Laminate Flooring Placement

nwksremodeler

I am getting ready to lay about 300 sq ft of laminate flooring in a kitchen and hallway with 2 exterior doors and 3 framed opening to other rooms and also one built in cabinet area. I don't lay much flooring, its been almost a yr ago since the last job so I don't get real intuned with it like I should. Finishing the flooring up next to the ext. doors is no problem, using the recommended trim. I am however arguing with myself as to installing the jambs and built in cabinet first then cut and lay the floor to them or lay the flooring first and set all the jambs and finish trim on top of the floor. I guess what really sparks my question is if you install the jambs and such first and leave the proper expansion gap around these jambs whats the best method for concealing them?? Say for instance if you go around an installed jamb opening with your flooring you cut it leaving a 1/4" expansion gap next to the jamb and wall or even if you set the jamb on top of the floor and leave 1/4" from the wall that still leaves you with a small expansion gap that will not be covered by your casing, correct? Do you just go against their expansion rules at this pt and cut it tight? I know typically you should cut your jambs and set them on top of the flooring, but I have ran into the instance of it being a real struggle to get the laminate flooring slid into place under a jamb, is there a solution to this?

ian@prosource

I would fit the door jams after the flooring is laid, if you do it the other way around, mark the installed jams to the height of the floor and then cut off the bottom of the door jam.

From your question i would also recommend two other things, 1, get a trained flooring installer to install the floor, 2, open up the packs of flooring and read the manufactures recommended installation guide front to back

Darwin

I would first slap myself and grab myself by the shoulders and say,"Self, you know if you set the built-ins and jambs first, you will be spending unnessesary time and energy cutting that darn laminate to fit around these things"

3rdFloorDesign

Easy - I install laminate flooring for a living. Rent a under cut saw- install your jambs first, and set the saw to account for the width of the laminate and padding and add a 1/8" to that. Then cut the jambs. When you install your flooring it will slide right under the jamb concealing the expanison space.

You will need to shave the tounge off of the planks and pry it into place at the jambs. It is tricky but part of the job. Get a proffessional if you can not handle it. I charge $2.25 sq. ft.

TopFloor

I know I am late responding, but I disagree with adding 1/8" to the setting. That would result in a 1/8" gap at the bottom of the jamb. why not make it fit perfectly?

walton02

The key to any oak flooring is its common symbol of strength. You are probably familiar with the term of the mighty oak. The oak is a very durable and long lasting material. It takes several years for an oak tree to reach its maturity and thus allows for the material to withstand many harsh elements.

mack9110000

We're talkin laminate right!

TopFloor

my thoughts exactly.