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Laminate flooring can be a great way to add style and texture to your walls. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put laminate flooring on the wall:
1. Prepare the wall: Clean the wall surface and remove any existing wallpaper or paint. Make sure the wall is smooth and free from any imperfections.
2. Measure and cut the laminate boards: Measure the height and width of the wall and cut the laminate boards accordingly. Leave a small gap between each board for expansion.
3. Apply adhesive: Apply a strong adhesive to the back of each laminate board. Make sure to spread it evenly to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Install the boards: Starting from the bottom, press the laminate boards firmly against the wall. Use a rubber mallet or a hammer and block to ensure a tight fit.
5. Repeat the process: Continue installing the laminate boards row by row, making sure to stagger the joints for a seamless look.
6. Trim the edges: Once all the boards are installed, trim any excess material using a saw or a utility knife.
7. Finishing touches: Install baseboards or trim to cover any gaps between the laminate flooring and the wall.
By following these steps, you can easily transform your walls with laminate flooring.
If you’re considering using laminate flooring on your walls, there’s no reason not to! Designers often use different types of flooring as wall coverings, and they also use specific wall paneling on the floor. While it may seem unusual, covering an accent wall or even an entire room with laminate flooring can be a creative design feature.
The Best Way to Attach Laminate Flooring to the Wall
Retailers of laminate flooring agree that using it on walls is a great idea. However, they also suggest that you only install it on a wall that is perpendicular, and avoid sloping walls or ceilings.
While retailers have different opinions on the method of attachment, you can use silicone caulk or construction adhesive. However, the challenge with adhesive is ensuring the planks stay in place while the adhesive sets.
Alternatively, you can use wood flooring tape. The wall must be completely flat, with no more than 3/16 inches of variation, no peeling paint, and no deteriorating drywall for this tape to work effectively. Avoid using laminate flooring on walls covered with wallpaper or wood paneling.
Important Considerations Before Starting
Choose laminate planks with overlapping end joints, rather than interlocking ones. This is because once the planks are laid flat, you won’t be able to tap them lengthwise. If your chosen style only has interlocking end joints, you will need to cut off the tongue and groove from each plank using a utility knife.
Allow the flooring to acclimate to the room for 2 to 3 days before installation to prevent shrinking and gaps. Simply place the unopened boxes on the floor in the designated room and give it time to adjust.
Avoid using flooring with a cork backing, as it doesn’t adhere well to the tape. The good news is that flooring without backing is generally more affordable. Due to moisture issues, it’s not recommended to use laminate flooring on bathroom walls unless you use adhesive in addition to the tape.
Creating a Wood Flooring Accent Wall
Start by placing vertical strips of tape on the wall, spacing them 8 to 12 inches apart. Leave a 2-inch gap between the bottom of the tape and the floor. Then, lay a straight 2-by-4 board on the floor next to the wall, making sure it’s level by using shims. This step is crucial, as it determines the straightness of your installation.
Install the planks with the groove edge facing upwards. The groove edge is the one that goes under the next plank. The tongue edge, which overlaps, should face downwards. Hang the first plank with the end 1/4 inch from the edge of the wall. Place it on the 2-by-4 and press it against the tape. Be careful with alignment, as once it’s pressed into place, it will be fixed.
To continue the installation, follow the same procedure for placing the next plank in the row. Make sure the joint at the end is tightly fitted before pressing it onto the tape. Repeat this process until you reach the opposite end of the wall. Trim the final plank to the appropriate length, leaving a 1/4-inch gap. Utilize the leftover piece to start the next row. Connect each plank in the subsequent rows by clicking them into the ones from the previous row. To create a random pattern, stagger the end joints by 8 to 12 inches. It is important to ensure that no two joints align with each other.
To complete the installation, install the baseboards and trim the edges of the wall with quarter-round, corner trim, or any other decorative option of your choice.
