What is the best way to lay laminate flooring - lengthwise or crosswise? It is important - how to lay laminate along or across the room. In what direction to lay laminate in the room.

Probably one of the most frequently asked questions after purchasing is “how to install it?” What’s most interesting is that the answer will always sound different, because it all depends on the area of the room and the layout. So, for example, when installing a floor on a loggia or balcony, you need to take into account some technological subtleties, and in the living room and similar spacious rooms - others.

You can install perpendicular, parallel or diagonal to the entrance to the room. Most wise choice will be one in which (from the window) natural lighting will be directed along the butt seams. Thanks to this you will achieve excellent visual effect– the structure is continuous, seamless, i.e. the joints are not visible. If you want to illusorily expand the space, then it is better to choose diagonal installation, relative to the entrance. You get original, nice floors. However this method considered more expensive.

To summarize, it should be said that the choice of laminate flooring direction depends on external features premises.

What is laminate?

This is a multi-level “sandwich”, the layers of which are connected to each other using cold or hot pressing:

Buy laminate? How to make the right choice

Often on sale there are products made in the form of planks with a tongue-and-groove lock or a smooth edge. Naturally, the first option will be somewhat easier to install.

Typical plank layouts:

Board length from 1.1 to 1.5 meters;
The width of the board is from 0.2 to 0.4 meters.

Depending on the intended purpose of the coating and its type, manufacturers determine the service life of the laminate within five to fifteen years. That is why it is so convenient and beneficial for temporary finishing.

Products with lock type connections are usually installed using a glueless method. Boards with smooth edges are mounted exclusively with glue, and it is better to hire a professional for this job.

Affordable price. Compared to expensive parquet, laminate, with its high decorative qualities accessible to a wider range of consumers;
Strength. The material can withstand fairly high loads;
Ease of installation. This is especially true for materials with a locking type of connection;
Easy to care for. The coating can be quickly cleaned of many contaminants using conventional means;
Heat resistance. The laminate has protective properties against the effects of elevated temperatures due to special treatment;
Possibility of repeated use. The coating is easy to dismantle, which allows you to replace the damaged area or re-install it.

Disadvantages of laminate:

Impossibility of local reconstruction. If damaged small area on the board, it will have to be replaced entirely;
Decorative processing is not possible. Laminate cannot be scraped or varnished;
Do not tolerate heavy moisture. Chipboard serves as the basis of the material, and as you know, chipboard is deformed when exposed to abundant moisture.

Procedure for laying laminate flooring yourself

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools:

Fine-toothed hacksaw;
Hammer;
Jigsaw.

Next you need to check the underlying foundation. All cracks and depressions must be repaired and unevenness removed so that horizontal plane was perfectly smooth, removing dirt and dust. Typically the base is plywood laid on joists or concrete. Use padding if necessary. It will provide sound insulation, insulate the floor and cushion the coating. The substrate is laid in strips. The joints are secured with adhesive tape. There is no need to glue it.

Installation procedure:

Place a whole, solid panel in the corner of the room, direction along sunlight falling from a window or other source of natural light. Remember, the distance from the walls should be at least one and a half centimeters on the corner sides. This gap is necessary so that a safety margin remains when the laminate expands, so that it does not deform. Next, next to the corner lamella, the installation of the first row continues. Use whole fragments;
The second row starts with only half of the panel. You can cut the board in half with a jigsaw. The main thing is to cut strictly at 90 degrees. Installation is carried out “staggered”. There is no need to cross stitch the seams. The boards are joined using a system of locks - the locks are inserted into the grooves, the boards are carefully ensured that the lock fits completely into the groove. Use the skirting boards after installation is complete. Use them to mask the gaps between the wall and the laminate.

Loggia or balcony under laminate

For finishing areas that are most in contact with open space, you have to use frost- and water-resistant laminate.

Loggias and balconies can be sheathed with such material both on the floor and on the walls, and even the ceiling. The main thing is to create an optimal microclimate, trying to reduce the frequency temperature changes and humidity level. Please note that the decorative glaze may peel off from the base or become cracked if the reading on the thermometer drops below five degrees above zero. Necessary conditions can be achieved by glazing the loggia with double glazing. In this case, the operation of laminated panels will become possible. It will be useful for the final stage.

