tips on laying laminate flooring

Laminate flooring has become a remarkably popular flooring option for many homeowners not only because of its stylish finish but also because of its low maintenance quality. Laminate timber flooring is amazingly durable, is available in such a wide variety of styles, colours and finishes that it is easy to find one that suits any taste or decor.

Laminate flooring is simply a plank of composite wood with a layer of resin on top that has been imprinted to appear like a real timber finish. Laminate timber flooring is much cheaper than hardwood timbers and requires less maintenance to keep up its great appearance.

Most laminate flooring systems are relatively simple to install using its simple tongue-and-groove locking system. As this flooring is usually a floating floor system, this means it's connected to each other plank, but not attached to your walls or floors. It is vitally important when you are planning to install your own laminate flooring to prepare the floor surface correctly before you lay your flooring.

If you have existing flooring already installed, remove it completely. If you previously had carpet, then pull it up and dispose of this and the old underlay padding beneath it. Take particular care to remove any tack strips around the edges of the room that would have secured the old carpet in place. Some floors may need to be scraped back to remove any excess padding or other items stuck to the floor.

Be sure to clean the floor thoroughly, either with a vacuum or a stiff bristled broom. Once the floor is clean and clear of debris you will be better positioned to determine if the floor is even or not.

When installing laminate timber flooring, it is important you create a floor surface that is as even as possible. Laminate is quite thin, so any imperfections or bumps will be noticeable beneath your flooring. Without taking adequate care to level the sub floor beneath your floating floors, you may find the floorboards may dip or bow in areas that are uneven.

If you have a concrete floor and you notice that the surface is uneven or pitted with holes or other imperfections, you can skim on a layer of thin set to create a flatter surface. This thin set is like a very fine gypsum underlayment that you simply pump over your existing floor and level out using a spirit level to ensure your screed layer is evenly spread across the floor. Once this has set, you will be left with a very smooth level surface that will be ideal to install your laminate onto.

However if you have a plywood subfloor, you may need to spend some time repairing any damaged sections you find in the plywood. Plywood can absorb moisture and break down over time, which then causes the damaged section to bulge, creating an obvious bump in your floor. In order to repair sections of plywood subflooring, you may need to cut out the damaged section and replace with new plywood.

How To

How to Lay Laminate Flooring Around Doors

Everyone that has seen laminate flooring in the home improvement stores knows that it's touted as a do-t-yourself product, but many who have purchased it find themselves over their heads when it comes to the complicated parts. If you're laying laminate flooring in two attached rooms, it's a bit tricky to make a smooth transition around the door.

Things You’ll Need:
  • Undercut saw

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Install your laminate flooring in the first room, stopping at the last plank before the doorway.
Step2
Place a scrap of flooring and pad next to the frame of your door, and mark the line with a pencil. This is your cutting line.
Step3
Cut the frame on the marked line, using the undercut saw, a miter saw will work, but not as easily. Make the cut only as deep as the frame itself, then remove the piece of wood and discard.
Step4
Lay a full plank of laminate against the wall and doorway of the first room, butting it up to the last piece you installed.
Step5
Mark the plank with a pencil, even with the undercut you just made. These will be your cutting lines.
Step6
Install the door cut plank where you left off in the first room, and finish the final line of laminate flooring.
Step7
Measure the portion of the doorway plank that butts into the second room, and cut your starter edge to this depth.
Step8
Start laying your second laminate floor from the doorway, measuring your final plank on both ends of the wall to fit. Continue the install as normal.

Installing Laminate Flooring Tips - ONLY FOR HOME DIY FANS!

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