How to lay herringbone laminate flooring

Harrison Clayton October 10, 2022 8

When it comes to adding style and elegance to your home, herringbone patterns are a popular choice. Herringbone flooring creates a unique look that can instantly elevate the visual appeal of any room. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank or hire a professional to achieve this sophisticated design. With a few simple steps, you can learn how to lay herringbone laminate flooring yourself.

Before you begin, it’s vital to gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need your chosen laminate flooring, underlayment, measuring tape, pencil, saw, mallet, spacers, and adhesive. Once you have everything ready, start by preparing the floor. Ensure the surface is clean, dry, level, and free of any debris. It’s crucial to create a smooth and even base to guarantee the best results.

Next, it’s time to lay the underlayment. This step not only provides a barrier between the laminate and the subfloor, but it also helps with sound reduction. Unroll the underlayment and trim it to fit the room, leaving a 1/4-inch gap around the edges. Once it’s in place, you’ll need to secure the underlayment together using tape or adhesive. This step is essential for a sturdy and long-lasting herringbone laminate flooring installation.

Benefits of Herringbone Laminate Flooring

Herringbone laminate flooring offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for homeowners. Whether you’re renovating your home or just looking to update the flooring in a specific room, herringbone laminate can be a great choice. Here are some of the key advantages:

Durability: Herringbone laminate flooring is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it perfect for high-traffic areas of your home such as entryways, hallways, and living rooms.
Easy to Install: Herringbone laminate flooring comes in pre-cut planks that lock together easily, making it a DIY-friendly option. With a bit of patience and the right tools, you can achieve a professional-looking installation without needing to hire a professional.
Affordability: Compared to real hardwood flooring, herringbone laminate is an affordable alternative that doesn’t sacrifice on style. You can achieve the elegant look of a herringbone pattern without breaking the bank.
Versatility: Herringbone laminate flooring is available in various colors and finishes, allowing you to find a style that complements your existing décor. Whether you prefer a more traditional or modern look, there’s a herringbone laminate flooring option for you.
Low Maintenance: Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Simply sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris, and occasionally damp mop for deeper cleaning.
Resistant to Moisture: Herringbone laminate flooring is designed with a moisture-resistant core, making it suitable for installation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Step-by-Step Guide to Laying Herringbone Laminate Flooring

Laying herringbone laminate flooring can bring a unique and elegant look to any space. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a professional and beautiful herringbone laminate floor installation.

Prepare the subfloor: Ensure that the subfloor is clean, level, and dry. Remove any existing flooring and repair any imperfections on the surface. Install a moisture barrier if necessary.
Measure and plan: Determine the layout of the herringbone pattern by measuring the width and length of the room. Use these measurements to calculate the number of laminate planks needed for the installation.
Begin laying the first row: Start in one corner of the room and lay the first row of laminate planks. Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the planks and the wall to accommodate for expansion. Use spacers to maintain the gap.
Create the herringbone pattern: Cut the planks at a 45-degree angle using a miter saw. Attach the cut planks to the end of each row, alternating the direction to create the herringbone pattern. Stagger the planks to provide a more seamless look.
Secure the planks: Apply a thin bead of adhesive to the underside of each plank before installing. Use a tapping block and hammer to ensure the planks are tightly connected. Trim the planks as necessary to fit the space.
Continue with subsequent rows: Repeat steps 3-5 to continue laying the herringbone pattern across the room. Check periodically to ensure the planks remain level and straight.
Finishing touches: Once all the planks are installed, remove the spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap. Clean the floor thoroughly and enjoy your new herringbone laminate flooring.