How to fix laminate floor after wall removal?

jordanperret

I have recently removed a wall between my kitchen and living leaving gaps in the laminate flooring. I have placed poorly cut to fit laminate perpendicular to the existing floor. However it was a rush job and the new laminate and edges of old laminate are not perfectly straight and I believe they rub together when walked on so there is creaking.

1. How do I cut both the newly placed laminate plank and the existing edges straight?

2. There's a very slight gap, what could I fill it with?

3. Should I cut the flooring all the way across to join together?

If anyone has any thoughts would love to hear them.

I don't plan on removing all existing laminate at this point so it would be a temporary fix.

Thanks 

MitchellMc

Hi @jordanperret,

It’ll be tricky to make the boards look seamless, but I actually think the perpendicular layout you’ve done has potential—it creates a nice visual break between the two spaces. Rather than trying to hide the join, you could lean into it and make it more deliberate.

I’d suggest having a professional use a track saw to cut a clean, straight line right across the entire span. That’ll neaten up both the old and new edges and remove the poorly cut sections that are rubbing and causing the creaking.

Once the cut is made, you can install an aluminium flat bar or trim on either side of the perpendicular section to create a clean transition. It’ll hold the edges firm, reduce movement and help prevent noise. The trim also adds a bit of polish and turns the join into a feature rather than a flaw.

It’s a good short-term solution that could easily be kept long-term if you end up liking the look. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell