Why Avoiding These Laminate Flooring Mistakes Can Save You Thousands

Laminate flooring mistakes can turn your dream renovation into a costly nightmare. You step back to admire your new floor, and… something’s off. The planks look uneven, there’s a hollow sound, or worse, the floor is already buckling. What went wrong?

Here’s the reality: most laminate failures aren’t caused by bad products. They’re caused by preventable mistakes during prep and installation. The good news is that every one of these errors is avoidable when you know what to watch for.

The 5 Most Common Laminate Flooring Mistakes:

1. Rushing subfloor prep and skipping acclimation: Installing on uneven, dirty, or damp subfloors, or laying planks straight from the box.
2. Forgetting underlayment or expansion gaps: Creating hollow sounds, moisture issues, and buckling by cutting corners.
3. Botching installation details: Poor staggering, incorrect cutting, and damaged locking mechanisms that create an amateur look.
4. Using the wrong quality or finish: Choosing thin planks, low AC ratings, or glossy finishes that look cheap.
5. Installing in unsuitable locations: Laying standard laminate in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.

With over 40 years in business, we at King of Floors have seen it all. We’ve helped thousands of Lower Mainland homeowners get it right the first time. Whether you’re a DIYer or working with a pro, understanding these pitfalls will help you get a durable, stylish floor that looks premium, not like you cut corners.

The Top 5 Laminate Flooring Mistakes and How to Get It Right

We’ve all been there. The excitement of a new flooring project can make us a little eager. But with laminate, rushing key steps leads to gnarly laminate flooring mistakes. Let’s break down the top blunders and how to avoid them.

1. Rushing the Prep Work (Subfloor & Acclimation)

Think of it like building on a muddy base. Your floor needs a solid start. Skipping subfloor prep and acclimation is one of the biggest mistakes. A large share of laminate issues trace back to installation choices, especially uneven subfloors and planks that were not acclimated.

The Problem:

• Uneven Subfloor: Your subfloor must be level (no more than 1/8-inch variance over 10 feet) to prevent squeaks and damage to the locking system. Bumps will make your floor feel like a trampoline.
• Dirty or Damaged Subfloor: Debris, nails, or staples create pressure points, causing noise and unevenness.
• Moisture: Water and laminate don’t mix. Laminate’s wood-based core absorbs moisture, causing it to buckle, warp, or swell. A concrete subfloor’s moisture level should be below 12%. Installing over a damp slab without a vapour barrier is asking for trouble.
• Skipping Acclimation: Laminate planks must adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation. Laying them straight from the box can cause gaps or ridges to appear within weeks.

The Solution:

Proper prep ensures your floors perform well for years.

1. Clean & Clear: Thoroughly sweep and vacuum the subfloor. Remove all debris, nails, and staples.
2. Level Up: Use a spirit level to find high and low spots. Sand down high spots and fill low spots with a self-levelling compound.
3. Moisture Test: For concrete subfloors, always test for moisture. When in doubt, a moisture barrier (often part of the underlayment) is essential.
4. Acclimate: This is critical. Bring the unopened boxes into the installation room for 48 to 72 hours. Stack them flat so the flooring can adjust to the room’s climate (ideally 18-24°C and 45-65% humidity). This prevents future warping.

Thinking about a premium look? Our 12mm Premium Series offers excellent stability, but even the best laminate needs a solid foundation!

2. Skimping on Underlay & Expansion Gaps

Cutting corners on underlayment and expansion gaps is a classic mistake that undermines the entire project. These small details lead to big problems.

The Problem:

• No or Wrong Underlay: Laminate is a thin, floating floor. Without underlayment, it will sound hollow and noisy. Underlay also provides cushioning, insulation, and a moisture barrier. We’ve seen floors replaced within months because underlay was skipped.
• Missing Expansion Gaps: This is the number one cause of buckling. Laminate expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Without room to move, it pushes against walls and buckles.

The Solution:

Don’t let your new floor warp or sound cheap.

1. Choose the Right Underlayment: This thin layer is your floor’s unsung hero.
   • Moisture Protection: A vapour barrier is a must on concrete subfloors, especially in the Lower Mainland. Some underlays have one built-in.
   • Sound Dampening: Underlayment absorbs sound, making the floor quieter.
   • Support: It smooths out minor subfloor imperfections.
   • Thickness: Most manufacturers recommend a 1-3mm thick underlay. Avoid soft carpet underlay, as it allows too much bounce and can cause planks to unclick.
2. Mind the Gap: You must leave an expansion gap of 5/16” to 3/8” (around 10mm) around the entire room perimeter.
   • Use Spacers: Use spacers during installation to maintain a consistent gap along all walls and fixed objects like columns or pipes.
   • Expansion Joints: For large areas (runs over 24 feet wide or 36 feet long), use T-mouldings to create expansion joints and relieve pressure.

Our 10mm Premium Series feels fantastic, but it truly shines with the right underlay and expansion planning!

3. Fumbling the Finer Details of Installation

You’ve prepped the subfloor and laid the underlay. Now for the fun part! But a few laminate flooring mistakes here can make a pro job look wonky.

The Problem:

• Poor Staggering: Having end joints too close together creates a repetitive, unnatural pattern and weakens the floor.
• Incorrect Cutting: A dull blade or the wrong saw can cause chipped, splintered edges and poorly fitting planks.
• Damaged Locking Mechanisms: Forcing planks together can damage the click-lock system, leading to gaps.
• Ignoring Obstructions: Not undercutting door jambs leaves awkward gaps that are hard to hide.

