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!
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:
- 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.
- Let the flooring acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity by removing it from the box and following the manufacturer’s guide.
- Create a 1/4″ expansion gap around the entire wall using shims if necessary. Learn more about why an expansion gap is necessary here.
- Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark their locations on the wall.
- Lay out the planks on the floor to plan their arrangement, staggering the end joints for a natural look.
- Cut the first row of planks, if needed, to ensure a proper fit.
- Apply adhesive in a serpentine pattern on the back of the first plank of the bottom row.
- Face-nail the plank at stud locations and blind-nail through the groove.
- Repeat the process for the bottom row and subsequent rows, clicking the planks together as you go.
- Trim the last row of planks if necessary, leaving an expansion gap at the top.
- 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.
68 comments
How about installing in a rv. I want to put on one wall in the living room. I did put vinyl planking on the floor and love it. I don’t like the weight of laminate, but. Please give me your thoughts.
Hi Rodney, thanks for reaching out. When installing any flooring on the wall, the most important factor is to make sure that the flooring is secured properly so it doesn’t fall off. When installing on a regular wall, you can nail planks directly into the studs in your wall. In an RV, we assume there are no studs, so the only option is to glue the flooring to the wall. Like you mentioned, laminate may be too heavy and there is no guarantee that glue will hold. Vinyl is definitely a better option, since it is more light weight. Your best bet is to try installing a thin vinyl with a heavy duty glue. Please know, the warranty on your floor will be voided. We hope this helps!
Can I install laminate flooring over paneling?
Hi Ron, thanks for reaching out. If you are referring to wall paneling, that should be fine. Please make sure that the paneling is secured to the wall, and nail the laminate to the wall or paneling so you don’t have to worry about the laminate falling from your wall. Hope this helps!
7mm thickness of laminate flooring sufficient for walls?
What’s the thickest you can use?
Is there a double sided tape I could use INSTEAD of an adhesive?
Hi John, thanks for reaching out. We have seen many of our customers install laminate on walls and it looks great! We recommend nailing the planks to a stud on the wall, using a nail gun on the locking edge. This way, you can be certain that each plank is properly mounted to the wall. We would not recommend using double sided tape. As far as thickness, there is no rule but we advise using a thinner laminate since it will be more lightweight. Please know, laminate is intended to be installed on the floor, so installing on the wall will void your warranty. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Can you tell me why I need to prime or paint new drywall?
Hi Dennis, thanks for your comment. You can go ahead and install directly on new dry wall, or on a primed and painted wall. The blog post recommends not to install directly over wallpaper or paneling, and this is to ensure that the flooring is well attached to the wall.
Thank you ! One more question, we are installing laminate on a concrete floor that has been ground down in spots to make level. Wondering if we also need to put plastic down under padding to keep dust from coming up from ground cement.
No problem! When installing on a concrete sub-floor, we generally recommend using an underlayment with a moisture barrier. This will provide all the benefits of standard underlayment, as well as moisture protection to prevent any moisture from coming up from the subfloor and damaging your flooring. We recommend Kronoswiss ProVent 3-in-1 Silent Vapor Flooring Underlayment https://www.bestlaminate.com/kronoswiss-provent-3-in-1-silent-vapor-flooring-underlayment-3mm-215-sf/
Can I glue the laminate to a concrete wall?
Great question, Jerry! Yes, you can glue laminate flooring to a concrete wall. You will need cove base adhesive, because it is formulated for quick grab and rapid set-up for faster, stronger installations. You can find this type of adhesive at any hardware department store. Happy installing!