Installing laminate flooring in a bathroom requires some extra steps to ensure that water does not damage flooring in the future.
Getting Started
Before you begin your installation project, read the manufacturer's directions and warranty information carefully. Failure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions will result in voiding your floor's warranty.
Next, gather the necessary safety equipment and materials you will need to install the flooring. You will need safety glasses, mask, work gloves, rubber mallet, a saw, pencil, and laminate flooring. When you purchase your laminate flooring, you should purchase enough to cover the square footage of the room plus an additional 10%. Depending on the type of laminate flooring you purchase, you may also need glue or silicone caulking, laminate moldings, 6 mil. resin polyethylene film and foam padding.
Once you have brought home your laminate flooring, it will need to acclimate to your home's humidity and temperature for at least 48 hours. Failure to do so will result in a floor that shrinks or buckles with the change in humidity.
Preparing the Subfloor
Before installing the laminate, inspect your sub floor to make sure it is sound, level and clean. Laminate flooring will warp if there is moisture underneath the flooring, so be sure that your subfloor has no leaks or damage. Also, remove low and high spots in the subfloor by filling and sanding areas. Finally, vacuum your subfloor to remove debris and dust.
Most manufacturers require the perimeter and seams of laminate flooring to be sealed with a 100% silicon sealant to prevent water from seeping underneath the flooring and causing damage. Expansion spaces, such as those around the walls, transition area and toilet, should be 1/4 inches wide and filled with sealant before you install the laminate pieces. If you have a concrete subfloor, manufacturers usually require a layer of 6 mil. polyethylene film under the laminate flooring. You can also apply foam padding to the subfloor to add a comfort level to the flooring.
Installing the Flooring
Once you have finished the preparation steps, you can plan out the design of your floor. Before you glue or snap pieces in place, lay out the laminate pieces to determine the pattern you would like and mark what pieces need to be cut with a pencil. Walls do not always run straight, so determine if you need to make adjustments now. If you have chosen a wood façade, seams should be staggered. Tile or stone facades have more possibilities for design.
Sawing should be done outside since the laminate pieces create an abrasive dust that can scratch your other flooring pieces. You should also wear protective glasses and a face mask. Once all the necessary pieces have been cut, dust them off and bring them back into the room.
Now you can begin snapping and gluing pieces in place based on your manufacturer's instructions. For bathroom flooring, most manufacturers will require you to place a 3/16 inch bead of silicone sealant on the top tongue of the flooring piece before snapping it into place. You will also probably need to use a rubber mallet to gently tamp pieces into their locking positions.
At the doorway you will need to place a T-molding as a transition piece between the laminate and the next room's flooring. The expansion space under the T-molding will also need to be filled with silicone sealant.
Once you have completed the installation of your laminate flooring, you can cover the expansion spaces between the floor and wall with matching laminate or traditional wood molding.
Regular Maintenance
Laminate floors do not need wax or harsh cleaners. They can be wiped down with a mild cleaning solution. To prevent water damage, do not allow water to sit longer than 30 minutes on the flooring.
Unlike hardwood or tile floors, laminate flooring does not need extensive maintenance. Once you have taken the time to properly install your laminate flooring, you can enjoy its style for years to come.
