What to do first doors or laminate

There is no definitive guidance on which aspect should be prioritized for transformation, as it largely hinges on the unique characteristics of the living space. The sequence will vary depending on whether the renovation is being undertaken in an antiquated residence or a newly constructed apartment with unfinished elements. Prior to making any determinations, one must grasp the nuances of both scenarios, including the intensity of labor and the cost of implementing changes in each instance.

Option 1: laying laminate flooring and only then installing the box

By following this approach, you can begin by laying down the floor covering before proceeding to install the door frames. This method is especially convenient for apartments and unfinished spaces, or when there is a need to replace both the flooring finish and the doors. It’s worth noting that even those with limited experience in carpentry can easily complete this task.

Before installing the flooring, it is essential to complete all necessary dirty construction work and ensure that the walls and floors are fully prepared for finishing. A special underlayment needs to be placed on the floor, which has already been leveled with a screed, followed by the laminate. Keep in mind that after the installation, the floor level will be slightly higher by a few centimeters, so the height of the doorways should be measured in advance. If the doorways are lower than 2 meters (the standard door leaf height), it is recommended to either increase the height before starting the finishing work or opt for custom-made doors.

The laminate flooring is laid without being firmly attached to the base, and it is necessary to leave a gap of approximately 1 cm near the walls. This gap is important to prevent the flooring from deforming. In the future, the gaps near the walls can be covered with floor skirting boards.

Once the work is complete, you can proceed to the installation of door frames, door trims, and platbands. To protect the new laminate from any potential damage, it is important to cover the area surrounding the doorway with either cardboard or film.

By following this step-by-step process, it is possible to seamlessly lay the flooring across the entire room without the need for dividing rooms with thresholds. This not only enhances the overall aesthetics of the house, but also eliminates any potential tripping hazards associated with thresholds when walking.

Option 2: Install doors and only then lay laminate flooring

The installation process involves placing the doors first and then proceeding with the flooring. This method is selected in cases where there is concern about potential damage to the flooring during the door installation. It is also ideal for situations where the interior doors are already in place and there are no plans to replace them, but the floor has deteriorated and requires replacement.

To perform this type of replacement, more skill and expertise are required compared to the first option. Furthermore, it is a more costly process, and there is a risk that the end result may not meet expectations. When replacing a laminate floor, it is crucial to accurately determine the level to which the new floor will rise. Failure to do so may result in the doors hitting the boards and causing friction. It is also possible for other visible flaws, such as gaps, openings, or variations in flooring height between different rooms, to occur.

An important consideration is whether the subfloor needs to be replaced after removing the old flooring. If the subfloor is not level or sturdy enough, the laminate may shift, produce squeaking sounds, or even become deformed. In such cases, the subfloor will need to be reinforced with a screed.

Boards, chipboard, and plywood are also suitable options for a subfloor. In this case, it’s important to take measurements beforehand and consider that the height of the floor, including the base, carpet pad, and flooring, should allow for easy opening and closing of doors. It’s recommended to leave a gap of 0.5-1 cm between the bottom of the door and the floor covering.

If the doors still touch the floor after the flooring is installed, the issue can be resolved by trimming the door leaf. However, this requires a specialized tool, such as a hacksaw with an offset handle. Keep in mind that doors made of solid wood or glass may be very challenging, if not impossible, to trim.

If there are thresholds between the rooms in the doorways, it is recommended to install laminate flooring after the doors have been installed. Once the doors are in place, the flooring can be neatly trimmed on both sides of the threshold. To ensure a seamless finish, any resulting gaps can be filled and covered using a specially designed slat profile.

Installing the flooring after the door leaf has been installed

When it comes to installing flooring material, it is important to follow a responsible approach. If you have decided to lay laminate flooring after installing the door, the work should be done in the following sequence:

Before installing the door, you need to prepare the floor and the opening by performing the following steps:

1. Create a floor screed, which involves:
2. Carrying out surface cleaning;
3. Measuring;
4. Applying floor primer;
5. Installing beacons;
6. Laying down concrete mortar.
7. After that, proceed with lining the slopes:
8. Level the surface with plaster mortar;
9. Apply primer;
10. Finish with putty and sand the surface.

