ordinary people are willing to take the risk and install seamless laminate flooring in their apartment to achieve visual spaciousness.
Before you begin the threshold-free installation of laminate panels with your own hands, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the theoretical nuances of seamless installation, as well as decide on the method of fastening the panels.
Methods of fastening laminate panels
Glue mount. This type of panel connection involves gluing laminate boards together.
Advantages:
- This method is ideal for heavily polluted rooms with high humidity;
- The joints are reliably sealed; dirt and debris do not enter them.
Flaws:
- Mistakes are not allowed, since the entire floor covering will have to be dismantled.
Locking method of fastening. Assumes the presence of panels with special latches.
Advantages:
- locking fasteners allow you to more accurately adjust the boards;
- it is possible to lay laminate panels in different directions, which is very convenient when installing flooring;
- the ability to dismantle a small section of the covering and, if necessary, replace several boards;
- simplicity and ease of installation;
- saving time.
Flaws:
- high cost of laminate panels with a locking profile.
Essential tool for seamless laminate installation
Before laying laminate panels, you need to prepare the following tools:
- an electric jigsaw, if you don’t have one, you can use a hacksaw, however, high accuracy may not be achieved;
- roulette;
- laser level;
- perforator;
- pencil;
- glue (if the adhesive installation method was chosen);
- square;
- miter box;
- restrictive wedges;
- rubber hammer;
- tamping block.
This set of tools and accessories is quite enough to carry out threshold-free installation of laminate flooring.
The choice of laminate panels will depend on the degree of load on the floor covering. In order to figure out which class of laminate needs to be used as a floor covering, you need to familiarize yourself with the classification of the room (Table 1).
Table 1 - Selection of laminate class depending on the load on the floor covering
|
Type of load on floor coverings |
Class of laminate panels |
|
Living spaces: |
|
|
Public areas: |
|
|
Industrial premises: |
|
As can be seen from the table, the greater the load on the floor covering, the higher class of laminate must be used. The choice of class of flooring material is determined by the overall degree of load in the entire living space. When installing laminate boards without thresholds, experienced specialists advise choosing class panels. This class of panels has a high degree of wear resistance. With the correct installation technology, the flooring material will not swell and will last more than 20 years without the need for complete replacement.
- The room in which the laminate is installed must have normal humidity. Otherwise, the laminate panels may swell and become deformed.
- The base on which the laminate is laid must be perfectly flat. Differences in surface height should not exceed 3–5 mm.
- If laminate panels are laid on a wooden base, then parts of the floor that are deformed or rotten areas must be replaced.
- As a substrate for the laminate coating, you can use cork and polyethylene, as well as sheets of cardboard connected with tape. It is not recommended to use carpet due to its high softness.
- Since laminate is a “floating” floor covering, when laying it it is necessary to leave gaps along the walls. The width of the gaps is 1 cm. For uniform laying and accurate placement of the panels, it is necessary to install special plugs between the laminate and the wall, which are removed after completion of the work.
Stages of threshold-free installation of laminate flooring
The process of laying laminate flooring is simple if you know the technology and take into account the features of a seamless coating. The seamless installation algorithm is presented below.
Preparatory stage
Removing the old covering and leveling the subfloor. If the surface of the base has minor differences, then it is enough to simply remove the roughness and level the floor by sanding. If the base is severely damaged, a concrete screed will be required. The concrete screed must dry for three months. The surface of the base must be smooth, clean and dry.
Installation of the insulating layer
- The insulating layer (mineral wool) is immediately laid over the entire area of the room;
- The apartment uses only a backing (cardboard, polyethylene or cork), which extends the life of the laminate and serves as a shock absorber.
Laying laminate panels
- Installation of the covering should begin from the window, carefully connecting the laminate boards together using locks.
- When laying, it is necessary to pay attention to the first three rows, as they will be fundamental for the further installation of the panels.
- Be sure to leave a gap between the wall and the panels (approximately 1 cm). Then the gaps are closed with skirting boards, which are attached to the wall.
- The laminate must be laid under the door frame so that it “breathes”. To do this, make a small cut at the bottom of the door frame. Slats in combined rooms should be laid in one direction. It is advisable to remove interior doors during installation.
In order for the room to appear visually spacious and monolithic, laying laminate panels must be done in only one direction.
It is quite easy to make a floor beautiful, durable and reliable if you know and follow all the features and nuances of seamless installation of laminate flooring. Watching the video will help you avoid mistakes and unwanted consequences.