Laminate flooring is no longer a novelty and is in great demand among many homeowners. The article will discuss how to lay laminate flooring: lengthwise or crosswise, since this is precisely the question that arises among inexperienced layers.

Laminate installation process

Regardless of which direction of laying the laminate was chosen, the installation of such a coating is carried out according to the following scheme:

It is important to understand how to lay laminate flooring correctly so that you don’t have to redo anything. The panels can only be mounted on a flat base. The permissible difference can be no more than 5 millimeters.
In some cases, it is necessary to lay a layer of waterproofing film, which significantly increases the cost of installation.
The rough base must be cleared of debris, dust and dirt before installation.
When installing laminate flooring, do not forget about laying a layer of substrate under the flooring. The thickness of the material should not exceed 5 millimeters. If the laminated panels have a thickness of 8 to 12 millimeters, the thickness of the substrate should be in the range of 4 to 5 millimeters.

Connecting laminated panels

Regardless of how the laminate is laid: lengthwise or crosswise, the panels can be secured in two ways:

For the adhesive mixture like protozoa PVC tiles or tile.
Floating method using lock connections“Click” and “Lock” types.

The choice between laying laminate along or across

An inexperienced installer may, when choosing how best to lay laminate flooring, be guided by the direction of the sun's rays entering the room through the window openings. This will help you control how natural light is visually perceived at two in various ways laying flooring.

It is more expedient when choosing how to lay the laminate: along or across the room, use the longitudinal installation method. The reason for this choice is quite simple: if you lay the laminate across the room, then the sun's rays falling perpendicularly on it will highlight all the joints as much as possible (read also: " "). It will be very difficult to call such a coating aesthetic, because in the photo and during visual inspection every seam on the floor will stand out.

Tools for laying laminate

Regardless of how to lay the laminate: along or across the room, the following set of tools will be required to carry out the work:

electric jigsaw or hacksaw for metal. A wood saw cannot be used, since large teeth will ruin the decorative layer on the surface of the laminated panels;
long measuring device;
scissors with long blades;
sharpened knife;
fasteners: nails, screws;
cord, rope or fishing line;
wooden wedges and bars;
drawing tools;
square;
rubberized or light hammer. The second can be used exclusively with a rubber gasket so that when hitting the panel it is not damaged. The risk of deformation specifically concerns end joints designed to connect panels to each other. Read also: "".

Installation of laminate flooring with click joints

Installing panels with such fastenings is quite simple, and their service life is long. Such a connection gives minimum clearance between laminated panels, but even this will not save you from visually highlighting the seams when laying the flooring perpendicular to the sun's rays entering the room. Accordingly, the type of locking joints does not affect how best to lay the laminate: lengthwise or crosswise.

Installation sequence with “Click” locks

Laying laminated panels with Click locks is carried out as follows:

The width of the room is measured taking into account the compensation gap between the flooring and the wall, which should be about 1 centimeter. This will create a floating flooring without the risk that it will be deformed as the temperature rises and the panels expand. If the area of the room exceeds 12 square meters, then the thickness of the compensation gap should increase according to the following scheme: 1.5 millimeters for every meter of room length.
Then you need to calculate the width of the laminated panels the row that will be laid last.
You should start laying from the far left corner of the room and the first row should be located with the protruding part towards the wall.
We have already decided on the best way to lay laminate flooring., which means that installation must be carried out longitudinally in parallel natural light. Each subsequent row must be laid with an offset of 30-40 centimeters relative to the previous one. This will evenly distribute the load exerted on the furniture covering, household appliances, residents.
The lamellas are connected to each other at an angle of 45 degrees. Then the top board lowers, and a characteristic click will make it clear that it is fixed.
Subsequently, the algorithm of actions is repeated. As the last row, it is necessary to lay pre-cut laminated panels of a characteristic width. It is also permissible to cut the boards in length.

Features of mounting with a “Lock” connection

Adhesive installation

The method of laying laminate on an adhesive mixture is less popular compared to floating.

It has a number of disadvantages:

increased complexity of installation;
extra expenses for the adhesive mixture;
After installation, it is impossible to dismantle the coating and lay it again;
glue mixture does not tolerate heat, and then the laminate cannot be laid on top of heated floors in this way.