After all surfaces have dried completely, the installation of the box can be done.

In the room, where there is material under wood in the floor, it is necessary to take measurements to determine how high the box and door should be from the floor level. This should be done taking into consideration the future material that will be used, as it can raise the level of the floor.

The substrate under the laminate floor serves several functions:

• It insulates the floor.
• It helps to conceal sounds produced from walking on the flooring.

There are different types of substrates available for laminate flooring:

• Polyethylene foam.
• Polystyrene extruded.
• Cork material.
• Coniferous material.

When laying the flooring material, it is important to also lay the appropriate substrate.

To make the box ready, cut it to the necessary length, considering the measurements taken. It is advisable to cut the box before installing it.

Once everything is prepared, mount the door unit in the opening and install the door.

Installing the box involves several stages:

• Assemble and fasten the box structure;
• Mark the hinges’ fixing points;
• Prepare and attach the hinges.

After preparing the structure, install it in the opening and install the door.

After installing the door leaf, lay the flooring material.

If you decide to install the door as a unit, it should match the size of the frame and leave a few millimeters gap between it and the future floor covering.

Once the door has been installed, the next step is to install the flooring. This can be done in three different ways:

The first method involves laying the laminate flooring freely under the door frame. In this case, there is no contact between the door and the flooring. If the measurements are accurate, the door should open smoothly without putting any pressure on the laminate.

However, if the calculations are incorrect, the door and the frame may exert pressure on the flooring, causing scratches or leaving noticeable gaps between them. If the gap between the frame and the flooring can be concealed, then there is no need to replace the door.

• The second method is to saw grooves in the door frame to accommodate the laminate flooring. The door is then installed in the same manner as in the first method, with a small gap.
• Alternatively, the third method involves trimming the laminate flooring to fit the protruding parts of the door frame.

Before installing the laminate, it is important to take precise measurements in order to properly assemble the door frame. The door should also be chosen based on these measurements.

This method offers several advantages:

• The rough work can be done simultaneously for both the floor and the entrance opening.
• The laminate flooring can be installed without the need for excessive cutting and fitting to the interior opening.
• There is no need to cover the laminate flooring or worry about its safety when installing the door.

If inaccurate measurements are taken, it may result in either a large gap between the box and the floor or a tight fit, both of which require additional actions and expenses:

• The door leaf may need to be replaced.
• The box may need to be filed down or the gaps may need to be concealed.

Which option is more correct?

To address this question, it is important to once again consider the pros and cons of each of these methods.

In the first scenario, where the doors are installed first and then the floor is laid, or if the doors are already in place and don’t need to be changed, advocates of this installation order highlight the advantage of avoiding any potential damage to the flooring.

However, it’s worth noting that the cost of this approach is higher. In the second scenario, lower costs and faster installation are emphasized, as there’s no need to modify the door frame and moldings. The laminate panels also don’t require any intricate cutting. The floor can be installed quickly.

One of the disadvantages that has been observed is the potential for error when installing a threshold between rooms. Firstly, it must be positioned directly under the door leaf. Secondly, in such cases, the laminate near the door may not be cut at the correct angle, and it may be exposed by the rounded shape of the doorframe. However, this mistake can be easily rectified.

The number of proponents and opponents of the first and second methods is roughly the same. However, it is important to note that, according to building regulations, priority is given to the installation of flooring.

In order to achieve the desired outcome, it is important to carefully consider the circumstances and determine the appropriate course of action. Every situation is unique, and the specific steps to be taken should be based on a thorough analysis. However, one thing is certain: by approaching tasks with care, mindfulness, and a focus on technical requirements, positive results can be attained.

Wallpaper and laminate in the interior

After analyzing the order of work execution, let’s now explore various possibilities for room decoration taking into account the perspective of design.

