Laminate Around Corners: Pro Install Tips (3 Hacks!)

Ever feel like your home improvement projects are trying to tell you a joke?

Well, why did the floor installer bring a ladder to work?

Because he heard the job had its ups and downs!

Okay, okay, maybe my jokes need a little work, but when it comes to flooring, I’m all business.

And today, we’re tackling a tricky beast: laminate flooring around corners.

Trust me, I’ve seen it all – from disastrous mismeasurements to corners that look like they were attacked by a beaver.

But don’t worry, I’m here to share my secrets.

I’ve got three killer hacks that will have you installing laminate around those pesky corners like a seasoned pro.

So, grab your tools, and let’s get to it!

1. Understanding Laminate Flooring

First things first, let’s chat about laminate.

Laminate flooring has exploded in popularity over the last decade.

Why?

It’s durable, relatively inexpensive, and comes in a huge array of styles that mimic everything from hardwood to stone.

It’s basically the chameleon of the flooring world.

You’ll find it in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens (with the right moisture-resistant type), and pretty much everywhere in between.

But here’s the deal: laminate isn’t a solid piece of wood or tile.

It’s made of several layers bonded together, including a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core and a decorative layer that gives it its look.

This layered construction makes it more susceptible to chipping and damage if you don’t cut it correctly, especially around corners.

And that’s where the challenge comes in.

Corners are where even the most experienced DIYers can stumble.

They require precision, patience, and a good understanding of how laminate behaves.

A poorly executed corner can ruin the entire look of your floor, not to mention leave gaps that collect dirt and debris.

Plus, let’s be honest, nobody wants to be staring at a wonky corner for years to come.

That’s why mastering these corner-cutting skills is absolutely crucial for a professional-looking laminate floor.

2. Hack #1: The Perfect Measurement Method

Alright, let’s dive into our first hack: the perfect measurement method.

This is where it all begins, folks.

Accurate measurements are the cornerstone of any successful flooring project, especially when you’re dealing with corners.

Think of it this way: a bad measurement is like a typo in a legal document – it can have major consequences!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people rush this step, only to end up with pieces that are too short, too long, or just plain wrong.

Trust me, taking your time and getting it right from the start will save you a ton of headaches (and wasted laminate) down the road.

So, how do we achieve measurement nirvana?

Here’s my step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You’ll need a few essential tools for accurate measurements:

• A reliable measuring tape: I prefer a metal one that’s at least 25 feet long.
  
  Don’t skimp on this – a flimsy tape measure will give you inconsistent results.

• A speed square or combination square: This is your best friend for ensuring perfectly square cuts.

• A pencil: A regular pencil is fine, but I like using a mechanical pencil for its fine point.

• Paper and a notebook: For sketching out the corner and jotting down your measurements.

Step 2: Identify the Corner Type

There are two main types of corners you’ll encounter:

• Inside Corners: These are corners that point inward, like the corner of a room where two walls meet.

• Outside Corners: These are corners that protrude outward, like the corner of a wall or a peninsula.

The measuring technique will vary slightly depending on the corner type.

Step 3: Measuring Inside Corners

1. Position your laminate plank: Place the laminate plank you’ll be cutting near the corner, leaving the appropriate expansion gap (usually around 1/4 inch).

2. Measure the distance to the wall: Measure the distance from the edge of the laminate plank to the wall at both ends of the plank, near the corner.

   Write down these measurements – let’s call them Measurement A and Measurement B.

3. Measure the depth of the corner: Place your speed square against one wall, extending it to the edge of the laminate plank.

   Measure the distance from the edge of the speed square to the wall along the plank.

   Repeat this on the other wall.

   Write down these measurements – Measurement C and Measurement D.

4. Sketch it out: Draw a rough sketch of the corner in your notebook, labeling all your measurements.

   This will help you visualize the cuts you need to make.

5. Transfer Measurements to the Laminate: Carefully transfer your measurements onto the laminate plank using your pencil and square.

   Double-check everything before you start cutting!

Step 4: Measuring Outside Corners

1. Position your laminate plank: As with inside corners, place the laminate plank near the corner, leaving the appropriate expansion gap.

2. Measure the length of the corner: Measure the distance from the edge of the laminate plank to the tip of the corner.

   Write this down as Measurement E.

3. Measure the angle of the corner: This is where things get a bit trickier.

   You can use a protractor to measure the angle of the corner directly, or you can use a combination square to create a right triangle and calculate the angle using trigonometry.

   However, for most outside corners, a 45-degree miter cut on each plank will work just fine.

4. Transfer Measurements to the Laminate: Carefully transfer your measurements onto the laminate plank, taking into account the angle of the corner.

   Again, double-check everything before cutting.

Pro Tip: When measuring, always measure twice and cut once!

It’s a classic carpentry saying, but it holds true for laminate flooring as well.

Example: Let’s say we’re dealing with an inside corner.

Measurement A is 6 inches, Measurement B is 6 1/4 inches, Measurement C is 2 inches, and Measurement D is 2 1/8 inches.

Based on these measurements, we know that we need to make a slightly angled cut to fit the laminate snugly into the corner.

By carefully transferring these measurements onto the laminate plank, we can ensure a precise and professional-looking fit.

(Diagram/Illustration of measuring inside and outside corners with labeled measurements would be placed here)

3. Hack #2: The Template Trick

Okay, now that we’ve mastered the art of measurement, let’s move on to our second hack: the template trick.

This is a game-changer, especially for those awkward, non-square corners that seem to defy all logic.

A template allows you to create a precise replica of the corner, which you can then use to transfer the exact shape onto your laminate plank.

It’s like having a cheat sheet for your flooring project.

I’ve used this trick countless times, and it’s saved me from countless headaches.