The Solution:

Patience and precision are key.

1. Plan Your Layout & Stagger Seams: Stagger end joints by at least 6 to 12 inches between rows for a stronger, more natural look. Mix planks from different boxes to avoid repeating patterns.
2. Master Cutting: Use a sharp blade designed for laminate. To prevent splintering, cut with the finished side up when using a jigsaw, and finished side down with a circular saw. And remember: measure twice, cut once!
3. Gentle Locking: Planks should click together with a gentle tap from a tapping block and rubber mallet. Don’t use brute force.
4. Undercut Door Jambs: For a clean finish, use a scrap piece of flooring as a height guide to undercut door frames, allowing the plank to slide neatly underneath.

Our Swiss-made laminate, like the 12mm Premium Series, has precision locking systems that make correct installation a breeze.

Why King of Floors is Your Go-To for Flawless Laminate

At King of Floors, we’ve been helping people across BC avoid these laminate flooring mistakes since 1984. As a family-owned, 100% Canadian business, we’ve built our reputation on real advice from real people.

How do we offer unbeatable prices? We’re direct importers, buying container loads from top European and US manufacturers. By cutting out the middlemen, we pass factory-direct savings to you. You get high-quality laminate that looks premium and lasts, without the premium price.

Our massive 85,000 sq ft showroom in Surrey, BC, is worth the drive. With over 10 million sq ft of flooring in stock, you can take your new floor home the same day. We’re easy to get to from all major bridge and tunnel crossings in the Lower Mainland. Plus, we offer a 90-day full refund on unopened boxes and work with certified installers to get the job done right.

Your Top Questions & Where to Find the Best Laminate

Is buckling the worst of all laminate flooring mistakes?

Buckling is definitely a flooring nightmare. It’s when planks lift or warp at the seams, creating a visible and hazardous “peaking.” It often signals a serious underlying issue that can require costly repairs or a full replacement.

What causes buckling? The main culprits are issues we’ve already covered:

• Moisture: The wood-based core swells when exposed to water.
• Lack of Expansion Gap: This is the most common cause. The floor has no room to expand, so it pushes up.
• Improper Acclimation: Planks that expand after installation will buckle against the walls.

While other mistakes are annoying, buckling is a sign of structural failure. So yes, it’s high on the “worst” list!

What are the most common laminate flooring mistakes a DIYer can make?

We love the spirit of a DIYer! To help you succeed, here are the most common laminate flooring mistakes to avoid. In short, it’s about not rushing the fundamentals.

The biggest blunders are skipping the crucial prep work:

• Improper Subfloor Preparation: Not cleaning, levelling, or ensuring the subfloor is dry. This is the root of most problems.
• Forgetting Acclimation & Expansion Gaps: Laying planks straight from the box and not leaving a 3/8-inch gap around the perimeter are the top causes of buckling.
• Incorrect Underlayment: Using the wrong type (like soft carpet padding) or skipping it altogether leads to noise and moisture issues.

Other common slip-ups include poor seam staggering, using the wrong cutting tools, and improper cleaning methods like wet mopping, which can cause swelling and ruin your floor. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll be miles ahead on your DIY journey. For a durable option, explore our AC5 laminate series, designed for heavy traffic!

How can I make sure my laminate doesn’t look cheap?

Nobody wants a floor that screams “budget,” even if it was a great deal! Modern laminate can look incredibly premium if you make the right choices. Here’s how to avoid the cheap laminate flooring vibe:

• Invest in Quality: Thicker planks (8mm to 12mm) feel more substantial. Look for a high AC rating (AC4 or AC5) for better durability. Our European laminate is renowned for its quality.
• Choose Realistic Textures: High-quality laminate uses sophisticated printing and embossed-in-register textures that mimic real wood. Look for styles with plenty of variation between planks.
• Opt for Matte Finishes: Overly glossy finishes can look artificial and highlight imperfections. A matte or low-sheen finish provides a more authentic, high-end look.
• Nail the Installation: As we’ve detailed, even expensive laminate looks cheap if it’s buckled or gapping. Flawless installation is paramount.
• Consider Plank Size: Wider and longer planks can create a more expansive, luxurious feel.

By focusing on these elements, your laminate floor will look like a million bucks. Our massive selection of laminate flooring at King of Floors means you can find the perfect balance of quality, style, and value.

There Is Only One King of Floors

Avoiding laminate flooring mistakes isn’t rocket science. It just requires patience, the right materials, and a bit of know-how. By properly preparing your subfloor, acclimating the planks, and using the correct underlayment and expansion gaps, you’ll ensure your investment looks fantastic for years.

At King of Floors, we’re here to help you get it right. Since 1984, our family-owned business has offered the Lower Mainland the largest selection of high-quality, factory-direct European laminate. That means unbeatable prices, expert advice, and a massive inventory ready for same-day pickup.

Don’t let preventable mistakes turn your dream floor into a disaster. Pop into our 85,000 sq ft showroom at 15350 56 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3S 5K7, chat with our flooring gurus, and let us help you choose the perfect laminate. We promise, it’s “worth the drive!”

Have questions about laminate? Contact us for inquiries and more details.