Wallpaper and laminate: color combination

When it comes to choosing flooring materials, laminated ones are more commonly preferred, while wallpaper is often used for wall decoration. It is essential for their colors and textures to harmonize with each other; otherwise, the overall interior of the room will not be aesthetically pleasing.

Prior to selecting a floor covering, it is advisable to consider the style of the room and opt for a color scheme that suits the laminate flooring. There is a wide range of panel colors available, which can be divided into several main groups based on their color:

• white;
• red;
• gray;
• brown and dark (even black).

Texture and theme also play a crucial role, such as wood or stone imitation. It is important to know how to properly combine the colors of the floor and wall coverings.

An ideal option would be:

When choosing furniture, wall and floor coverings, it is important to consider various factors such as room dimensions, overall brightness, and window location. For instance, if you desire a well-lit room, opt for a light color palette.

When choosing colors, it is important to consider the interior style:

• In a classical interior, one can opt for calm patterns and tones. Light-colored walls and dark floors are a good choice. Laminate flooring that imitates valuable wood varieties with warm tones can be used.
• A country-style interior requires a natural look. Use laminate flooring that imitates old light-colored wood, and choose wall colors that are slightly lighter than the floor, either monochrome or with small patterns.
• For a modern interior, contrasting colors can be used. Black and white combinations are a popular choice.

A black and white combination can visually enlarge a space, while an abundance of black tones can make a room appear smaller.

Let’s consider some popular color combinations for laminate and wallpaper:

• If you choose red laminate, it will go well with warm shades of wallpaper such as pale blue, pink, pale lilac, and peach.
• serene yellow.

Brown laminate colors are in high demand. Pairing the brown laminate with pastel wallpaper colors can yield great results:

• cream;
• yellow;
• green;
• ochre.

You can effectively highlight the elegance of decorative elements and wall panels by framing them with dark brown borders.

Light wallpaper complements dark laminate perfectly. The contrast between dark laminate and light walls creates an illusion of a larger room.

Pale tones of laminate flooring effectively illuminate dimly lit spaces. While white is a stylish and stable choice, it may not be the most practical option for households with pets or young children.

Problem one – adjusting the height of the door leaf

After a renovation, it is important to leave a minimum gap of 1 cm between the door and the floor. This gap allows the sash to open freely without touching the flooring. When installing laminate flooring, the floor is elevated by a few centimeters due to the thickness of the laminate board and the subfloor. Sometimes an additional layer of waterproofing is also added, further increasing the height of the finished floor. Calculating the correct height can be a challenge, and if a mistake is made, the already installed sashes will need to be adjusted. This not only increases the installation cost, but also negatively affects the appearance of the product. In some cases, adjusting the sashes is simply not possible.

Another issue that may arise is the complete opposite. Occasionally, when preparing the floor base for installing laminate flooring, it is necessary to remove the existing floor covering for better quality. This can lead to a lower floor level. Consequently, there is now too much space between the sash and the floor, presenting another problem – how to fill the gap? However, by laying the laminate flooring under the doorway prior to installing the door, you can prevent any dimensional issues.

Examples and variants

The picture demonstrates an intriguing juxtaposition of a jet-black floor with pristine white doors. This striking distinction serves to visually amplify the room’s verticality, while simultaneously intensifying the hue of the walls and interior textiles.

This captivating photograph showcases the harmonious blending of various shades within a single color scheme, each varying in warmth: the doors emanate a cool tone, while the floor exudes a cozy, inviting warmth. Skillfully chosen furniture, wallpaper, and decor successfully harmonize this captivating contrast, ensuring a cohesive and well-balanced aesthetic.

Using laminate that incorporates various shades of the same color scheme can be a great way to incorporate different wood colors into your interior design. This technique helps create a harmonious and cohesive look throughout the space. The photo below showcases a clever use of this approach.

If you want to highlight the color of your walls or wallpaper, it is best to choose flooring and doors that are in the same or similar shade. This way, they won’t distract attention from the main focal point. However, you can also opt for a contrasting approach by selecting vibrant shades for the floor and door leaf. For example, you can choose a blue-gray or deep gray color, as shown in the example below.

