A successful laminate flooring installation requires a few accessories that lend themselves to a more professional job. All laminate flooring manufacturers produce their own accessories. However, it is best to keep to one brand of laminate flooring and accessories rather than mixing-and-matching to ensure all the flooring and accessories match for color and pattern.

Underlayments
There are various types of underlayments. The type to choose will depend on the subfloor, and considerations like noise transmission.

• Damp-proof membrane (DPM): Used to provide a moisture barrier when installing laminate over concrete or heated subfloors.

• Foam: Evens out minor irregularities in the subfloor and reduces impact sound. A damp proof membrane is also required if the subfloor is concrete.

• Combi foam: Includes foam underlay and a damp proof membrane in one product.

• Board: Premium underlay system, higher performance for walking comfort, sound reduction and thermal insulation. Evens out minor irregularities in the subfloor.

• Sound+DPM: Combines a damp proof membrane with enhanced sound proofing qualities. Ideal for upstairs rooms.

Trims
There are numerous shapes and sizes from which to choose depending on the installation requirement.

• Scotia bead: Used to cover the expansion gap left around the edge of the laminate flooring up to the existing skirting boards.

• End molding: Used in situations where beading is not suitable, against patio doors, etc.

• T-molding: Used between two laminate flooring sections to create an expansion joint in large floor areas. Also used as a transition bar between laminate flooring and another floor covering of the same height.

• Decorative skirting: When there are no existing skirting boards (or they are being replaced), the perimeter gap around the laminate flooring can be covered with decorative skirting boards that match the laminate flooring.

Transition bars
These accessories are used where the laminate flooring meets another type of flooring or surface, such as a doorway. Various colors are available to match the laminate flooring.

• Carpet transition: Used between laminate flooring and carpet.

• Hard surface transition: Used between laminate flooring and ceramic tiles or vinyl flooring.

• T-molding: See above.

Stairs
When installing laminate flooring in halls and landings, it is sometimes required to laminate the staircase as well.

• Stair nose molding: Used on the leading edge of the step to hide the two edges of laminate flooring. Available in various colors.

Floor protectors
It is preferable to use floor protectors on all furniture to prevent scratching of the laminate flooring.

• Felt pads: Self-adhesive and simple stick on the feet/base of all furniture.

• Castor cups: For any type of furniture with wheels, use rubber-based castor cups and simply place the wheel of the furniture in it.

Sealants and repair kits
Sealants are used where an expansion gap is required but not possible to fix a molding over it. Repair kits are suitable for most small scratches.

• Sealant: This is normally an acrylic-based product that allows a certain amount of movement. Various colors are available to match the laminate flooring.

• Repair kit: Usually comes with a few colors that enable mixing together as desired to provide the best shade suited for the area of the damaged board. Most include a spatula, the repair paste and a couple bottles of pigment.