Installing laminate and vinyl flooring

In short: Laminate and vinyl flooring are usually installed as a floating floor, without gluing to the subfloor. A level, dry base and the right expansion gap to the wall are crucial.

In more detail: Both floor types use either click connections or are fully glued down, depending on the product type.

In detail

• Substrate check: Moisture measurement is especially important for laminate on concrete, to avoid damage.
• Impact sound insulation: An underlay mat reduces footstep noise and evens out small unevenness.
• Expansion gap: A gap of usually 8-10 millimetres to the wall allows the material to move with temperature changes.
• Laying direction: Laying across the light direction often looks more harmonious, but it’s a matter of taste.
• Click vs. glued systems: Click systems are easier for DIYers, glued systems are often more stable under heavy use.
• Transitions: Transition profiles at door thresholds even out height differences between rooms.
• Underfloor heating: Not every product is suitable for underfloor heating; follow the manufacturer’s specifications (holz-arten-und-eigenschaften).