Laminate Flooring Installation: How to Avoid Rippling and Open Joints

Laminate flooring installation has become increasingly popular in home and commercial refurbishments. Yet rippling, open joints and premature wear remain frequent complaints, almost always resulting from poor subfloor preparation, unsuitable material choices or careless workmanship. Understanding the process is therefore essential when questioning the installer, checking references and deciding whether it is worth repairing the work or having the installation redone.

Which installation errors most often cause rippling and open joints?

Rippling commonly occurs when the subfloor is uneven, with holes, high spots or other flaws left uncorrected before the planks are laid. Under these circumstances, the flooring moves unevenly when walked on, creating movement that weakens the locking system, produces gaps and may even break the edges.

It is also common for laminate flooring to be fitted without allowing adequate clearance at walls, doorways and door frames, overlooking the fact that the material expands as temperature and humidity change. Without this space, the planks become compressed, leading to rippling, creaking and open joints. The issue is made worse when underlay is unsuitable or incompatible with damp areas, as this can encourage distortion and noise.

Watch a video on the Oficina de Casa YouTube channel covering the essential precautions for laying flooring and avoiding rippling or open joints during a refurbishment:

How do these mistakes affect laminate flooring durability and comfort?

Where the subfloor has uneven areas, the user's weight is concentrated on only a few points. This increases mechanical strain on the locking joints and speeds up breakages, looseness and the feeling that the floor is unstable. In high-traffic spaces, such as corridors and commercial rooms, this additional strain shortens service life and increases wear on the decorative layer.

A lack of expansion gaps leaves the system under constant tension, causing ongoing warping and rippling that make the joints more likely to come apart, allow moisture in and even lead to mould beneath the flooring. In rooms near kitchens, bathrooms and balconies, this may cause swollen edges, unpleasant odours, staining and the need to replace part or all of the installation.

What are the most common errors, and how much does it cost to put them right?

Certain issues repeatedly arise in laminate flooring refurbishments and, in many cases, putting them right can cost nearly as much as, or even more than, the original installation. Knowing what to look for helps determine whether it is worthwhile adjusting specific sections or whether starting again is the more sensible option.

The most frequent mistakes with a direct impact on the customer's costs include:

• An uneven subfloor, with holes, ripples and level changes that require levelling before refitting.
• No expansion clearance at walls, doors and door frames, resulting in pressure and flooring bulging.
• Underlay unsuitable for the type of room, encouraging mould, excessive noise and swollen planks.
• Installation over a damp surface, without prior testing, increasing the risk of stains and unpleasant odours.
• Poorly locked planks, leaving gaps and raised edges that harm appearance, hygiene and walking comfort.
• No expansion joints in large areas, increasing the likelihood of rippling and joints opening up.

How can you choose the right professional and prevent future problems?

Taking a few precautions before work begins can help avoid disruption and remedial work. Use a long metal straightedge to assess the subfloor for gaps and unevenness, and check for signs of moisture in walls, slabs and areas near drains. A conscientious installer will usually recommend a moisture test, explain the underlay options and discuss expansion joints in large rooms, showing attention to the technical details.

It is also worthwhile requesting references for projects that have been in use for more than a year and, where possible, visiting them to check for rippling, gaps and noise. Put everything in a contract as well: the flooring type, underlay, responsibility for preparing the subfloor, timescales and the installation warranty. Combining advance checks, direct questions and written records substantially reduces the risk of problems, protecting both the investment and everyday comfort.