Laying sequence:

Any glue that gets onto the surface of the panels must be promptly removed using a slightly dampened rag.
After 3-4 rows of laminated panels have been glued, you need to pause for 2-3 hours until the glue dries completely.
If the coating has not moved and is laid correctly, then installation can be completed.
The last row must be laid using a crowbar to carefully place the row in the area between the wall and the flooring.

Other installation features

About the fact that laminate flooring must be laid parallel to the sun's rays entering the room.

It is also worth noting a number of other features:

The above-mentioned laying of the panels perpendicular to the sun's rays penetrating into the room allows you to visually expand the room. In the photo and upon personal inspection, the room will look more spacious.
It is also possible to lay the panels in a non-standard way, if the layout features require it.
If we consider the laying of panels relative to the walls, and not the lighting, then when laid in length, you can visually lengthen the room, and in width - expand it.

Bottom line

The article describes in detail existing methods laying laminate flooring and their features. The question of how to lay laminated panels: lengthwise or widthwise has also been resolved. Very often, the installation method is chosen according to the design that was chosen for finishing the room. The choice remains solely with the owner of the house.

In advertising you can increasingly see that installing flooring does not cause any difficulties even for a beginner. If you simply follow clear instructions, the result will most likely satisfy you and your loved ones. But the question arises: what is the best way to lay laminate flooring - lengthwise or crosswise? In fact, there are countless nuances to this process, which we will talk about today.

Getting ready to lay the coating

Have you already thought: what is the best way to lay laminate flooring? Not so fast. First you need to make sure that the coating is completely ready for installation.

Important! The surface on which the laminate will be laid should not have any depressions or irregularities, because the presence of such will lead to divergence of the connecting lamella locks.

The next step is laying the substrate. It will help smooth out minor irregularities, retain heat and provide sound insulation. The backing will become a good shock absorber, which will save you from squeaking when walking. The material and thickness are selected depending on the class of the laminate itself:

polyethylene foam is suitable for inexpensive coating;
for a prestigious one - a composite substrate or polystyrene foam, cork.

Important! The underlay must be spread over the entire floor area. And all connections should be taped.

What depends on the direction of installation?

First, let's look at the types of laying directions:

Along.
Across.
Diagonally.

The first two are usually combined into a group - direct installation. With installation carried out diagonally, everything is more complicated. This method of installation is more expensive, and the process is more labor-intensive, but this choice may be optimal solution, if the first two methods are not suitable for some reason.

The visual perception of the room most often depends on the direction of installation, so one of the selection criteria is the expected result, we’ll talk about this below.

What is the best way to lay laminate flooring - lengthwise or crosswise?

Here we come to the most interesting moment. Not everything is as simple as it might seem, let's look at a few cases.

Installation along the line of light

This is the most common method. It requires the least time, knowledge and money, and is, in fact, “classic”. If you want the seams between the slats not to be visible, then this is your choice. It is this direction that will bring every chance to create the desired interior.

Installation across the light line

This option is considered less “professional”, but has its advantages. Installation across the line of light creates a visual effect of “breadth”, which is why this method is practiced in long corridors and rooms. But do not forget that this is a labor-intensive process, because cutting the boards will cost you more time.

Diagonal installation

This type of covering is used to make the room “interesting”. In other words, this is a special design technique that can “dilute” a boring interior and visually change the geometry of the room.

Important! This method has several disadvantages:

The joints wear out quickly;

Be prepared for a lot of material consumption;

You will have to buy special chemicals for cleaning and care.

This type of installation has the most opponents, but this does not lose its popularity.

Tools for laying laminate flooring

Manufacturers advise purchasing special tools, but you can get by with standard means:

Electric jigsaw or hacksaw;
Pencil;
Mallet;
Square;
Roulette;
Level;
Die or block for padding panels;
Assembly crowbar.

Panel interlock options

When laying the floor yourself, you will have to decide not only the question of how best to lay the laminate - along or across, but also how to fasten the individual elements of the covering. There are two types of lamella clutch locks, which will be discussed now.

CLICK locks

The slats are fastened using prefabricated locks, which are durable and highly resistant to any impact. This system is very simple and lasts for a long time.

Important! The gap in such panels is practically invisible, but it is recommended to install them parallel to the light source.

