Laminate Under Door Jambs: How? (2 Cut Mistakes!)
One thing that consistently trips people up is getting that perfect fit under door jambs.
It’s a crucial detail that impacts not just the look of your floor, but also your home’s energy efficiency.
Why energy efficiency, you ask?
Think about it: gaps around your flooring, especially under doors, are prime spots for air leaks.
These leaks let precious heat escape in the winter and allow hot air to seep in during the summer.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air leaks can account for a significant portion of your home’s energy loss, sometimes up to 30%! https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/air-sealing
Door jambs, the vertical posts that form the sides of a door frame, play a vital role in maintaining a tight thermal envelope.
When your flooring butts up neatly against them, you’re helping to seal those potential gaps.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through the right way to install laminate flooring under door jambs.
More importantly, I’ll highlight the two biggest cut mistakes I see homeowners make, and how to dodge those bullets.
Trust me, avoiding these errors will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Section 1: Understanding Laminate Flooring
So, what exactly is laminate flooring?
Simply put, it’s a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together through a lamination process.
It typically mimics the appearance of hardwood, stone, or tile, offering a cost-effective and durable alternative.
You’ll find it everywhere these days, from living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and even some commercial spaces.
Why is laminate so popular?
Well, it’s affordable, scratch-resistant, relatively easy to install, and comes in a huge range of styles.
It’s a great option if you want the look of real wood without the hefty price tag or the maintenance headaches.
But here’s the thing: laminate flooring moves.
It expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity.
That’s why proper installation is absolutely critical.
If you don’t account for this movement, you could end up with buckling, warping, or gaps in your floor.
Now, let’s talk about door jambs.
As I mentioned earlier, these are the vertical parts of the door frame.
They’re essential for structural support and for creating a tight seal when the door is closed.
When installing flooring, you want the laminate to slide under the door jamb, not just butt up against it.
This creates a cleaner, more professional look and helps prevent those pesky air leaks.
Section 2: Preparing for Installation
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks.
Before you even think about cutting a single plank, you need to gather your tools and materials.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Laminate Flooring: Obviously! Make sure you’ve got enough to cover your entire area, plus a little extra for waste and mistakes.
- Underlayment: This goes between the subfloor and the laminate. It provides cushioning, sound insulation, and a moisture barrier.
- Measuring Tape: A good, sturdy measuring tape is essential for accurate cuts.
- Pencil: For marking your cuts.
- Speed Square: Helps you make straight, accurate lines.
- Laminate Flooring Cutter or Saw: A laminate cutter is great for straight cuts, while a jigsaw or circular saw is better for more complex shapes.
- Jamb Saw or Oscillating Multi-Tool: This is key for undercutting the door jambs.
- Hammer and Tapping Block: For gently tapping the planks together.
- Pull Bar: For tightening those last few rows.
- Spacers: To maintain the expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Dust Mask: Laminate dust can be irritating.
- Chisel and Utility Knife: For removing existing door trims, if needed.
Okay, you’ve got your tools. Now it’s time to prep the area.
First, measure your door jambs.
You need to determine the thickness of your laminate flooring plus the underlayment.
This will tell you how high you need to undercut the jambs.
For example, if your laminate is 8mm thick and your underlayment is 2mm, you need to undercut the jambs by 10mm.
Next, figure out the length of the laminate planks you’ll need to fit under the door jambs.
Measure the distance from the wall to the door jamb, and add a little extra for wiggle room.
Important: Before you even start cutting, let your laminate flooring acclimate to the room.
This means leaving it in the room for at least 48-72 hours before installation.
Trust me on this one. I’ve seen too many floors buckle because people skipped this step.
Finally, if you have existing door trims (like quarter-round molding), you might need to remove them.
Use a chisel and utility knife to carefully pry them away from the wall.
Be gentle! You don’t want to damage the door frame or the surrounding walls.
Section 3: The Installation Process
Alright, the moment of truth! Let’s get that laminate flooring installed under those door jambs.
Step 1: Measure and Mark the Height
Using your measurement from earlier (laminate thickness + underlayment thickness), mark the height on the door jambs.
Use a speed square to ensure your lines are straight and level.
Step 2: Cut the Laminate Planks
This is where things can get tricky.
Cut the laminate planks to the correct length, using a laminate cutter or saw.
Now, here’s the first common mistake:
-
Incorrect Measurements: This seems obvious, but it’s incredibly common.
People rush, they don’t double-check, and they end up with planks that are too short or too long.
If the planks are too short, you’ll have unsightly gaps.
