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Can I Use Laminate Flooring on Walls?

by Bestlaminate
Published: Last Updated on 68 comments 9 minutes read

Yes, you can absolutely install laminate flooring on walls!

Laminate flooring isn’t just for the floor – it can also be used to create eye-catching accent walls. Discover how to transform any room with laminate or vinyl plank wall coverings. Updating your walls doesn’t have to break the bank – this budget-friendly option is perfect for those looking to add style and uniqueness to their space.

Worried about the installation process? Don’t be – with a little preparation and the right guidance, you can easily achieve stunning results. Get ready to showcase your DIY skills and give your walls a creative makeover that will leave a lasting impression. Don’t wait – start your wall transformation today!

laminate flooring installed on the wall

Everything You Need to Know About Installing Laminate Flooring on Walls

Looking to elevate your wall decor? Look no further. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of adding laminate flooring to your walls with ease. Discover helpful tips, step-by-step instructions, and find inspiration for your next project. And if you have any questions along the way, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Selecting the Perfect Flooring for Your Accent Wall

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your accent wall, we recommend opting for thin laminate or vinyl plank options. These lightweight choices make installation a breeze. Stay away from heavy and bulky floors, like hardwood or thick commercial-grade options, as they can be more challenging to work with.

Avoid Pre-Attached Underlayment

To ensure a strong bond between the flooring and your wall, it’s best to avoid floors with pre-attached underlayment. This can interfere with the adhesive and compromise the integrity of your project. Opt for flooring without pre-attached underlayment for the best results.

Understanding Warranty Considerations

It’s important to be aware that installing flooring on your wall may void the manufacturer’s warranty, as it’s not the intended use for the product. However, some manufacturers may offer limited coverage for wall installations. If you have any concerns about warranty coverage, we recommend reaching out to the manufacturer for clarification.

Embark on your wall transformation journey with confidence using our expert tips and guidance. Let’s create a stunning accent wall together!

Preparing Your Wall for a Successful Flooring Installation

To achieve a smooth and seamless look for your flooring, it is crucial to properly prepare your wall beforehand. This involves ensuring that the wall is smooth, level, and free from any moisture or damage. Any imperfections in the wall will prevent the flooring from lying flat, compromising the desired aesthetic.

When considering the installation area, it is important to keep it indoors. Avoid installing laminate on walls that have previously experienced moisture damage or areas prone to water exposure, such as over a bathtub or as a backsplash.

If your wall has wallpaper, existing paneling, or tile, it is recommended to remove these and start with a clean, primed, or painted wall. Additionally, make sure to remove vents, outlet covers, and trim prior to installation, as these will be reinstalled afterwards.

For proper installation, your flooring will be glued and nailed to the wall, so it is crucial that the surface and studs are in good condition to support the weight of the flooring. Additionally, it is advised to avoid unusually long or tall walls, as the weight of the flooring could pose a risk.

Here Is What You’ll Need:

  • Flooring
  • Moldings
  • Tape measure
  • Stud finder
  • Cutting tool, such as a table saw
  • Nails or a nail gun
  • Construction adhesive

Step by Step: How to Install Laminate Flooring on Walls

The installation process is similar to installing laminate flooring on a subfloor, but with the added step of permanently attaching the planks to the wall. It’s important to note that an expansion gap is still necessary to account for temperature and moisture changes.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for installing flooring on walls:

  1. Measure the height and width of your wall to determine the amount of flooring needed, allowing for a 5-10% extra for cutting and errors.
  2. Let the flooring acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity by removing it from the box and following the manufacturer’s guide.
  3. Create a 1/4″ expansion gap around the entire wall using shims if necessary. Learn more about why an expansion gap is necessary here.
  4. Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark their locations on the wall.
  5. Lay out the planks on the floor to plan their arrangement, staggering the end joints for a natural look.
  6. Cut the first row of planks, if needed, to ensure a proper fit.
  7. Apply adhesive in a serpentine pattern on the back of the first plank of the bottom row.
  8. Face-nail the plank at stud locations and blind-nail through the groove.
  9. Repeat the process for the bottom row and subsequent rows, clicking the planks together as you go.
  10. Trim the last row of planks if necessary, leaving an expansion gap at the top.
  11. Complete the installation by adding trim work for a polished look.

By following these steps, your accent wall will be up in no time! Our team of flooring experts is here to help with any questions you may have along the way. We look forward to helping you with your next project and seeing your new accent wall!

Inspiration For Your Next Project

Take your interior design to the next level by using laminate flooring on your walls. Discover unique and stunning ideas from our satisfied customers who have transformed their homes with this creative technique.

From accent walls to fireplaces, backsplashes to bathrooms, the possibilities are endless. Get inspired and elevate your home decor with the beauty of flooring on your walls.

More Unique Design Ideas:

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68 comments

Robert Handlovics December 26, 2022 - 11:49 am

I have trail master laminate flooring 7mm that you can you on walls. but I have paneling on the walls now, I want to put the flooring over my paneling. if I nail each flooring board to the paneling and gluing each flooring to the paneling. will this work? I have put more nails in the paneling to make sure the paneling is more secure.
thank you
Robert Handlovics

Reply
Rachel Vahcic January 3, 2023 - 9:48 am

Thank you for your question, Robert. Unfortunately, that is not a product that we carry or are familiar with. We would suggest contacting the manufacturer to see what they recommend for installation on the walls.

Reply
David Scruton March 1, 2022 - 1:02 pm

I have a few questions about fitting laminate flooring in my newly constructed extension :

1. Why are expansion joints around the perimeter important since the flooring will be nailed and glued and individual pieces cannot move?

2. Can I fit directly onto wall studs or is it necessary to fit sheetrock or other?

3. Do I need to leave an expansion joint where individual pieces end at window and door edges?

Any comments greatly appreciated.

Dave

Reply
Vanessa March 8, 2022 - 9:08 am

Laminate is designed as a floating floor so it should not be fixed (glued or nailed) to the subfloor. It is possible for some laminates, dependent on manufacturer recommendations, to be glued down to the subfloor. Expansion joints around the perimeter and in door openings are important because it allows for the flooring to expand and contract with the heat and cooling. If an expansion gap is not left, the flooring will have nowhere to expand thus causing it to cup downward or peak upward. Ultimately the lack of expansion gap will cause many issues with your flooring. That being said, it is not recommended to fit laminate directly under wall studs, etc. Expansion gaps are required around the full perimeter of the room as well as through doorways. Hope this helps!

Reply
Rachel January 5, 2022 - 1:16 pm

Do you know the brand and pattern of the laminate flooring in the photo? It is exactly what we’re looking for, but we’ve not been able to find it! Thanks so much for your time~ Rachel

Reply
Vanessa January 11, 2022 - 9:54 am

Hi Rachel! The flooring used is Kronoswiss’s Shabby Chic. This material has since been discontinued; however you can find similar styles here: Whitewashed Vinyl Flooring

Reply
Raye August 30, 2021 - 4:17 pm

I was told by mold specialist do not install flooring on the wall of a room with exterior facing walls, i made this mistake and the temp differences cause mold. Cost $2000 for mold remediation, new framing and drywall replacement. Use on interior walls only.

Reply
Vanessa September 1, 2021 - 12:18 pm

You are correct. We never recommend installing any laminate or vinyl in any outdoor settings.

Reply
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