Video
Features of laying laminate in a doorway with non-threshold installation:
Laying laminate flooring without thresholds: all the installation nuances
Lately it has become fashion trend decorate floors in apartments and houses without thresholds. On the one hand, this is a plus - the floor plane looks smoother, wider, and the risk of tripping every time when walking from room to room is eliminated. Laying laminate flooring without thresholds, although it seems simple, also has pitfalls, bypassing which you will get a perfectly beautiful floor.
perfectly beautiful floor.
perfectly beautiful floor.
Beautiful floors: variety of choice” href=”http://shkolapola.ru/ustroystvo/vybiraem/1147-krasivye-poly”>perfectly beautiful floor.
Note! Installation is carried out on a perfectly flat surface of the prepared base. Moreover, if you plan to lay the laminate without threshold, the height difference should not exceed 3 mm. Depressions larger than this value should be filled with putty, and the bumps should be cleaned.
When finishing the floor covering, make sure that the humidity in the room does not exceed permissible standards. Too much moisture in the air will have a bad effect on the material, which may later dry out, become deformed or even swell.
Note! Installation is carried out on a perfectly flat surface of the prepared base. Moreover, if you plan to lay the laminate without threshold, the height difference should not exceed 3 mm. Depressions larger than this value should be filled with putty, and the bumps should be cleaned.
Finish floor covering various materials in conditions modern world”href=”http://shkolapola.ru/ustroystvo/vybiraem/1301-pokrytie-pola”>finish flooring, make sure that the humidity in the room does not exceed permissible standards. Too much moisture in the air will have a bad effect on the material, which may later dry out, become deformed or even swell.
Note! Installation is carried out on a perfectly flat surface of the prepared base. Moreover, if you plan to lay the laminate without threshold, the height difference should not exceed 3 mm. Depressions larger than this value should be filled with putty, and the bumps should be cleaned.
Note! However, since it is more difficult to lay floors in the areas of doorways, fitting will take longer. Another drawback is that floors made using the “glue” method can no longer be dismantled. So you have to eliminate the possibility of errors.
Interlocking coating installation methods.
The good news is that, if necessary, the entire floor or part of it can be easily disassembled. The installation itself is much faster than in the case of adhesive masonry.
How to lay laminate flooring in doorways
Place laminate in the doorway in one direction.
Between the laminate and the walls. pipes, openings, corners of the room, protrusions, a gap is required. For a large surface, try to make it 1/1.5 cm. Then it will be covered with baseboards. Skirting strips cannot be attached to the floor; they are fixed with glue or screws only to the walls.
Between the laminate and the walls. pipes, openings, corners of the room, protrusions, a gap is required. For a large surface, try to make it 1/1.5 cm. Then it will be covered with baseboards. Skirting strips cannot be attached to the floor; they are fixed with glue or screws only to the walls.
Laminate on the wall: and here this product has found its application” href=”http://shkolapola.ru/lamynat/1372-laminat-na-stenu”>Between the laminate and the walls. pipes, openings, corners of the room, protrusions, a gap is required. For a large surface, try to make it 1/1.5 cm. Then it will be covered with baseboards. Skirting strips cannot be attached to the floor; they are fixed with glue or screws only to the walls.
Laying laminate flooring without seams in doorways
Parquet or vinyl tiles laid as a single sheet throughout the apartment look impressive and expensive. Laying laminate flooring without thresholds to create a solid floor is a very difficult task. You will need high-quality premium finishing materials, a professional installer with extensive work experience and knowledge of many nuances.
Threshold-free laminate installation: what is it?
Installation of multi-layer flooring in several rooms in a single sheet, without breaks or cuts in doorways (regardless of their width), is called “laying without thresholds.” The purpose of this technology is decorative, it is used in the design of apartments or houses to create the effect of a single space, without highlighting special zones.
Let's voice a well-known fact. Not a single manufacturer of multilayer coatings recommends continuous installation of finishing flooring material in several rooms. This is due, first of all, to the physical parameters of laminated parquet. Being a derivative of wood, it is characterized by such a property as a change in linear dimensions with changes in temperature and humidity.