LOCK locks

The adhesion of the lamellas is ensured using special grooves on the plates. Again, you should focus on the light source and install along the distribution of the sun's rays.

What difficulties might arise?

If the work is carried out without haste, having thought everything through well beforehand, then no special difficulties should arise. But it often happens that due to a loose joint of the lamellas, moisture can get under the installation and cause a number of problems. Therefore, it is worth considering all the nuances and making sure that the surface does not have unevenness.

It is worth paying attention to some things before installation:

Once again, make sure the subfloor is even;
Choose only high-quality material;
Always use a pad;
Monitor the temperature;
Follow the manufacturer's directions;
Carefully inspect each board for defects.

Layout patterns and features

First, let's look at the list of installation schemes:

Herringbone - arrangement of laminate planks at an angle of 45°;
Asymmetry - disordered (chaotic) installation of panels;
Labyrinth - the formation of various patterns from components;
Braided - shift by the width of the bar;
Deck - offset by a third from the previous row.

Peculiarities

It should be understood that there are no specific styling features, and the choice should be based on individual preferences. For convenience, we classify the styling features:

In shape and size. Lamels are produced not only in the form of boards; you can also find square and rectangular planks.
By type of base. It is best to install on a well-dried and level concrete floor.

Important! When installing on top of wood, the panels must be laid perpendicular to the direction of the boards.

By design. Here everything is in taste and color - today you can find thousands design solutions that fit into the interior you are interested in.

Video material

All this knowledge is enough to become a “master” of laying laminate flooring. Now you can easily create perfect interior rooms without loss for yourself and your nerves. Feel free to get down to business! Remember that everything is in your hands!

Laying laminate flooring can be turned from a mundane task into a work of art. To do this, you will have to choose an original pattern according to which the planks will be located. But in most cases, it is necessary to choose such an option for the location of the laminate joint lines in order to visually expand or, conversely, reduce the room. The light falling from the window helps to achieve this. What is the best way to lay laminate flooring in relation to the window? This article, as well as the choice of laminate for the room, will be discussed in the article.

Preparatory work

The successful installation of laminate flooring largely depends on how the preparatory work is carried out. These include preparation of the base, tools and calculation of the required material. These three steps are the ones that take the most time. Each of them will be described in detail below.

What should be the basis

Laminate flooring can only be laid on a flat floor or other surface. In this case, an error of more than 2 mm per linear meter. In this case, it will not be possible to implement the required contour. That is why the following requirements are imposed on the foundation:

level consistency;
strength;
minimum humidity.

Substrate preparation will depend on which laminate installation method was chosen. A room with a wooden floor may require minimal intervention. To determine this, you need to carefully inspect the floor for imperfections. It is important to identify creaks and deflections that occur when walking. It is advisable to evaluate the condition of the joists and support beams on which the plane is supported. If several need to be replaced, then you might want to consider keeping the wood floor. In cases where extensive intervention is required, it is better to carry out complete dismantling. The reason is that the affected tree will deteriorate further.

Damaged joists are removed and eliminated. If mold or mildew has appeared under the floor, it must be thoroughly cleaned and the affected areas treated with an antiseptic. It is important to determine what caused the mold to appear. All paths for moisture penetration must be blocked, since it will certainly condense or leak out again. The shingles, which hold together when walked, are strengthened. It is better to go over the surface with a sanding machine so that it becomes perfectly flat. To bring the floor to the required level, linings are made from blocks of wood. After sanding, the wood is coated with an antiseptic composition.

Advice! The easiest way to check the difference in floor plane is with a laser level. The best one is one that can project a beam with an angle of 360°. The main points are selected and a tape measure is taken from the beam to the floor plane. The difference in values will indicate a difference.

Concrete foundations sometimes require longer preparation. The floor must be carefully inspected for damage. It is also important to identify hidden weaknesses. To do this, you can gently tap it with a hammer. If there is a dull sound in some places, then over time they may peel off, which will bring unpleasant consequences with myself. All potholes are sealed with tile adhesive or another similar solution. After this, you can proceed to identifying surface level differences in the manner described above.