In this case, it is recommended to choose a wall color that is a few tones lighter to create a balanced and visually pleasing effect.

There are occasions in interior design where the doors take center stage, and in such cases the floor color should be carefully coordinated with the overall interior. In the attached image, the vibrant yellow hue of the door is beautifully accentuated by the rich chocolate brown tone of the flooring.

Homeowners may feel slightly restricted in their choice of flooring colors due to the already existing doors, particularly if they are dark. However, it is not necessary to perfectly match the color of the floor to the doors. It is sufficient for the floor to partially reflect the shade of the interior doors, while the rest of the floor’s color can be lighter.

Discover further information on installing laminate flooring when the doors are already in place in the accompanying video.

Discover the most frequent errors people commit when installing laminate flooring in this informative video.

Which to install first, the doors or the laminate flooring?

In the beginning, it is essential to remember the initial completion of the preliminary work. This involves preparing the floor for the laminate – pouring and drying the screed (which took 25-30 days) and ensuring a level wooden floor without any creaks. The door slopes have been carefully plastered.

Now, you have the option to either install the doors first and then lay the laminate flooring, or vice versa. Let’s go through each type of work individually, taking into consideration the recommendations of builders. After all, it is always easier to make informed decisions when we are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each installation method.

If it is planned to change the interior door first:

In this scenario, the dimensions of the doorway are measured while taking into consideration the thickness of the upcoming laminate and carpet padding. It is advisable to procure the materials ahead of time. Position the subfloor over the laminate and conduct precise measurements. Generally, laminate planks with a thickness ranging from 6 to 14 mm are available for purchase. The minimum height of the underlay is 2 millimeters. It may be desired to install carpet on the laminate floor at a later stage. This adds an additional 10 millimeters. Consequently, the measurer should account for approximately 30-40 millimeters of clearance from the rough floor.

This is crucial for ensuring unrestricted door movement.

Determine whether or not there will be a threshold in the door frame. If it is decided that a threshold will be present, select a suitable method for installing the laminate flooring in advance.

Typically, laminate planks are installed up to the thresholds of doors. However, if you prefer to place the laminate planks under the threshold, you will need to calculate the height of the door opening from the floor in advance. To do this, you can slide a lath with backing under the opening during installation.

Nevertheless, many doors nowadays are installed without thresholds. In such cases, it is not difficult to lay the laminate flooring at the door. You just need to saw the frame posts and platbands on the sides, and then place the laminate planks underneath. The crucial point is to ensure that the door does not exert pressure on the laminate in the future.

What are the drawbacks of this approach:

• If you don’t pre-purchase the laminate flooring and carpet pad, it can be quite challenging to take accurate measurements. Alternatively, you should at least be aware of their thickness. Measuring the opening "by eye" is not recommended as it can result in either large gaps or the laminate getting scratched by the door. Additionally, removing scratches can be problematic.
• Trimming the laminate planks at the door is always a difficult task for beginners.
• Snapping the laminate locks at an angle is not possible because the planks need to go under the frame. In such cases, the lamellas are pounded with a hammer. However, this method can sometimes lead to the breakage of the lock joints.
• To install laminate flooring, you will need to smooth the door frame posts. In order to fit the laminate boards properly, they need to be trimmed. It can be challenging to trim the side posts with a regular saw, as it may cause chipping. Therefore, a specialized tool is required for this task.

Immediately decided to lay laminate, and the doors after:

Most of the floor installers agree that this is the optimal choice, particularly for individuals planning to install laminate flooring themselves. This is because it can be challenging to properly fit the boards near the door.

There is one key aspect to consider, and that is the presence of a threshold at the door frame. You must outline its location in advance, which can be easily done by drawing a pencil line in the appropriate spot. Even if a mistake is made and the laminate is laid beyond the line, it is not a significant issue. The professional installer can easily trim the laminate to fit correctly using a specialized tool called a renovator.

In reality, not many people choose to have thresholds on their doors. As a result, the presence of a door leaf will not pose a hindrance to installing laminate flooring.