Let's give an example for a better understanding of the processes. During the rainy autumn period, the air humidity increases. Since laminate has a certain water absorption index (from 4 to 18% depending on the density and quality of the slab), it gradually expands by these same percentages in linear terms. Moreover, the board increases more along the length than across. Gaps with a cross-section of 0.8-1 cm left around the perimeter make it possible to compensate for this expansion, the floor remains smooth and solid, without swelling or creaking areas.
Formation of gaps between planks due to violation of installation rules.
In winter, at the height of the heating season, we observe the opposite reaction. The laminate, relatively speaking, dries out and slightly decreases in size due to a decrease in relative air humidity. If the installation is carried out in violation of the technology, then gaps appear between the slats, the locks stretch and weaken, ceasing to perform their functions.
One of the conditions for proper installation is the formation of unique expansion joints that cut off a certain part of the canvas from the rest of the floor. According to the instructions, the maximum area for continuous assembly should not exceed 48-100 m2. For example, for products from Belgian and German factories, the maximum permissible parameters for a solid floor are 10x10 m. This means that every ten linear meters in width and length it is necessary to leave a gap , compensating for seasonal fluctuations in the geometric dimensions of the laminate. For floor coverings produced by Russian factories, these parameters are much smaller - no more than 8x6 m.
How can I find out the exact dimensions of the area within which it is permissible to lay laminate flooring without thresholds throughout a studio-type apartment or with wide arched openings? In the instructions, which are printed on the insert for each pack of flooring, you will find the entire package of required information, including the maximum permissible area of the canvas, the moisture content of the base, and the like.
Laying laminate flooring without thresholds in openings.
Let's summarize. Manufacturers are against such a phenomenon as laying laminate flooring without thresholds. This is due to the risk of damage to the floor due to seasonal fluctuations in size, the appearance of swelling, creaks, gaps and other defects. However, professional craftsmen carefully calculate the possibilities and quite successfully implement seamless flooring technology.
How to install non-threshold laminate flooring
The success of the event depends primarily on proper preparation of the foundation. The surface must be perfectly smooth, durable and dry. It is advisable to level out any differences, even acceptable ones. For this, thin-layer self-leveling floors on a gypsum or gypsum-cement base, dry prefabricated screed made of chipboard, OSB and others are used. On a concrete or anhydrite screed, you can also use a mosaic grinder with fine-grained attachments, which will ensure a complete “zeroing” of the entire plane.
Laminate flooring laid in the direction of movement in the room.
To lay the covering without gaps in doorways as evenly and reliably as possible, use a deck pattern in which each subsequent row is offset by 1/3 of the length of the lamella. The optimal layout option is in the direction of travel, as this minimizes wear of the finishing material at the joints. Floor assembly begins from the largest room, from the far corner, gradually working up to the door area.
Advice! Take the time to first draw a plan of the apartment or house on a piece of paper and schematically, observing the scale, plan the installation. This will make your work much easier and help avoid a lot of waste.
Laying laminate in a doorway is carried out according to the standard scheme. The floor extends up to the box, close to the platbands. Experts recommend filing down the fittings in order to attach the floor plank underneath them to the wall. Next, several long, solid strips are placed in the center, and trimmed at the ends are added. It is imperative to leave gaps near the walls.
If installation is carried out across the doorway, then at the entrance the cut slats should be laid in a standard manner, secured with a lock to the main leaf. To seal joints, you can use joint sealing gels.
To make the job easier and improve grip quality, purchase a cover with special profile locks, like Uniclick. The shape of the connection allows you to snap adjacent planks at an angle, vertically or horizontally.
Advantages and disadvantages of laying laminate flooring without a threshold
Which installation method is better - with or without gaps in doorways? Of course, the first one. But if the customer absolutely does not like threshold profiles or the developed design project requires it, then you can find good craftsmen who can do a high-quality, threshold-free installation of laminate flooring.
Let's consider the pros and cons of this solution.
Increased cost of installation due to the particular complexity of the work
Let us separately note this fact. An inexperienced master can try to compensate for the possible expansion of the floor by increasing the deformation gaps around the perimeter. That is, make them not 1 cm wide, but larger, up to 2.5 cm. This is absolutely impossible to do, as it will lead to the formation of cracks.
Thus, the disadvantages of threshold-free technology are much greater than the advantages. In addition, manufacturers of floor profiles offer a huge range of decorative joints with wood or stone surfaces, with various fastening systems:
- with T-shaped internal clamps,
- on adhesive basis,
- with an additional strip that hides hardware
- much more.
