Can laminate be effectively installed over parquet? What details require attention, and how should the subfloor be adequately prepared? Pay special attention to door clearance!
One common question is whether laminate can simply be laid over existing parquet instead of removing it beforehand. This might be considered when laminate is seen as a temporary solution and the parquet is in decent condition, making removal seem unnecessary.
Sometimes, it’s easier to install laminate over parquet without removing it, and people often opt for laminate instead of sanding and varnishing because it’s a cleaner and simpler process.
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When installing laminate, one of the most crucial rules is to ensure the subfloor is dry, flat, and stable. If the parquet meets these conditions, it’s excellent for laminate installation. Minor cracks or gaps between parquet strips won’t pose a problem. However, significant damage or missing parquet strips should be repaired with leveling compound to provide a stable base for the laminate.
Special attention should be given to moisture. Before laying laminate, it’s essential to check for moisture in the parquet. If present, the source of moisture should be determined, as it may continue even after drying. Laying laminate can impede moisture evaporation, potentially causing the parquet to swell. Additionally, considering that the parquet lies beneath the laminate, any water spillage seeping beneath the laminate could lead to similar issues.
Another rule, applicable regardless of the subfloor, is to leave approximately eight millimeters of space between the edge of the laminate and the wall to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Finally, it’s important to note that when installing laminate over parquet, it’s likely that doors in the house won’t be able to open and close, except perhaps with the thinnest laminate. Therefore, trimming the doors is necessary. This information is particularly relevant if laminate installation is intended as a temporary solution.