If the difference in floor level is no more than three centimeters, then it can be compensated using a self-leveling mixture. Before starting work, it is necessary to remove dust and dirt from the floor surface and treat it with a deeply penetrating primer. If it is quickly absorbed, then the procedure can be repeated twice. After the primer has completely dried, the dry composition of the mixture is obtained. It is diluted with water in the proportions specified by the manufacturer and filled to the marked line. The next step is to remove any air bubbles from the solution. If this is not done, they can weaken the strength of the entire plane. For the procedure, you will need a needle roller, which must be passed over the thickness of the poured solution several times.

Advice! If the difference in floor level is greater, it may be necessary to fill a full screed.

Instead of pouring the screed, you can apply leveling using plywood or OSB sheets. Before starting work, the floor surface is cleared of debris and treated with a primer. All potholes are sealed with glue. The next step is to lay the waterproofing film. It should protect the wood from swelling and mold. The film must be laid with an overlap of 10 cm between the individual sheets, the joints are taped. The film is also laid overlapping on the wall. The next step is to adjust and lay the logs. They are attached to concrete base using anchor bolts. In this case, the bolt heads must be recessed into wooden beams so that it is possible to lay the flooring.

All logs must be leveled. After adjustment, sheets of plywood or OSB are laid on them. In this case, the material must be selected so that it does not contain harmful impurities that may be released during operation. The bedding sheets are laid with staggered seams to ensure they are intertwined. The heads of the screws should not protrude beyond the sheet, so they must be recessed. A gap of 5 mm must be left from the walls to the sheets. This gap serves as a thermal seal that compensates for expansion with changes in temperature and humidity.

Note! Plywood can also be used to level a wooden floor.

Calculation work

After preparatory work Before laying the laminate, it is necessary to carry out calculations that will be the key rational use budget. It is necessary to determine the area that will be covered with laminate. If it is only one room, then it is enough to multiply the width by the length. In the case of several rooms, you will need to calculate the area of each and the numbers are summed up. After this, you need to accurately determine the type and size of the laminate that will be used for installation. It is important to know the size of one laminate plank. This will allow you to calculate its area. The next step is to calculate the number of strips required. To do this, the total area of the premises is divided by the area of one plank. Next, the total number of planks is divided by that contained in one package.

After determining the total number of packages, you need to make a reserve of 10%. It will help out if the laminate planks are damaged or something goes wrong. After purchasing laminate flooring, it cannot be installed immediately. It is important that the laminate is acclimatized. This usually takes one day, but it may take more. During this time, it acquires the temperature and humidity of the room in which it will be installed.

Tool

Everyone lays laminate flooring using their own tools; if this is a one-time procedure, then there is no need to purchase expensive power tools and you can get by with the following units:

mallet;
hook for laying;
roulette;
fine-tooth hacksaw;
spacer pegs;
marking tool.

If the installation will be carried out constantly, then you can additionally acquire a miter saw. It will allow you to cut the laminate at a precisely specified angle and with minimal damage to the surface.

Laying methods

When purchasing a laminate, it is important to choose the right class. Those that start with 2 are intended for rooms with a small load, so for passage rooms such as hallways and corridors it is better to take class 33; for the bedroom and guest room you can stop at class 31. Everything will depend on the price. The next step is to choose the direction of laying the laminate relative to the window and correctly implement the project.

Choosing a direction

The choice of direction for laying the laminate is determined by several factors:

number of windows;
location of windows;
room parameters;
laminate design.

If laying laminate flooring is being done for the first time, then it is better to choose the method of laying perpendicular to the window. The advantage of this type of laminate installation is that the light from the window falls on the slats parallel to the seams of the laminate. This allows you to hide their presence. Thanks to this approach, the laminate floor appears monolithic. This also allows you to hide some flaws that may be made when laying the laminate. At the same time, the laminate boards look monolithic, which creates a certain charm. If the laminate is embossed, then this incidence of light will further emphasize the texture of the laminate board. However, it is better not to use this installation method for low-class laminate. The reason is that it wears out at the joints, which will ruin its appearance.

Note! When choosing this method of laying laminate flooring, you should pay attention to the configuration of the room. If the window is on larger wall, and on a smaller one, then this approach will lengthen the room even more.

The next option for laying the laminate in relation to the window would be a parallel arrangement of the slats. The reason for its choice may be the location of the window in the room, as discussed above. This installation method is also chosen in narrow rooms where the light comes from the next room. This method of laying laminate allows you to highlight the texture of the planks in a special way. This creates a feeling of an uneven surface. This option for arranging laminate boards is also suitable for laying mixed lamellas. Some may be glossy, while others may be matte.