There are even plastic flexible thresholds with which you can create a joint of an interesting shape, including round ones or with complex geometry.
Flexible threshold for creating connections of complex shapes.
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Important points about laying laminate flooring yourself
Are you interested in laying laminate flooring yourself? Step-by-step instructions, videos from masters and useful tips specialists will help you easily and quickly cope with this task. There is an opinion that laying laminate flooring is a very simple process that anyone can handle. This is really not very difficult, but you should carefully prepare for the work by studying the theoretical component of the process, preparing necessary tools etc.
In general, the choice of materials for flooring must be approached very carefully. The fact is that there are differences not only in appearance, but also in performance characteristics. Today one of the most popular types The materials for the floor are laminate.
At its core, laminate imitates parquet boards. This type of coating consists of a fiberboard plate impregnated with special compounds and a laminated protective film. This combination allows manufacturers to make material with good appearance and excellent characteristics.
A pattern is applied to a special film that looks like the texture of natural wood. The material is resistant to mechanical damage and practically does not burn. Laying laminate flooring will allow you to decorate the interior of the room, because such flooring gives your home a rich look. All that remains is to figure out the installation technology so as not to overpay the craftsmen for the work.
Varieties lock connections
All existing laminated panel options are attached using one of three available methods:
Each option has its positive and negative sides. Thus, the adhesive type of fastening allows you to provide high strength seams, but due to the use of glue, the structure will be non-removable, and this complicates the process of replacing a damaged panel or completely dismantling the covering.
“Lock” laminate is installed by driving a tenon into a groove until the structure fits tightly. To compact the panels, use a mallet or steel hammer. To avoid damaging the material, a small piece of timber or a small wooden block is initially placed at the end. The disadvantage of this method is that the combs will wear out under load, and in the future cracks may form on the coating.
The “Click” technology is distinguished by its simplicity, and laminate flooring can be laid in this way without any outside help. You can independently assemble and disassemble the structure 5-6 times. After connecting the grooves and bayonets, the joint sections must be pressed to the floor so that the hook engages with the groove, this is accompanied by a click. If the lamellas are securely fixed, they will not diverge even under high loads in use, and the coating will remain intact.
It is worth considering that regardless of the type of lock used, the joints are the weakest areas of the coating. And in order for the laminate to serve for a long time, experts advise treating all joints with special hermetic compounds.
Helpful styling tips
The main advice is that laminate flooring should only be laid on a previously prepared subfloor. If the screed does not dry before installing the panels, the service life of the coating will be short. When the base is too wet, the lamellas become deformed, even if the most expensive and high-quality materials are used.
Laminate flooring can be laid on almost any substrate, including plank flooring, fiberboard sheets, chipboard, linoleum or old parquet. But it is extremely important that the coating is hard, even and dry. If the floor in your apartment is not level, you will have to do some more work to solve this problem. There are special leveling mixtures sold on the market that will help prepare the floor for installation.
When the floor is ready, all that remains is to lay the laminate; it will not take much time, because the panels, in their features, resemble a simple construction set. Each element of the covering can be attached to another, and at the same time it does not need to be fixed at the level of the base of the floor.
To prevent various cracks and inconsistencies from appearing, it is important that the surface for laying the laminate is flat. Then the panels will be installed monolithically and in one plane. Of course, it is very difficult to make a perfectly flat floor, so you should be guided by the standards that say that per 1 meter of coverage the height difference should be no more than 2 millimeters. The most popular method of leveling the base is to pour a special composition (liquid floor) or use a concrete screed. In this case, the substrate is a mandatory element. Expanded polystyrene or polypropylene foam will provide the necessary sound and waterproofing, and will also smooth out minor unevenness in the base.
Panel laying options
There's one here important advice When laying laminate panels, experts recommend adhering to the principle that the lamellas must be placed parallel to the direction of light. In this case, the light that falls from the window onto the floor will not form shadows on the seams, and the surface will look perfectly smooth.
Laying along the line of light
This option for laying panels is the most popular. It is also called classic; the work is done simply, and you can handle it yourself. The advantages also include the fact that only a few boards are needed, everything is laid quite quickly and at the same time the floor covering looks very beautiful.
In this case, the slats must be installed parallel to the long wall premises. Then, when light enters from the window, the seams between the slats will be invisible; this method eliminates the appearance of shadows. Arrangement along the line of light creates the effect of a complete absence of joints, and the floor looks as if it was laid using one, large panel.
