How to Design a Pattern in Laminate Flooring

The sky is the limit when designing laminate patterns.

Laminate flooring has more design purposes than most people give it credit. Traditionally, laminate flooring is laid uniformly to mimic tile or wood floors, but laminate floor tiles are made in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Mixing and matching those laminate tiles can create a vibrant floor that is a room's focal point. The pattern you choose is limited by only your imagination. Some tips will help you design and lay a professional-looking laminate floor pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Tile adhesive

Instructions

1. Choose the tiles you will use to make your laminate flooring pattern. For simple installation, choose tiles that are the same size. For a pattern that will cover the whole floor, choose four tile colors or patterns. Select colors and/or patterns that go well together and complement the room.

2. Remove the room's furniture. Sweep and mop the floor. Wait for the floor to dry.

3. Lay the laminate tiles on the floor in the patterns you desire. The most common pattern used is alternating tiles; for that pattern, lay the tiles across the floor so that no two tiles of the same color or design are next to one another. Other options include stripes and color blocks. Using a border along the room's perimeter gives the room a cozy feeling. Blocks of color can emphasize a breakfast nook and other area you wish to keep distinct. Lay and re-lay the tiles until you find a pattern you love.

4. Move some of the tiles to one side of the room, and adhere the tiles in place there following the tile adhesive's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine about how many laminate flooring tiles you need by multiplying the room's length by its width to find the room's square footage. Take that number to the flooring store. To accommodate mistakes, accidents and changes of heart, buy 20 percent more tiles than you think you will need. Use the room's perimeter to determine the appropriate number of tiles to purchase if you want to arrange the tiles in a border around the room.

• Designers recommend choosing colors that contrast with the furniture. If the furniture is light, choose dark flooring material, and vice versa.

• Leave the tile and adhesive in the room for 48 hours before you glue them down. Once the tiles and glue acclimate to the room's temperature, they will adhere more securely than otherwise.

References

• DuPont: Discover the DuPont Difference
• DuPont: How to Install Laminate Flooring