Advice! For walk-through rooms in the best possible way Laying the laminate will be laid according to the direction of movement. In this way, it will be possible to achieve a long service life due to minimal abrasion of the laminate planks at the seams.

If the windows are arranged in a mixed manner, then you can lay the laminate diagonally. At the same time, the room acquires elusive lines. The gaze goes along the laminate not up or down, but to the corner of the room. To further accentuate the corner, a table or fireplace is placed in it. The angle of laying laminate in this way is within 40-60 degrees. Diagonal laying of laminate flooring is considered the most uneconomical, since a lot of waste remains from the laminate planks.

Installation process

The installation process requires due attention and skill, which is acquired as the work progresses. It is better to start from the far corner of the room and move towards the exit. Most often, laminate flooring is laid from left to right. The prepared surface is covered with a lining. If the laminate is laid on a concrete floor, then additional waterproofing in the form of a film is required, which is laid according to the pattern as described above. The lining can be made of foamed polyethylene or cork. An overlap is made between its individual sheets, and the joints are taped. The tenon of the first laminate strip is cut off to make it easier to place parallel to the wall.

A gap of 5 mm is made between the wall and the plank. To make it easier to store, plastic pegs are used. The first row is completely assembled and placed in its designated place. If it becomes obvious that the last plank will need to be cut by more than half, then it makes sense not to start with the whole part, but to divide the size of the final plank in half and lay the short one. The size of the first laminate strip in the second row should be selected in such a way as to ensure interlocking seams. After laying each plank, it must be tapped with a rubber mallet using a metal bracket. To get around pipes and other protrusions, you will need to make a hole with a jigsaw. A video about the installation technology can be viewed below.

Summary

As you can see, the choice of direction for laying the laminate is determined by many factors. According to the designer's idea, the styling pattern may contradict generally accepted rules. This is required to achieve a certain effect or to match the arrangement of furniture, which will compensate for the dimensions of the room.

You have chosen the design and texture you like and decided on the sizes floor boards and even found suitable specialist For finishing works, but still don’t know which direction to lay the laminate. But this is one of the most important points, on which the final result depends.

Laying options - what do the masters offer?

Design and design features floor coverings change annually, but the direction of laying the laminate remains unchanged. There are three types of installation:

longitudinal;
transverse;
diagonal.

The first two options are popular and simple, but they require skills and finances and are not suitable for all premises. When choosing diagonal method the room is not cluttered with furniture. Otherwise, the money and time spent on work will not be justified. That's why diagonal pattern used for installation in corridors and hallways, because it visually expands the space.

If you are wondering which direction to lay the laminate in order to get the minimum amount of waste, choose longitudinal laying. Appearance This type of flooring looks attractive. Installation is very simple, which is especially valuable if you are not going to hire a professional. It is advisable to use the longitudinal method when placing a window on the short side of the room. When the sun's rays are scattered on the laminate, seams and joints will not be visible, and no shadow will be cast.

Cross laying is less practical. Compared to the previous option, the amount of waste after finishing work is much greater, and cutting of boards has to be done more often. However, this method, like the diagonal one, helps to visually expand the space. It is often used in narrow corridors or elongated rooms.

Room layout - what is affected by the size and color of the planks?

Before asking yourself the question of how to lay the selected laminate - along or across the room, pay attention to important details layouts. Luminous flux is one of the main criteria. If there is only one window in the room, we lay the laminate parallel to natural light. This technique allows you to achieve a smooth, even floor surface and visually hide small defects and seams. If there are more than two windows in the room, the installation is carried out parallel to the window with a more intense light flux.

It is also worth considering the location artificial lighting. After all, it happens that it becomes the main source of light, and then it is worth adjusting to it. Another factor is the size of the room. In long narrow rooms with high ceilings, you should focus on transverse installation, which visually expands the space. In the low square rooms give preference to the longitudinal technique, which, according to experts, lengthens the space.

Laminate is considered a durable and wear-resistant coating. Therefore, it is used in almost all rooms, with the exception of the bathroom and other rooms with air humidity of more than 70%. Before laying such material on the floor, it is important to choose the color and size of the boards so that everything is in harmony with the chosen installation scheme and interior.