This option is used in rooms where windows are installed along a short wall. But if you corner room in the house, and it is illuminated from both sides at once, then there will not be the effect of a perfectly even coating, because a shadow will appear at the joints.
It is worth considering that most experts call this method ideal for laying laminate flooring. And this position is completely justified. Even with the help of inexpensive laminate panels, you can create the interior you dreamed of.
Installation across the line of light
When using this method, the slats are installed across the room or perpendicular to the longest wall of the room. Compared to the previous option, this one is considered less professional.
However, this method has its important advantages. Thanks to installation across the line of light, even a narrow and long room will become visually wider. If we talk about the corridor, then this The best way styling But it is worth considering that installation across the line of light is more complicated; you will have to spend a lot of time cutting the panels.
Diagonal laying
A fairly popular option is to lay laminate flooring diagonally. The pros and cons of this installation method indicate that it good decision for interior decoration, but cutting boards can cause problems. The diagonal method of laying laminate flooring focuses attention on the corner part of the room. Alternating light and dark tones allows you to make the flooring expressive. You can install a variety of compositions in the corner of the room, which will further emphasize the style of the interior.
U diagonal laying there are many advantages:
- Laminate laid in this way allows you to visually expand the room, and attention is paid to the corner part. Thanks to this, it seems that the corners of the room are located farther apart, and the room seems more spacious. Do optimal interior You can also use the choice of colors. Light colors will visually enlarge the room, and dark colors, alternating, will make the floor more expressive;
- Laying panels diagonally is possible in narrow rooms and rooms with non-standard layouts. In this case, the dies will not focus all the attention on the walls, as with other installation methods;
- The entire emphasis is on the corner part of the room, where you can place an aquarium, a fireplace or a beautiful cabinet to improve the interior;
- When using this method, the laminate flooring in all rooms can be placed the same way, without causing any seams or thresholds;
- It is possible to lay the laminate diagonally with your own hands. A video from the masters will help you learn all the features and subtleties of the process, and then perform the work without the help of specialists;
- A wide range of shades of lamellas will allow you to choose the material to suit any interior style;
- The material can withstand high loads, so it can be installed not only in the living room, but also in the kitchen, living room and office;
- Laying diagonally is an installation method that will make the flooring original and beautiful;
- With this installation method, joints and irregularities will be almost invisible.
Laying laminate. Step-by-step instruction
Regardless of the panels used and the methods of their installation, when performing work, you must follow the universal step-by-step instructions. The whole process consists of several steps, and each of them has its own nuances.
Preparing tools
So as not to constantly run to the store or pantry, looking for the right tools and materials, you need to prepare everything in advance. So, to lay the panels you will need:
Material calculation
If you buy too few panels, then in the midst of the work process you will have to run to the store and buy more material. Too much laminate will be a waste of money. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the exact quantity. An important factor here is the method of laying the floor covering.
The traditional installation option is considered the most economical. To make calculations, you need to know the area of the room where the renovation is being done. This data is in the housing documentation, or the area can be found by multiplying the width by the length. It is worth adding a margin of 10% to the result obtained. So, if the area of your room is 20 square meters, then you need to buy laminate flooring for 22.
This reserve will allow you to compensate for the costs of the material when cutting it to fit the features of the room. When using a more expensive installation method - diagonal, you need to buy panels with a margin of 20%.
Floor preparation
As already mentioned, laminate can be laid on almost any base, but only if you have done proper preparation. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the following points:
It is almost ideal to level an old floor by staggering plywood or OSB. This method is also used when it is necessary to slightly raise the floor level. For installation you will need a wooden frame and insulation.
You can also lay the strips on old flooring in the form of linoleum, tiles or parquet. But this should be done only if the old coating is smooth, undamaged and firmly fixed.
Making the substrate
The underlay in this type of flooring is a multifunctional element; it prevents the penetration of noise, provides waterproofing and acts as a shock absorber. Concrete covering Before laying the lamellas, it is necessary to cover them with waterproofing made of special polyethylene foam; you can also use polystyrene. All canvases are mounted with an overlap in increments of 20 centimeters, while it is necessary to arrange overlaps on the walls of 10-15 centimeters.
This layer should be 3 millimeters thick. When the base of the floor is made using this type of screed, it is not necessary to lay insulation, because this layer is already in the screed itself.