If they’re too long, you’ll have trouble fitting them under the jambs, and you might damage the flooring.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: Seriously, this is the golden rule of any DIY project.
- Use a Sharp Pencil: A fine line is easier to follow than a thick, blurry one.
- Cut Slightly Long: It’s always better to cut a plank slightly too long than too short. You can always trim it down later.
- Practice on Scrap: Before you start cutting your good planks, practice on some scrap pieces to get a feel for your saw or cutter.
Step 3: Slide the Planks into Place
Carefully slide the cut laminate planks under the door jambs.
You might need to use a tapping block and hammer to gently nudge them into position.
Make sure the planks are flush with the wall and that they fit snugly under the jambs.
Step 4: Leave an Expansion Gap
This is absolutely crucial.
Laminate flooring needs room to expand and contract.
Use spacers to maintain this gap around the perimeter of the room, including under the door jambs.
And here’s the second common mistake:
-
Not Leaving Enough Expansion Space: People often underestimate how much laminate flooring can expand.
They think a tiny gap is enough, but it’s not.
When the temperature and humidity change, the flooring will expand and push against the walls, causing buckling and warping.
I’ve seen entire floors ruined because of this simple mistake.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions: The manufacturer will specify the recommended expansion gap for your particular flooring.
- Use Spacers: Don’t try to eyeball it. Use spacers to ensure a consistent gap around the entire perimeter of the room.
- Don’t Skip Corners: Make sure you leave an expansion gap in the corners of the room, as well as along the walls.
- Consider Climate: If you live in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations, you might want to increase the expansion gap slightly.
Step 5: Secure the Planks and Reattach the Door Trim
Once you’re happy with the fit and the expansion gap, secure the laminate planks according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This usually involves clicking them together using a tongue-and-groove system.
Use a tapping block and pull bar to ensure a tight, seamless fit.
Finally, reattach the door trim (if you removed it earlier).
Use finishing nails or construction adhesive to secure the trim to the wall.
Make sure the trim covers the expansion gap and creates a clean, professional finish.
Section 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, things can sometimes go wrong.
Here are some common issues you might encounter, and how to fix them:
- Misalignment: If the planks aren’t lining up properly, use a tapping block and hammer to gently nudge them into place. You might need to use a pull bar to tighten those last few rows.
- Gaps: If you have gaps between the planks, it could be due to incorrect measurements or a faulty locking mechanism. Try tapping the planks together more firmly. If that doesn’t work, you might need to replace the affected planks.
- Uneven Door Jambs: If your door jambs are uneven or improperly installed, it can be tricky to get a perfect fit. You might need to use a shim to level the flooring or trim the jambs to create a more even surface. An oscillating multi-tool is your friend here.
- Buckling: If your flooring is buckling, it’s usually a sign that you didn’t leave enough expansion space. You might need to remove the baseboards and trim the flooring to create more room for expansion.
Section 5: Final Touches and Maintenance
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed laminate flooring under your door jambs.
Now it’s time for the final touches.
First, clean the new floor with a damp mop.
Avoid using excessive water, as this can damage the laminate.
Inspect the floor for any issues, such as gaps, misalignment, or unevenness.
Address any problems promptly to prevent them from getting worse.
To keep your laminate flooring looking its best, follow these maintenance tips:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly: This will remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface.
- Use a damp mop for cleaning: Avoid using excessive water or harsh chemicals.
- Protect the floor from scratches: Use felt pads under furniture legs and avoid wearing shoes with sharp heels.
- Clean up spills immediately: Laminate flooring is water-resistant, but not waterproof. Wipe up spills as soon as possible to prevent staining or damage.
- Inspect periodically: Check the flooring regularly for any signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or buckling. Address any problems promptly to prevent them from getting worse. Pay special attention to the areas under door jambs.
Conclusion
Installing laminate flooring under door jambs can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and technique, it’s definitely achievable.
Remember the key takeaways:
- Measure accurately: Double-check your measurements before cutting any planks.
- Leave an expansion gap: This is crucial for preventing buckling and warping.
- Acclimate the flooring: Let the planks adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation.
- Use the right tools: A jamb saw or oscillating multi-tool is essential for undercutting the door jambs.
- Take your time: Don’t rush the installation process. It’s better to do it right the first time than to have to redo it later.
By avoiding the two common cut mistakes I’ve highlighted in this article, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful, energy-efficient floor that you can be proud of.
Now, I’d love to hear about your experiences with laminate flooring.
Have you ever made these mistakes? What tips do you have for installing laminate under door jambs?
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