The primary laying of laminate flooring offers several advantages:

1. Easy installation: No need to file the posts and trim. The locks can be easily snapped together without the need for hammering, reducing the risk of breakage.

2. Accurate measurements: The flooring is already laid, making it easier to measure the doorway accurately.

3. Door frame compatibility: After installation, the door frame will not press on the flooring, which is particularly important for laminate floors.

However, opponents of this option mention some drawbacks:

1. Scratch risk: When installing the door, there is a chance of scratching the new laminate flooring.

To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to cover the floor with cardboard and hire skilled installers who can carefully handle the flooring. Fortunately, such cases are rare in practice.

There will be an abundance of sawdust, waste, and dirt.

Laminate is not disturbed by any of the aforementioned. After the doors have been installed, a simple sweeping and vacuuming of the floor will suffice;

The installation foam may accidentally spill and smear the laminate planks.

Indeed, the doorway will be filled with foam. However, a skilled craftsman does not spray the foam gun aimlessly throughout the room. They carefully apply it within the opening. Even if there is any spillage, it is necessary to protect the floor beforehand or promptly clean the foam off the laminate flooring.

Which comes first: the doors or the laminate flooring

Is it better to install doors before laminate flooring or vice versa? This question does not have a definitive answer as both options are viable.

Once the initial tasks are completed, the order in which doors are installed and laminate is laid can vary.

However, the following requirements must be met:

• All necessary preparations for laying laminate flooring, including floor leveling and purchasing the necessary substrate and laminate, must be completed beforehand.
• Door frame leveling and plastering should also be completed.

Once the initial tasks are completed, the order in which doors are installed and laminate is laid can vary depending on the specific conditions of the repair location.

If the renovation is carried out from scratch and the doors are not yet hung, what to do first, doors or laminate flooring?

If you are starting a renovation from scratch and the doors have not yet been hung, it is more convenient to lay the laminate flooring first. This will ensure that you have a beautiful, solid flooring foundation.

Here are some advantages of this approach:

• Laying laminate flooring is an easy and convenient task. You won’t need to work around door frame posts or worry about fitting the substrate and laminate underneath them.
• By laying the laminate flooring first, you can accurately measure the door opening and order the door with the correct dimensions.
• This also allows you to install the door frame correctly, ensuring that it does not press down on the laminate flooring and compromise its floating properties.
• The installation work for the door and laminate flooring will be less expensive since it is easier to do in this scenario.

Here are the disadvantages if you are renovating from scratch and have not yet hung the doors:

• If the door has a threshold, you need to determine its exact location in advance and cut the laminate in the appropriate spot.
• Before installing the door, it is necessary to cover the floor surface with cardboard or a specialized film to avoid damaging the laminate.

If, when renovating from scratch, the doors are installed first and then the laminate flooring is put down

If you choose to install the door before laying the laminate flooring, it is recommended to do so if the door has a threshold.

For this option, start by measuring the thickness of the laminate subfloor and the laminate itself, which should be purchased beforehand. To ensure the door does not press on the laminate, add 2-3 mm to the measurement. Purchase the door based on these calculations.

Next, shorten the lower ends of the door frame to the required length and install the box in the opening. When laying the carpet pad and laminate flooring, make sure to install them under the door frame post.

There are several advantages to choosing this "from scratch" repair option, including:

• Installing a door with a threshold is a convenient option, as it allows for seamless placement of laminate flooring at the threshold.
• There is no need to cover the floor during door installation.

Negative aspects of the "from scratch" repair option, where the door is installed before the laminate flooring:

• It can be challenging to accurately determine the required amount of door frame shortening and evenly saw off the posts.
• Due to the angled joining of the laminate, it can be inconvenient to fit it under the frame’s posts.
• Some door frames do not allow for the filing down of the posts.

When renovating the doors are already standing, you only need to replace the laminate flooring

If the doors are already installed, you simply need to replace the laminate flooring. In this scenario, if the floor is level enough, you can lay the laminate directly over it. However, it is important to ensure that the door frame accommodates this, as the overall floor level will increase by approximately 1 cm when accounting for the substrate and laminate thickness.

