Laminate wood flooring is a smart choice for homeowners who want the look of hardwood without the higher cost or maintenance. It's durable, stylish, and surprisingly quick to install. But if you’ve never had it installed before, you might be wondering what to expect. Don’t worry, we’ve helped countless families across Wichita and beyond make the switch to laminate. Here’s exactly what the laminate flooring installation process looks like from start to finish.
Step 1: measuring your space
Before anything else, we measure the area where the laminate flooring will be installed. Accurate measurements ensure you get the right amount of material. It also helps us plan how to lay out the boards for a seamless look. We usually come out to your home and take these measurements ourselves. That way, there are no surprises or wasted materials.
Step 2: removing old flooring
Next comes the demo. Depending on what you currently have, old carpet, vinyl, tile, or hardwood, we’ll remove it and haul it away. If there’s furniture in the space, we’ll work with you to move it or plan around it. The goal is to get down to the subfloor so we can assess and prep it properly.
Step 3: prepping the subfloor
This step is critical. We check the subfloor for dips, bumps, moisture, and anything else that might affect the integrity of your new flooring. And in most cases, we’ll lay an underlayment, which helps with sound, moisture, and softness underfoot.
Step 4: planning the layout
Before we install the first plank, we plan how the flooring will be laid out in the room. This includes staggering the boards, deciding which direction to lay them, and ensuring that we don’t end up with a tiny sliver of flooring along one wall. This kind of planning makes a big difference in the final look.
Step 5: laying the laminate floors
Now, the real fun begins. Most laminate flooring today uses a click-lock system, which means the boards snap together without glue or nails. We start along the longest wall and work across the room, locking each plank into place. We leave a small gap along the edges to allow for expansion, which we’ll later cover with trim or molding.
Step 6: making cuts and adjustments
Not every plank will fit perfectly, especially around corners, door frames, or cabinets. We cut pieces to size using a saw and fit them into place. Precision here is key to getting clean lines and a professional finish.
Step 7: installing trim and transitions
Once the laminate flooring is fully installed, we add the finishing touches. That means baseboards, quarter-round, or transition strips between rooms. These details give the room a polished look and help protect the edges of the laminate.
Step 8: clean-up and final walkthrough
Before we call it a day, we do a full clean-up of the workspace and walk you through the finished floor. If there’s anything that needs adjusting, we’ll take care of it. We also give you tips on how to clean and care for your laminate flooring so it looks great for years to come.
Your home for high-quality laminate floors in Wichita, KS
From start to finish, the entire process usually takes one to two days for an average-sized room. Larger or more complex projects may take longer, but we always keep you updated. Our team handles everything from tear-out to clean-up, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Ready to upgrade your space with laminate flooring? Reach out to Harry Street Carpet today! Our showroom in Wichita, KS, serves Wichita, Derby, Andover, Goddard, and Bel Aire, KS.
