How To Lay Laminate Wood Flooring in Closets?

Installing laminate wood flooring in closets can be a challenging yet rewarding DIY project. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, providing expert tips and tricks to ensure a professional-looking result.

Preparation

Assessing the Space

Before you begin, carefully measure your closet and calculate the amount of laminate flooring you'll need. Purchase about 10% more than your measurements to account for cuts and waste. Take note of any obstacles like door frames or built-in shelving that may require special cuts.

Gathering Materials and Tools

You'll need:

• Laminate flooring

• Underlayment

• Spacers

• Tapping block

• Pull bar

• Hammer

• Saw (circular or jigsaw)

• Measuring tape

• Pencil

• Safety equipment (goggles, knee pads, dust mask)

Acclimating the Flooring

Allow your laminate flooring to acclimate to the room's conditions for at least 48 hours before installation. This helps prevent warping or gaps after installation.

Installation Process

Preparing the Subfloor

Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Remove any existing baseboards and undercut door casings to allow the flooring to slide underneath.

Clean subfloor

Laying the Underlayment

Install a moisture barrier and underlayment according to the manufacturer's instructions. This provides a smooth surface and helps with sound insulation.

Installing underlayment

Planning the Layout

Decide which direction you want the planks to run. In most cases, it's best to lay the flooring parallel to the longest wall. Use spacers to maintain a 1/4-inch gap around the perimeter for expansion.

Starting the First Row

Begin in a corner, working from left to right. Cut the first plank if necessary to ensure a staggered pattern in subsequent rows.

Starting the first row

Continuing the Installation

As you lay each plank, use the tapping block to ensure a tight fit. Stagger the end joints of adjacent rows by at least 6 inches for a natural look and added stability.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IhtROjy6WGs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Dealing with Obstacles

When you encounter door frames or other obstacles, use a jigsaw to make precise cuts. For tight spaces where you can't angle the planks, use a pull bar to snap them into place.

Cutting around obstacles

Installing the Last Row

The last row often requires ripping planks lengthwise to fit. Use a pull bar to lock these pieces into place.

Tips for Closet-Specific Challenges

Working in Tight Spaces

Closets often present challenges due to their small size. Consider these tips:

1. Pre-assemble several rows outside the closet and slide them in as a unit.

2. Use a jigsaw for intricate cuts around closet organizers or built-in shelves.

3. For very narrow spaces, you may need to glue down some pieces instead of clicking them together.

Dealing with Closet Doors

If your closet has sliding doors, you may need to remove and reinstall them after flooring installation. Ensure the track is properly secured and at the correct height over the new flooring.

Closet door reinstallation

Transitioning to Other Rooms

If the closet flooring will meet different flooring in the adjacent room, install a proper transition strip to create a seamless look and protect the edge of the laminate.

Finishing Touches

Reinstalling Baseboards

Once the flooring is complete, reinstall baseboards to cover the expansion gap. You may need to use shoe molding for a perfect fit.

Cleaning Up

Clean the newly installed floor thoroughly, removing any debris or adhesive residue.

Final cleaning

Maintenance and Care

To keep your new laminate closet flooring looking its best:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly

• Clean spills immediately

• Use felt pads under furniture legs

• Avoid excessive moisture

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully install laminate wood flooring in your closets, enhancing both their appearance and functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Can I install laminate flooring directly over carpet in a closet?
   A: It's not recommended. Remove the carpet and pad, and ensure the subfloor is clean and level before installing laminate.

2. Q: How do I cut laminate flooring to fit around pipes or other obstacles?
   A: Use a hole saw for circular cuts around pipes. For irregular shapes, create a paper template first, then transfer the pattern to the laminate and cut with a jigsaw.

3. Q: Is it necessary to use underlayment in a closet?
   A: Yes, underlayment helps with moisture protection and sound reduction, even in small spaces like closets.

4. Q: Can I mix different laminate patterns or colors in a closet?
   A: While possible, it's generally not recommended as it can create a disjointed look in a small space.

5. Q: How long does it typically take to install laminate flooring in an average-sized closet?
   A: An experienced DIYer can usually complete a standard closet (5x5 feet) in 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity of cuts required.