Top Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring can give a home, office or rental property a clean, modern finish, but installing laminate flooring properly is essential for a floor that stays stable, quiet and attractive over time.
Many installation problems start before the first plank is fitted. Moisture below the floor, an uneven subfloor, incorrect underlay or skipped acclimatisation can lead to swelling, creaking, gaps and damaged click-lock joints.
Whether you are upgrading a bedroom in Pretoria, refreshing a rental property in Johannesburg or fitting out a small office, taking the right preparation steps can help your laminate flooring perform as it should.
What You Will Learn From This Blog
- The main mistakes to avoid before fitting laminate flooring
- Why moisture and subfloor condition matter
- How to acclimatise laminate flooring correctly
- Why expansion gaps are essential
- How to choose suitable underlay
- When laminate flooring may not suit a room
- When to use a professional installer
1. Check for Moisture Before Installing Laminate Flooring
Moisture is one of the biggest risks when installing laminate flooring. Even a floor that looks dry can hold moisture below the surface, especially on concrete slabs, ground floors or newly prepared screeds. If moisture reaches the laminate core, the planks may swell, lift at the edges or separate at the joints.
Check the Subfloor Before Installation
- Clean
- Dry
- Firm
- Free from loose material
- Suitable for the selected flooring system
Concrete and screed floors may need moisture testing and a suitable vapour barrier before installation. Always follow the product and installation requirements for the laminate range you have selected.
For guidance on floor levelling and moisture preparation, refer to TAL’s installation guideline.
Quick Answer: Why does laminate flooring swell?
Laminate flooring can swell when moisture reaches the core through an unsuitable subfloor, spills or poor moisture protection.
2. Do Not Ignore an Uneven Subfloor
A laminate floor may look level from across the room, but small dips, ridges or tile edges can affect how the planks lock together. When the subfloor is uneven, laminate boards can flex underfoot. This may cause creaking, movement and pressure on the click-lock joints.
Prepare the Floor Properly
- Grinding down raised areas
- Applying a suitable floor leveller
- Repairing cracks or damaged screed
- Removing old adhesive lumps
- Checking that existing flooring is stable enough to cover
Do not rely on underlay to correct major unevenness. Underlay is designed for support, comfort and, in some cases, moisture protection. It is not designed to repair an unsuitable subfloor.
3. Skipping Acclimatisation
Laminate planks need time to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where they will be installed. Bringing boxed laminate directly from a cold garage, delivery vehicle or storage area into a warm room and fitting it immediately can create unnecessary movement after installation.
Let the Flooring Adjust to the Room
Store unopened laminate packs flat in the room where they will be installed. Keep them away from damp walls, direct sunlight and areas with extreme temperature changes.
The exact acclimatisation period can differ between brands and product ranges, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen laminate flooring. This is particularly important in South Africa, where indoor conditions can differ between dry inland winters, hot summer days and humid coastal environments.
Need a manufacturer’s guidance? Read a laminate installation guidance from a credible manufacturer.
4. Leaving Too Little Expansion Space
Laminate flooring needs room to expand and contract. If the planks are fitted tightly against walls, door frames, kitchen units, pipes or pillars, the floor may push upwards or create raised sections over time.
Allow the Floor to Move
- Walls
- Door frames
- Pipes
- Pillars
- Fireplace surrounds
- Kitchen islands
- Built-in cupboards
- Sliding-door tracks
The gap is later covered with skirting, scotia or trim. These finishing pieces should be fixed to the wall, not through the laminate flooring.
Avoid sealing the full perimeter with rigid materials that stop the floor from moving naturally.
5. Choosing the Wrong Underlay
Underlay plays an important role in laminate flooring installation. The right option can help support the planks, improve comfort underfoot, reduce sound and provide moisture protection where needed. The wrong underlay can make the floor feel unstable, sound hollow or leave it exposed to moisture risks.
Match the Underlay to the Subfloor
- On concrete or screed, a vapour barrier may be required.
- On timber or suspended floors, use a firm underlay for support and sound reduction.
- In apartments, check body corporate or building acoustic requirements.
- For underfloor heating, use laminate and underlay approved for that system.
6. Locking Planks Together Incorrectly
Click-lock laminate flooring should fit securely without forcing the edges or hitting them directly with a hammer. Poor installation technique can damage the locking system, leave visible gaps or create weak joints that separate later.
Take Time With the First Row
- Plan the plank direction before you start.
- Keep the first row straight.
- Stagger end joints instead of repeating a pattern.
- Use a tapping block and pull bar where required.
- Keep grooves clear of dust and debris.
- Undercut door jambs for a neat finish.
- Avoid very narrow planks in the final row where possible.
7. Using Laminate Flooring in the Wrong Areas
Not every laminate flooring product is designed for high-moisture spaces. While some modern options offer improved water resistance, that does not automatically make them suitable for every bathroom, laundry or wet area.
Be Careful in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Laminate flooring can work well in many kitchens when the correct product is selected, spills are cleaned quickly and installation instructions are followed.
Bathrooms and other high-moisture areas need extra caution. Only install laminate flooring there when the manufacturer specifically confirms that the product is suitable. For areas with regular water exposure, consider whether vinyl or rigid-core flooring may be better suited to the space.
Explore Carpet & Decor’s laminate flooring options for homes, offices and other suitable spaces.
8. Fixing Heavy Furniture or Skirting Into the Floor
A floating laminate floor should not be pinned down by heavy fixed items. Built-in cupboards, kitchen units and permanent islands should generally be installed before the laminate flooring, with the flooring fitted around them while keeping the required expansion space. The same applies to skirting and scotia. Fix them to the wall, not through the flooring itself.
9. Forgetting About Sunlight and Daily Wear
South African sunlight can be harsh, especially in rooms with large windows or sliding doors. Direct heat and sunlight may affect indoor temperature and place extra stress on flooring over time.
Use blinds, curtains or suitable window coverings during peak sunlight hours where needed. Felt pads under furniture legs can also help prevent scratches when chairs, tables and sofas are moved.
When Should You Use a Professional Installer?
DIY installation can work well in simple, dry and well-prepared rooms. However, some projects need professional assessment before the flooring is fitted.
- High moisture readings
- Uneven or damaged screed
- Multiple room transitions
- Underfloor heating
- Large open-plan areas
- Complex doorways or stairs
- Bathrooms or high-moisture zones
- Apartment acoustic requirements
- A commercial flooring project
Conclusion
Installing laminate flooring successfully starts with good preparation. A dry, level subfloor, correct underlay, proper acclimatisation and enough expansion space all make a meaningful difference to the final result. Do not rush the preparation stage to save time. Taking care before installation can help prevent swelling, gaps, creaking and damaged joints later.
Need Help Choosing or Installing Laminate Flooring?
Speak to Carpet & Decor about laminate flooring options, product selection and installation guidance for your home, office or rental property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does laminate flooring swell after installation?
Moisture below or between planks can cause the core to swell.
How much expansion space does laminate flooring need?
Follow the product guide for space around walls and fixed items.
Can laminate flooring be installed in a bathroom?
Only use it where the manufacturer specifically allows it.