Here’s how to make and use a template:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You’ll need a few simple materials to create your template:

• Cardboard or heavy paper: Cardboard is more durable, but heavy paper works well for simpler corners.

• Scissors or a utility knife: For cutting the template material.

• A pencil: For tracing the corner onto the template.

• Tape (optional): For securing the template in place.

Step 2: Create the Template

1. Position the Template Material: Place the cardboard or paper against the corner, making sure it covers the entire area you need to replicate.

2. Trace the Corner: Carefully trace the outline of the corner onto the template material using your pencil.

   For inside corners, trace the inside edge of the corner.

   For outside corners, trace the outside edge of the corner.

3. Cut Out the Template: Use your scissors or utility knife to carefully cut out the template along the traced lines.

   Be as precise as possible – any imperfections in the template will be transferred to your laminate plank.

Step 3: Transfer the Template to the Laminate

1. Position the Template: Place the template on the laminate plank, aligning it with the edge of the plank.

2. Trace the Template: Carefully trace the outline of the template onto the laminate plank using your pencil.

3. Double-Check: Before you start cutting, double-check that the template is properly aligned and that the traced lines are accurate.

   It’s always a good idea to do a dry run by holding the laminate plank up to the corner to see how it fits.

Pro Tip: For complex corners, you can create a multi-piece template by taping together several pieces of cardboard or paper.

This allows you to capture every detail of the corner’s shape.

Example: Let’s say we’re dealing with a rounded corner.

Trying to measure and cut this type of corner directly on the laminate would be a nightmare.

But with a template, it’s a breeze!

Simply create a template by tracing the rounded corner onto cardboard, cut out the template, and then transfer the shape onto the laminate plank.

(Diagram/Illustration of creating and using templates for inside, outside, and rounded corners would be placed here)

4. Hack #3: The Jigsaw Technique

Alright, we’ve got our measurements down, we’ve mastered the template trick, now it’s time to talk about cutting:

And that brings us to our third hack: the jigsaw technique.

A jigsaw is an incredibly versatile tool that’s perfect for cutting laminate around corners, especially those tricky curves and angles.

I’ve used a jigsaw for countless flooring projects, and it’s become one of my go-to tools.

But here’s the thing: using a jigsaw correctly takes a bit of practice and know-how.

You need to choose the right blade, adjust the settings properly, and use the right technique to avoid chipping and splintering the laminate.

Here’s my step-by-step guide to jigsaw mastery:

Step 1: Choose the Right Blade

The blade you use will have a huge impact on the quality of your cuts.

For laminate flooring, you’ll want to use a fine-tooth blade that’s specifically designed for cutting laminate or wood.

I recommend a high-speed steel (HSS) blade with at least 10 teeth per inch (TPI).

A blade with more teeth will produce a cleaner cut with less chipping.

Step 2: Adjust the Jigsaw Settings

Most jigsaws have adjustable settings for speed and orbital action.

For laminate, you’ll want to use a medium speed setting and turn off the orbital action.

Orbital action is great for cutting through thick wood quickly, but it can cause excessive chipping on laminate.

Step 3: Practice Your Technique

Before you start cutting your actual laminate planks, it’s a good idea to practice on some scrap pieces.

This will give you a feel for how the jigsaw handles and allow you to fine-tune your technique.

Step 4: Cut the Laminate

1. Secure the Laminate: Place the laminate plank on a stable surface and clamp it down securely.

   This will prevent the plank from moving around while you’re cutting.

2. Follow the Line: Carefully guide the jigsaw along the traced line, keeping the base of the jigsaw flat against the laminate.

   Use a slow, steady pace and let the blade do the work.

   Don’t force the jigsaw – this can cause chipping and splintering.

3. Maneuvering Around Corners: When you reach a corner, slow down and carefully pivot the jigsaw to follow the curve or angle.

   For tight corners, you may need to make a series of small, overlapping cuts.

4. Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when using a jigsaw.

   And be sure to keep your fingers away from the blade!

Pro Tip: To minimize chipping, you can apply masking tape along the cut line before you start cutting.

The tape will help to hold the laminate fibers together and prevent them from splintering.

Example: Let’s say we need to cut a curved corner around a pipe.

Using a jigsaw is the perfect solution!

By carefully following the traced line and pivoting the jigsaw as needed, we can create a smooth, professional-looking cut that fits perfectly around the pipe.

(Diagram/Illustration of using a jigsaw to cut laminate around various types of corners would be placed here)

Additional Tips

Okay, we’ve covered the three main hacks for installing laminate around corners.

But before we wrap up, I want to share a few additional tips that will help you achieve flawless results.

• Acclimate the Laminate: Laminate flooring needs to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of your home before you install it.

  I recommend acclimating the laminate for at least 48 hours before you start the project.

  According to the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA), proper acclimation is crucial for a successful laminate flooring installation.

• Choose the Right Underlayment: Underlayment is a thin layer of material that you install between the subfloor and the laminate flooring.

  It provides cushioning, sound insulation, and moisture protection.

  When choosing an underlayment, look for one that’s specifically designed for laminate flooring.

  I recommend a closed-cell foam underlayment for its excellent moisture resistance.

• Finishing Touches: Once you’ve installed the laminate flooring, you’ll want to add some finishing touches to give it a polished look.

  Choose quarter round or baseboards that complement the style of your laminate flooring and your home décor.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks!

My top three hacks for installing laminate flooring around corners like a pro.

Remember:

• Measure accurately: Take your time and double-check your measurements before you start cutting.

• Use templates: For complex corners, a template can be a lifesaver.

• Master the jigsaw: With the right blade and technique, a jigsaw can handle even the trickiest cuts.

With these tips and a little practice, you’ll be able to install laminate flooring around corners with confidence and achieve a professional- looking result.

Now go get those corners looking sharp!

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