Expert advice

Camille Dubuis Welch offers tips on the best way to lay laminate flooring

Q DO YOU NEED UNDERLAY BENEATH LAMINATE? A

Underlay is essential to provide better insulation and comfort, and to stop damp. Without underlay, laminate panels are more likely to come apart under high footfall. They will also be loud when walked on.

Q WHICH DIRECTION SHOULD IT BE LAID IN? A

‘It will depend on personal preference and the flow of your home,’ says Jeff Shipwash, renovator and founder of Shipwash Properties. ‘Lay out different laminate planks in opposing directions before installation to see which you like best.’

‘Planks should be laid left to right, meaning you should start laying down planks in the top right corner of the room (whatever direction they go in),’ says Volodymyr Barabakh, cofounder & project director of Fortress Home.

Q WHAT TYPE SHOULD I CHOOSE? A

‘If this is your first time installing laminate flooring, I recommend purchasing one that is click-lock, with the underlayment already attached to the planks. If it isn’t, get the padding separately, and install prior to laying your floor,’ says Jeff Shipwash.

‘Ensure you have the right tools before starting your project. I recommend having the following: jigsaw, oscillating saw, caulk gun, level, tape measure, rubber-headed hammer, spacers, manufacturer’s suggested glue/sealant.’

Q WHEN SHOULD I START? A

‘You have to prepare the floor 48 hours before installing the material to adjust to the humidity and temperature of the room,’ says Homeowner Costs founder Andrew Barker. ‘Clean the floor and lay down the moisture barrier and padding first; this extra protection gives a professional look.’