How To Install A Laminate Floor To A Front Door

By  Robin Hewitt

Things Needed

  • Laminate flooring end molding, color to match floor and length of doorway

  • Measuring tape

  • Miter saw and box

  • 100 percent mildew-resistant silicone sealant

Tip

Excess smeared sealant can be cleaned off with acetone; take care to test the acetone in a hidden area to be sure it won't damage the surface.

Warning

Always wear eye protection when cutting laminated flooring.

Front door of houseJupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

When you're installing a laminate floor, finishing the floor to other areas such as adjoining rooms and outside doors is a vital part of the installation process. If a laminate floor is not finished correctly, the expansion gap may be compromised or the seal of the floor may be gapped, allowing the floor to buckle or warp and voiding the manufacturer's warranty in the process. You'll be relieved to learn there's a particular process for installing a laminate floor to a front door, and it's not too complicated to do.

Step 1

Install the flooring, ending one half inch from the edge of the front door.

Step 2

Measure the doorway and cut a piece of laminate end molding to fit, using a miter saw and box to get an exact cut.

Step 3

Squeeze a quarter-inch bead of 100 percent mildew-resistant silicone sealant along the bottom edge of the end molding and a second quarter-inch bead of silicone along the flat side of the molding.

Step 4

Set the molding into the half-inch gap, taking care to butt the flat side tight against the doorway and press firmly to attach the bottom bead of sealant onto the subfloor. 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.

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. Wipe away any excess to achieve a uniform seal.

References

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