Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring

In 2025, more homeowners are choosing laminate flooring for its affordable price, durability, and natural wood look. However, if you’re planning to do the installation yourself, it’s important to know the common mistakes when laying laminate flooring that can cause problems down the road. This guide will help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure your floor looks perfect for years to come.

If you’re new to this type of flooring, our guide on What is laminate flooring explains everything you need to know — from how it’s made to its benefits, limitations, and best uses around your home.

1. Skipping the laminate flooring adoption process

One of the most common mistakes when laying laminate flooring is skipping the adoption period. Because laminate boards are made from wood-based materials, they expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Installing the planks right after unboxing them can cause buckling, warping, or gaps as they adjust after installation.

Tip: Always let your laminate boards acclimate in the room for 48 to 72 hours before installation, with good airflow between the boards.

2. Not Preparing the Subfloor Properly

A properly prepared subfloor is essential. Uneven or dirty subfloors can lead to creaking floors, shifting boards, or even cracked planks later on.

Avoid this mistake by cleaning the subfloor thoroughly and checking for bumps or dips using a level or straightedge. Fill any dips deeper than 3/16” over 10 feet with a self-leveling compound, and sand down any high spots.

3. Ignoring the Moisture Barrier

Skipping the moisture barrier is a frequent error, especially when installing over concrete floors in basements or kitchens. Moisture can cause your laminate to swell, warp, or even grow mold.

To avoid this, always use a 6-mil plastic moisture barrier or an underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier. Make sure seams are overlapped and sealed correctly.

4. Not Leaving an Expansion Gap

Laminate flooring is a floating floor system, meaning it isn’t nailed or glued down. This requires an expansion gap around all walls and fixed objects to allow the floor to expand and contract naturally.

Failing to leave this gap is a very common mistake when laying laminate flooring and can result in buckling or lifting boards, especially with seasonal humidity changes.

Best practice: Leave a ¼” to ½” gap, then cover it with baseboards or quarter rounds.

5. Starting on the wrong wall

Choosing the wrong starting point can make your entire floor look crooked or uneven.

The best way to avoid this mistake is to measure carefully and mark a straight starting line, usually along the longest, straightest exterior wall or main room focal point. Check the alignment after installing the first few rows before continuing.

6. Choosing the wrong underlayment (or skipping it entirely)

Underlayment isn’t just a cushion—it’s key for sound absorption, moisture protection, and smoothing out minor subfloor imperfections.

Many installers overlook underlayment or use the wrong type. For concrete subfloors, use an underlayment with a moisture barrier. For upstairs rooms, consider acoustic underlayments to reduce noise.

7. Using Harsh Cleaning Products Immediately

Newly installed laminate floors aren’t waterproof, only water-resistant. Using harsh chemicals or soaking them with water right after installation can damage the surface or seams.

Wait 24 to 48 hours before cleaning, then use a damp mop with cleaners designed for laminate floors.

8. Using Inappropriate Tools – Essential Tools List for Successful Laminate Flooring Installation

 One common mistake when installing laminate is using inappropriate tools. Incorrect tools can scratch, crack, or result in an uneven installation of the panels.

Essential Tools List for Laminate Installation

 Hand Saw or Small Table Saw

 For precise panel cutting. Using large saws or non-specialised power saws can chip or split edges.

Rubber Mallet

 To tap panels together without damaging edges. Using a metal hammer can crack and break panels.

Spacer Wedges

 To maintain expansion gaps between the panels and the wall. Not using spacers or using unsuitable alternatives can cause floor warping and bending.

Level and Plumb Line

 To ensure the installation surface is even.

Laminate Cutter or Professional Knife

 For final and precise cuts. Using a dull blade or ordinary knife can result in broken edges and poor fitting.

Metal Ruler or Professional Measuring Tape

 For accurate measurement of panel length and width. Inaccurate tools can lead to cutting errors and gaps or tight spaces between panels.

9. Places Where Laminate Should Not Be Installed

 A common mistake in laminate flooring installation is using it in areas unsuitable for laminate. Knowing where not to install laminate helps prevent damage, warping, and reduced floor lifespan.

Bathrooms and Toilets: High humidity and direct water contact cause panels to swell, separate, and warp.
Suggested Alternative: Ceramic, natural stone, or water-resistant vinyl.

Kitchens with Constant Water Exposure: Areas around sinks and dishwashers are prone to water spillage.
Alternative: Water-resistant vinyl flooring or slip-resistant ceramic tiles.

Outdoor Spaces or Uncovered Balconies: Direct sunlight and rain exposure cause laminate to warp and fade.
Better Alternative: Water-resistant timber flooring or outdoor stone and ceramic.

Damp Basements or Areas Without Proper Ventilation: Moisture below the surface encourages mould growth and damages laminate.
Better Option: Vinyl or tiles installed over moisture-resistant underlay.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes when laying laminate flooring can save you time, money, and frustration. Proper preparation, leaving expansion gaps, using the right underlayment, and starting correctly are all crucial for a beautiful, long-lasting floor.

If you want to skip the guesswork and ensure a flawless installation, contact the experts at MA Flooring in Melbourne. We provide professional advice, supply top-quality laminate flooring, and deliver expert installation services.

FAQ – Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Flooring