Preparation of the substrate and careful adherence to the installation instructions are key factors when laying the panels. The substrate must be dry, even, stable and clean. In the case of irregularities exceeding 3 mm/m, use a self-leveling compound or smooth the floor with a grinder. You should also allow the floor to dry, usually a few days.
Care should be taken to properly store materials when it comes to laying the panels. Due to the hygroscopic properties of wood, the panels should be left for several days in the room where they will be installed. It is important that the panels are left in packs, allowing air to get inside. The next step is to measure the width of the room. The last row of panels should not be narrower than 50 mm. If the calculations indicate that there will be only narrower panels in the last row, then the first row must be cut accordingly.
Laying panels – how to go about it?
Before laying the panels, check the room temperature (minimum 18°C), floor temperature (15°C) and air humidity (maximum 65%). On the prepared substrate, first lay a base layer of polyethylene foil, which protects against moisture. Then, a soundproofing layer is placed on the foil, which minimizes the propagation of sounds on the floor.
After preparing the substrate and applying the base layers, you can start laying the panels. We start laying the first row of panels from the left corner of the wall, and connect the subsequent panels with each other by inserting the tongue into the groove. The last panel in the first row may need to be trimmed. Then we check the straightness of the walls using a pencil with a wooden block. If the walls are uneven, the panels should be cut accordingly so that the successive rows are perpendicular to the wall.
Before laying the last row of panels, cut the door frame accordingly. We lay the panels until the last row is laid, and then we fix the skirting boards to the walls. Panels connected with the click system can be used immediately after laying, while panels connected with glue usually after one day. The care of the panels consists in vacuuming and mopping.
Summary
Laying laminate and layered floorboards is a task that you can do yourself, without the need for special skills. However, it is important to follow the installation instructions carefully and ensure that the subfloor is properly prepared. Thanks to this, the floor will be durable and aesthetic, adding charm and functionality to the interior.