You can also do without a vapor barrier layer on a wooden base. But sound insulation is mandatory; for this, a special backing based on balsa wood or foamed polypropylene is used; this layer should be approximately 2 millimeters thick.
When arranging a substrate of this type, strips of material are laid from the window to the entrance, the joints are secured with simple but reliable construction tape. If you have linoleum installed on the floor or ceramic tile, then there is no need for vapor barrier; laminate panels should be mounted directly on the base.
Installation of lamellas
When installing laminate boards, they usually use traditional way(direct), it is considered the most uncomplicated and economical. It is worth considering that all actions for installing panels must be carried out during the day, at an air temperature of 15-30 degrees and low humidity.
The first row of slats begins to be installed completely, starting from the far corner of the room. Gradually the strip is directed towards the wall and wedged with spacers on three sides. The wedges will make the necessary gaps of 15 millimeters, which will compensate for linear expansions. Expansion joint need to be done around the entire perimeter of the room. There is no need to worry about it ruining the appearance of the coating; the seam will disappear under the baseboard.
When installing panels in a doorway, this gap should be made not so large. In the future it will also be invisible; it will be completely covered by the door trim. If you do not take these elements into account, the lamellas may become deformed due to high humidity or heating.
The second and remaining rows of lamellas are installed in the end lock of the previous board and mounted on the floor. Wedges should be driven in at the ends. In order for the entire structure to take off, each subsequent row should be laid out with an extra part of the previous one, this will also save materials.
If you need to frame the risers, then the lamellas falling on them should be cut down a little using a hacksaw. It’s good if there is just a joint of boards near the riser, in which case it will be easier to make a hole. In the event that you have to cut the entire panel, you need to make a couple of holes in advance at the intended point. Next, you need to cut the panel, while focusing on the hole. In this case, the cut line should be located right in the middle. To fix such panels, glue is used.
The end strip can be trimmed taking into account custom sizes. To do this, turn the panels over and attach them to the wall. end side. The cut line should be drawn with a marker or pencil, focusing on the last lamella. To install the last panel, a special lever with a hook is required. If you don’t have such a tool, you can use a crowbar. After completing the procedure, you must carefully remove the wedges.
Installation of decorative thresholds and skirting boards
Laying laminate flooring without thresholds throughout the entire apartment is an excellent solution that will allow you to create a single covering; in other cases, you cannot do without thresholds. Aluminum thresholds are used to join laminate and tiles. The rounded surface of such elements creates a slight difference in height. To install such elements, holes are made along the edges of both coverings every 100 millimeters into which dowels are driven. Next, a threshold is applied, the nails are distributed among the holes and fixed with a hammer.
In combination with laminate, plastic and wooden skirting boards. You can also use MDF framing. To ensure that the slats are evenly pressed against the floor, it is recommended to install the skirting boards on special clamps. Start installing such elements from the corner of the room, moving clockwise. After installing the baseboards, all that remains is to install special plugs and connections.
If you used the locking option for laying laminate flooring, then this floor covering can be actively used immediately after the work is completed. At glue method you need to leave the floor for a certain time to dry (the exact period is indicated on the packaging or in the instructions).
Nikita Shelikhov, 48 years old, Yaroslavl
We have very old parquet in our room; even the resin that was once used to fix the materials has come out. There were no questions about the functionality and reliability of the parquet, but outwardly it looked terrible. At first I thought about just sanding and varnishing it, but then I decided to make a new laminate flooring and leave the parquet as a reliable base for it. And I think I made the right decision. It was inexpensive, I took a simple laminate and did all the work myself.
Evgeniy Tolkova, 33 years old, Khimki
I decided to install laminate flooring in my apartment. I already have experience in laying such material, I helped my friend with the installation, but after looking on the Internet different variants, decided to use diagonal method styling At first I had slight doubts about whether I could cope with the styling, because it was different from standard method. But in fact, everything is not so scary, and I am completely satisfied with the result, the floor looks very beautiful. The only problem diagonal mounting panels - greater consumption of laminate.
Andrey Tchaikovsky, 37 years old, St. Petersburg
I try to do everything around the house myself. And it's not just because of the savings, I love learning new things and I'm proud of everything I've made with my own hands. Now it’s time to install laminate flooring in a large room. To be honest, I thought it would be much more difficult. In fact, all I needed to prepare for the process was reading this article and watching several videos. Working with laminate is not at all difficult, so there is no point in inviting craftsmen to do it.