The very first thing you need to do when wanting to learn how to install laminate flooring, is to learn more about the product, in particular what its’ best applications are. If you really love the look of hardwood, but want something more durable, particularly for high humidity areas, laminate flooring is one of the best choices out these.
The first thing you absolutely must do is to get rid of any carpeting that may currently be on your floor. Remove the tackless strips, possibly scrape up any old padding that stuck to the subfloor, sweep and mop the floor really well, and then go over it again with the vacuum cleaner making sure to get any dust and debris up even from the edges and corners.
Make sure that your floor is level, any dips or cracks will need to be leveled out before you can begin laying the laminate. If you leave them, your laminate may crack or break in that area. Remove the baseboards, and now it is time to measure.
One of the most important things to know when learning how to install laminate flooring, is that if your measurements aren’t exact you can end up with a lot of extra running around. If you measure too small or without taking in the fact that you are liable to make mistakes, you will have to go back to buy more and hope they have the extra you need. If you measure and buy too much, you will end up with so much leftover it will simply be a waste of money. Make sure your measurements are accurate. About five to ten percent over your measurements is a good number to figure an estimate by.
You will have to buy an underlayment to go on the floor under the laminate. This protects your laminate from moisture that may damage it. Since your flooring is actually a floating floor, having a moisture barrier will save you money in the long run, and possibly your health, too. This is one of those times when knowing how to install laminate flooring is particularly important, but an easy to accomplish task. Simply roll out the underlayment and cut it to fit, and then tape the pieces together.
Most laminate flooring simply snaps together. Start about a quarter inch from the wall, remembering to stagger your pieces, and begin laying your new flooring. It is wise to use some form of spacer along the beginning wall that you can remover when you are finished with your project. Cut the laminate as needed to fit against the opposite wall. When you get to door areas, trim the boards and use a little wood glue to hold them together properly. It’s just a nice little trick to pick up from reading about how to install laminate flooring. Now, remove the spacers and put the baseboards back on.
Don’t worry too much about how to install laminate flooring, it’s quite the job, but it can get done in a weekend with a little help from friends and family. However, to save time and not have to worry about fitting your laminate install into your friends lives, hiring a professional really isn’t that expensive, your floor will be done quickly, and you won’t have to worry about if it was done properly, you ‘ll just know it was.
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