There are many other types of flooring available, but none has had as significant an impact on the flooring business as laminate. Due to its affordability, durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of installation, laminate has gained great favor among homeowners in London, UK, during the past couple of years. Speaking of the simplicity of installation, laminate flooring is a favorite choice among do-it-yourselfers since it can be quickly and easily installed directly on top of various flooring surfaces. Do I need underlayment for laminate flooring over hardwood, then?

Without preparation, laminate flooring can be on top of good-quality hardwood boards. For example, if the laminate includes an integrated underlayer, you could place it on top of the hardwood flooring. On the other hand, if the laminate does not come with a built-in underlayer, you will need to roll out your underlayment and tape it to the wood before starting the laminate floor installation.

But what if your hardwood floor isn’t in great shape?
You need to be aware that the hardwood floors in many older homes may not be in the best shape. If so, you will need to remove any protruding nails or fasteners and sand down any twisted or slanted floorboards before you can install laminate flooring on top of your existing hardwood floor. Additionally, you will need to level the warped area of your hardwood floor because any irregularities in the surface could act as stress areas for locking joints, leading to issues in the future.

One crucial point needs to be emphasized once more: avoid squeezing the laminate too tightly against the wall.

When installing the laminate floor, only install it too close to the wall. As a result, the foundation will shift with variations in humidity and temperature, which will cause the floor configuration to loosen up over time.