Laminate Floor Installation Direction for Doorways

Underlayment Inspection

• Underlayment covers any inconsistencies in the subfloor to give the laminate floor a smooth and even finish. Flip your laminate plank over and inspect its base for a soft foam strip that is the pre-attached underlayment. If the bottom of the strip does not have any attached underlayment, cut a scrap piece that matches the width of the plank and 5 inches long. Cut the piece from a roll of underlayment using a utility knife. Lay the laminate plank face down on the scrap underlayment or on a sheet of newspaper if it has a layer of underlayment attached to it.

Preparation

• Set the plank and underlayment combination or plank with pre-attached underlayment on a side of the doorway, directly against a door jamb. Mark the height of the piece on this doorjamb with pencil. Also mark the plank’s height on the other side before removing it. Cut through both sides of the doorjamb at the marked heights using a handsaw. Brush the debris from under the frame. Dry-fit the laminate or combination strip to test its height, and trim excess wood if required, so the pieces pass easily under the doorjamb.

Installation

• Roll underlayment under the doorway before installing the laminate flooring. If the plank has pre-attached underlayment, roll a 6 mil thick moisture barrier. Measure the space between the two door jambs, minus 1/2 inch for expansion, and cut a laminate plank to the length. Laminate planks have a tongue on one end and a groove on the other. If the laminate plank just before to the doorjamb has a tongue, slide the grooved end of the cut plank into it so they both fit. Continue the process of forming tongue and groove joints so you make it through the doorway.

Considerations

• Before you begin, remove the door from the doorway to allow easy and uninterrupted access to the doorjamb at both sides. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws and hinges that hold the door to its frame to loosen it. Carefully lower the door and move it to a safe place until reinstallation. Place all the tools nearby so you do not spend time looking for them during installation. Also, make sure the planks you are using have been acclimatized to the room temperature two days prior to installation.