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Can I Use Laminate Flooring on Walls?

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Can I put laminate flooring on the wall

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
  1. Don J says:

    Hi there,
    I do like to install laminate flooring on my basement walls. It is already insulated and plastic covered but no drywall installed. Can I install laminate flooring on the wall instead of drywall?

  2. Steve Mariner says:

    Can I use the sticky foam used to stick plasterboard sheets to walls? The walls I wish to cover are plaster finish over brick.

    • Alana Kane says:

      Hi Steve, thanks for your question. Are you putting plasterboard over the brick? Your wall will need to be solid and stable to install the laminate planks. They are heavy and require a wall that can hold the weight. Be sure to use a material that works well with the adhesive you choose.

  3. Rob McKenzie says:

    I plan to put flooring on a wall where one end will be in a corner, but the other end of the flooring will be exposed as part of the wall continues over a doorway. I have heard to use quarter round in the corner, but what would you recommend on the other exposed end to help it look sharp??

    • Alana Kane says:

      Hi Rob, thanks for the question. A quarter round is going to make it look the most finished. Some may use a caulking to fill in the gap, but this doesn’t look quite as good. You could also just try to really make straight edges at the corners for a streamlined look. Sorry I don’t have any better recommendations!

  4. Steve LaGraff says:

    If laminate flooring used on walls is fixed with adhesive and nails at the studs then how does it expand properly?

    • Alana Kane says:

      Hi Steve, thanks for the question. You should still leave an expansion gap around the edges for the floor to move. Although the back layer will be glued to the wall, the physical core is what will expand and contract. Just like an engineered hardwood floor, it can still expand and contract even though nailed or adhered to the floor. Since a wall application will not be walked on or have spills, it doesn’t experience pressure on the joints or extreme swelling, which is why we can adhere a laminate to the wall – unlike an actual floor install.

  5. John Wilson Hopkins says:

    How do you recommend attachment to metal studs on 24″ centers ?

    • Alana Kane says:

      Hi John, thanks for the question. With metal studs, you will use adhesive only – cove base type with instant tackiness.

    • Tom Preiss says:

      Any reason why I can’t install only using a finishing nail gun right through the laminate into the studs? No adhesive. Is it due to how it looks or will it break the laminate?

      Second question, ok to install on painted drywall with a very thin knockdown applied?

    • Alana Kane says:

      Hi Tom, thanks for the question. I believe due to the weight of the planks, it’s advised to also use adhesive. Also, yes, you will probably need to patch over the holes then. Installing over the knockdown may cause an issue due to it not being level. You will want the planks to sit on a smooth surface.

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