How To Trim Around Laminate Flooring

If needed take a plank of flooring and a section of the underlayment and lay it finished side down next to the door s moulding.

How to trim around laminate flooring.

It s much easier to cut the trim around doorways than it is to cut the flooring to match the moulding s irregular shape. If you are doing a laminate flooring installation that only requires making straight cuts you will need a circular saw. The tapered flat side of the end molding will overlap the raw edge of the laminate floor with the required expansion gap hidden beneath the end molding. Once cut the flooring will just slip under it leaving a more finished look.

You might be able to get by with a handsaw for a small job. If you also need to cut laminate flooring in a curve such as around pipes coming out of the floor or pillars you ll need a jigsaw. Install the vertical trim piece by putting it in position with the 90 degree cut end resting on the laminate floor. A pencil or a permanent marker can also be used if a level is employed as a straight edge.

Mark the laminate flooring along the desired cut line by using a chalk line. Some carpenters use a special saw to undercut the rock so the flooring fits under it but nothing looks better than trimmed flooring cut to fit. Nail the trim piece into place starting at approximately four feet from the floor. Slide the first two rows into their final position and repeat steps 5 and 6 above using the same alternating plank technique to complete the process.

Armstrong flooring offers a wide selection of coordinated trim and molding to complete almost any hardwood laminate luxury vinyl tile or engineered stone tile look. Step 5 run another bead of sealant along the top edge of the end molding where it meets the front doorway taking care to fill in any gaps and air pockets. To find the coordinating trim and molding we recommend for your particular flooring look at trim and moldings under the installation section on the flooring product detail page. Laminate flooring won t fit tight against most fireplaces.

If there s a gap under your door casing and also a gap between two rooms under a door where two different installations of laminate flooring join you can install t molding to hide both gaps.