Thinking about upgrading your home with laminate flooring in St. Louis? You’re not alone. Homeowners across the area love laminate’s affordability, durability, and beautiful styles that mimic hardwood without the hefty price tag. However, proper installation and care are essential to ensure your floors remain stunning for years.
That’s why we reached out to the team at O’Fallon Family Floors for expert laminate flooring insights specifically for St. Louis homes. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or planning to hire a professional, these laminate flooring installation and care tips will help you avoid costly mistakes while protecting your investment.
Why Laminate Flooring Is a Smart Choice for St. Louis Homes
Laminate flooring offers:
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Scratch resistance: Perfect for homes with kids or pets.
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Affordability: A cost-effective alternative to hardwood.
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Style versatility: Available in countless colors and textures.
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Easy maintenance: No waxing or refinishing required.
However, St. Louis’s humid summers and fluctuating temperatures make correct installation and care practices essential to prevent warping, buckling, and moisture damage.
Top Laminate Flooring Installation Tips from St. Louis Pros
1. Let Your Flooring Acclimate
Before installation, leave your laminate planks in the room for 48-72 hours to adjust to the local humidity and temperature. This helps prevent expansion and contraction issues post-installation.
2. Prepare the Subfloor Properly
A clean, level, and dry subfloor is crucial. Sweep away debris and check for moisture issues. If your subfloor is uneven, consider using a leveling compound to avoid planks separating or shifting.
3. Use Underlayment for Stability and Sound Reduction
Underlayment:
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Acts as a moisture barrier.
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Reduces noise.
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Provides slight cushioning underfoot.
Many modern laminates come with pre-attached underlayment, but check if an additional vapor barrier is needed for basements or moisture-prone areas.
4. Leave Expansion Gaps
Always leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow the laminate to expand and contract naturally with seasonal humidity changes in St. Louis.
5. Plan Your Layout
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Start installation along the longest wall.
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Stagger seams by at least 12 inches for a natural appearance.
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Avoid having narrow plank pieces at the edges.
Laminate Flooring Care Tips to Maximize Lifespan
1. Use the Right Cleaning Methods
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Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft-bristle attachment.
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Use a damp mop (not soaking wet) with laminate-safe cleaners.
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Avoid harsh chemicals, wax, or steam mops, as they can damage the surface and seep into seams.
2. Manage Moisture Immediately
Laminate is water-resistant, not waterproof:
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Wipe spills promptly.
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Use mats near entryways and sinks to capture water and debris.
3. Use Protective Pads
Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching. Avoid dragging heavy furniture across your laminate floors.
4. Control Indoor Humidity
Maintain indoor humidity between 35-65% to prevent buckling or gapping during humid St. Louis summers or dry winters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Laminate Flooring
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Skipping acclimation: Leading to warping or buckling.
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Ignoring subfloor imperfections: This causes an uneven surface.
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Using too much water when cleaning results in damage between seams.
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Skipping expansion gaps: Leading to floor buckling in high humidity.
By avoiding these mistakes, your laminate floors will remain attractive and functional for years.
Why Professional Installation May Be Worth It
While laminate is DIY-friendly, hiring local St. Louis flooring professionals like O’Fallon Family Floors can save you time, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure proper warranties. Professionals can also provide moisture testing, accurate measurements, and professional-quality transitions and trims for a polished final result.
FAQs About Laminate Flooring Installation & Care
How long does laminate flooring last?
With proper installation and care, laminate floors can last 15-25 years, depending on quality and foot traffic.
Can laminate flooring be installed over existing floors?
Yes, laminate can often be installed over vinyl, tile, or hardwood if the surface is clean, level, and in good condition.
Is laminate flooring good for homes with pets?
Absolutely! Laminate’s scratch resistance makes it a great choice for homes with pets, provided you wipe spills promptly and keep pet nails trimmed.
Conclusion
Investing in laminate flooring for your St. Louis home is an excellent way to achieve beautiful, durable floors without overspending. By following these expert installation and care tips, you will extend your floor’s lifespan while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
If you’re considering a laminate flooring project, the experts at O’Fallon Family Floors are ready to help you select the best styles and ensure a seamless installation experience.
Have you considered laminate for your next home improvement project, or do you have any questions about maintaining your current laminate floors? Share your thoughts or questions below!
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