The first thing to beware of is bright colors and a narrow pattern along the entire length. This will create dissonance in the interior. For cross-laying, choose wide boards With plain pattern, and for a longitudinal pattern - an elongated pattern. Laminate with imitation ceramics also looks good. The color of the coating should be thoughtful and consistent with the goals set. A dark floor helps to visually narrow the space, and light-colored boards help to expand it.

For indoors non-standard shape, for example L-shaped, we recommend laying the slats diagonally. This solution will allow you to visually increase the space and create a textured pattern.

Reliable fixation - a collapsible lock or glue?

Along with the question of how to lay laminate correctly - lengthwise or crosswise, another question arises - which connection of boards to choose. Adhesive – reliable way, thanks to the fixation of joints with adhesive. However, laying laminate flooring in this way entails extra costs time, money, and easy dismantling will not be possible.

Therefore, many buyers began to prefer laminate flooring with a collapsible lock, for which there is no need to purchase additional glue or call a friend for help, because in case of a mistake, the floor structure can be easily disassembled. Here are the main locks with a collapsible mechanism:

Click – a system with offset end connections, after assembly of which a minimum gap in the seams is created;
Lock – boards are mounted due to the interlocking of the end grooves when the boards are placed parallel to each other;
5g – laying of the laminate occurs in one click due to the simultaneous snapping of the lock on the long and short sides;
Megalock - connecting the end sides by applying the first board to the second at an angle, after which the laminate is lightly pressed and a slight click is heard.

The laminate is connected diagonally using locks that can rotate 450°. To lay the laminate in a herringbone or English pattern, a special board, not a deck board, is selected.

Preparing the floor and choosing a substrate

A flat floor and laying a high-quality substrate under the laminate is the key to long-term operation of the floor covering. Any depression and roughness will increase pressure on the joints, causing squeaks and breakage of fastening locks. To prepare a smooth concrete floor, a self-leveling screed is used, and for a wooden floor, 10 mm sheets of plywood are used, which are fixed with self-tapping screws. Next comes the backing. Sound insulation, heat transfer of the floor covering, safety of the laminate from overload of the cabinet and upholstered furniture. Therefore, it is not worth saving on it. Let's look at the most common substrate options - from cheap to high-quality and expensive.

Foamed polyethylene - simple and affordable option. It has the basic properties of noise and heat insulation, and does not allow moisture to pass through. However, such material quickly sags and becomes unsuitable for further use. After about 5 years it will have to be replaced with a new one. The ratio of acceptable price and quality is extruded polystyrene foam. This material is moisture resistant, retains heat well and suppresses noise, and has a long service life. On the market, such a substrate can be found with a foil coating, which is used to create a heated floor.

When choosing material for a bedroom or nursery, we recommend purchasing natural cork backing. Cork is a durable material that makes the floor warm, neutralizes noise and squeaks, and allows air to pass through well. Cork substrate belongs to the expensive segment of building materials. The substrate made of coniferous tiles has the same set of qualities. It is used for laying on wooden base. Among all the substrates presented, this material is the highest quality and most expensive.

Step-by-step installation instructions - from start to finish

Before laying the laminate along or across, we recommend keeping it for two days at room temperature to equalize the moisture content of the material. After screeding and drying, spread around the entire perimeter plastic film which will help protect the floor covering from moisture. Now it's the turn of the substrate. We lay it across the laminate, and secure the joints with tape so that the material does not slide off during work.

We install the prepared plastic wedges between the wall and the boards, leaving a gap of 10 mm. We start laying from the corner of the room, moving according to the pattern you have chosen from left to right, connecting the panels to each other. We cut the last part of the row with a hacksaw or electric saw. We start the next row with the remaining sawn part, provided that its length is more than 30 cm. Using panels with Lock system, we knock out the row using a rubber hammer, and with the Click lock, we lay the boards at an angle of 45° and snap them into place.

The last row is the most difficult. The laminate will have to be cut to length and the board adjusted to width. At the final stage, we remove the wedges and install a plinth, under which all our errors will be hidden. Before cutting the boards of the last and first row, take preliminary measurements so that they are approximately symmetrical.