No matter which approach you choose, it is imperative to complete all the necessary preparation work ahead of time. By doing so, you can ensure that both your doors and laminate flooring remain in pristine condition.

Alternatively, the previous floor covering will need to be taken out or the door leaf shortened, or perhaps the height of the opening will have to be adjusted. If the door frame is already installed, the door posts must be carefully filed down to accommodate the laminate flooring. Although this can be a time-consuming task, sometimes it is the only solution in certain situations.

Laminate or doors first

To start off, it is important to take into account the specific characteristics of certain types of flooring. In most instances, when a new floor is being installed, there will be a change in its level. The difference in height between the rough and final versions can be a few centimeters, which is particularly noticeable when laying tiles, parquet, and most carpets, which typically add about a centimeter.

The question of whether to install doors or linoleum first is not as pressing compared to other types of flooring. This is because linoleum is relatively thin and easy to install. Any joints and bends can be concealed with skirting boards and trimmings, while excess material can be easily trimmed with a simple knife.

To determine when to install the doors during a renovation, it is helpful to understand the structure of the door frame and the factors that may complicate the process of flooring installation:

• For proper installation, it is necessary to leave a gap between the floor and the door and, if needed, install a threshold. It is important to consider that the floor may undergo changes in height during the installation process, which can cause displacement.
• The frame and trims should be adjusted to match the floor’s height, as it can be challenging to trim them after installation.

Installing doors after laminate flooring

When it comes to deciding whether to install laminate or doors first, there are two options to consider. Following construction standards, it is recommended to complete the ceiling, walls, and floor first before moving on to anything else. This sequence allows for proper preparation of the opening for installation work.

However, there is one drawback to installing doors after laminate, which is the potential risk of damaging the coating during the door installation process.

Firstly, the initial step involves demolishing the old structure and ensuring that the walls are leveled and the slopes are perfectly even. Subsequently, the floor is prepared, which includes creating a screed and laying down a substrate. Additionally, it is important to plan ahead for the installation of a heating system. Once these steps are completed, the laminate flooring can be installed. It is essential to leave a small gap between the edge elements of the flooring and the walls, which will be covered later with a skirting board. Following that, the necessary measurements for the threshold, troughs, and platbands can be determined without difficulties.

There are several compelling reasons in favor of this installation method:

• It allows for precise measurements for the door system.
• The installation process is relatively easy.
• Overall, it results in lower repair costs.

One potential drawback is the possibility of damaging the door coating during installation, but skilled installers take precautions to prevent this, ensuring a clean and careful process. In general, it is advised to purchase a door after completing floor installation and finishing the slopes, as this allows for a custom product tailored to your specified dimensions.

Installation of doors before the laminate

What happens if the answer to the question of what comes first, laminate or doors, is completely different? It’s important to consider that installing laminate flooring will affect the overall height of the floor. In this case, you can try to estimate the necessary amount of additional space. It’s best to wait before installing eaves. The need for a threshold and its height can be determined after all the renovations are finished, specifically after the floor is laid.

Here are the advantages of this solution:

• The floor won’t be at risk of dust and damage during the door installation process.
• It’s the only solution if you don’t need to replace the old doors.

However, there are also disadvantages to installing doors before the laminate flooring:

• Difficulties may arise when laying laminate flooring, especially when it needs to go under the door frame components.
• A special hacksaw is required for this task.

If, due to circumstances, you find yourself installing the door before finishing the walls and laying the floor, it is important to hire professionals with a high level of expertise. They will need to carefully work around the door to ensure a seamless installation.

To make the door installation process easier, it is recommended to roughly calculate the gaps for filling and installing the finishing coat. Additionally, covering the door with foil and using painter’s tape to protect the edge elements can help prevent any accidental smears.

In terms of what to prioritize first – the floor or the door – the decision is ultimately up to you. However, it is generally recommended to follow the industry standards and complete all finishing work before proceeding with the final design of the entrance.