Would you also like to try your hand at laying laminate flooring? If your decor taste is on the expensive side and your budget won't quite play along, quality laminate planks can be a good alternative to a real hardwood floor.
These days laminates are made to simulate everything from wood looks and textures, to tiles and even stone flooring. These planks come at a fraction of the cost of wood or real stone and are relatively easy to install, even for DIY novices. A bonus is that the tools you will need for the job are fairly basic and inexpensive as well.
If you like the sound of this, you may have questions such as...
- Is a laminate floor a good option for a bathroom or kitchen?
- I have never done this before. Is it really an easy installation for a novice?
- What can I do about sound dampening?
- Will I need to make changes to the sub floor beforehand?
- What if there is a serious mishap down the line? Will I be able to repair my floor?
Time to grab a cup of coffee, kick off your shoes and check out this freebie PDF which will answer 9 crucial questions for you, before you venture into your floor installation.
If you have seen tongue and groove laminate planks, you will know by now that they are manufactured to click together securely, without the use of nails or glue. You will be creating what is called a floating floor. The planks come in a whole range of qualities and finishes, each suitable for a different level of traffic.
Some of these you can only install in a lighter traffic area such as your bedroom, for instance. Others are perfect even for the hustle and bustle of a living room and may also be robust enough to withstand the traffic flow in light commercial areas. So, by taking a close look at the wear layer and the rating system applied to a particular line, you can get a good match for your particular flooring needs.
In the PDF I will also give you a link to my article about the 3 most important things you need to check when making a buying decision.
By adopting some easy, common sense maintenance habits, you can avoid unsightly scratches or other blemishes on your newly installed floor. Worried about kids or pets damaging your floor? Look, accidents can always happen in a busy household. But for the most part, provided that you opt for a well-known quality brand, the good looks of the planks should last for a long time. In fact, many of the brands come with warranties stretching over 25 to 30 years, or even a lifetime!
The main thing is to do your homework before your installation, so that you are sure that you avoid common pitfalls and choose exactly the right planks for the room you have in mind. I have written this easy-to-read ebook to get you started.
Keep in mind that a laminate floor is unlikely to add the same value to your home as a real hardwood installation. However, with careful planning it can create a great impression of quality and warmth.
3. Awnings-and-Blinds.com LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION TIPS page 3
Disclaimer
The information in this book is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and is not intended as a
source of flooring or home improvement advice. It should not be used as the basis for making a flooring
choice, installing flooring or maintaining any type of flooring. Images may not accurately represent the
flooring product, and should therefore not be relied upon to make a buying decision. The views expressed
here are those of the author and the author assumes no responsibility for errors or interpretation of the
subject matter. The author accepts no responsibility for the use or misuse of the information in this book, or
for any losses sustained as a result of using this book.
In all instances a competent flooring supplier or manufacturer should be consulted regarding purchasing
decisions, installation procedures and the maintenance of flooring. The author of this book doesn't make any
recommendations regarding do it yourself installation of flooring. The author assumes no responsibility or
liability whatsoever for any actions that may result from the information in this publication. Liability for the
use of any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader.
Copyright
The contents of this book is copyrighted by Awnings-and-Blinds.com. All rights are reserved by Awnings-and-
Blinds.com.
Thanks to Phaedra Wilkinson for the cover image:
http://morguefile.com/creative/phaewilk
4. Awnings-and-Blinds.com LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION TIPS page 4
9 Crucial Laminate Flooring
Installation Questions Answered
Laminate flooring has developed into one of the most
popular home remodeling fields.
Thanks to technological advances, this flooring
material is designed with DIY enthusiasts in mind. An
average-sized floor can be ready for use within as
little as a day, depending on the size of the room.
By now you may have heard quite a lot about
laminate flooring and how authentically it can
simulate a hardwood floor installation. But, how do
you avoid making a mistake in your buying decision?
I have written a number of other freebie articles
packed with buying and installation tips for folks just
like you! Simply click on any of the links below...
3 Crucial Things To Keep In Mind When Buying
Laminate Flooring
- Click here...
5 Laminate Flooring Installation Tips For A Pro Finish
- Click here...
How To Choose The Best Underlayment Pad For Your New
Floor
- Click here...
Compare 5 Types Of Flooring, Plus 13 Things To Watch For
Before Buying
- Click here...
5. Awnings-and-Blinds.com LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION TIPS page 5
If you are new to this type of project, you may have a number of
basic laminate flooring installation questions in your mind. Let's see if
you can find some answers here...
1. Is a new laminate floor really easy to install?
Well, perhaps 'easy' is always a relative term. No DIY project happens
without a hiccup or two. So, you will need patience and careful
planning. However, the days of battling to fit messy, sticky, glued
laminate flooring planks are long gone. This came about with the
introduction of what is called snap together laminate flooring or click
together floors.
This is a glueless option, meaning that you will be creating a floating
floor, so to speak. The planks are not glued or nailed to the floor
surface below. Rather, the unique tongue and groove design of the
planks is such that one plank simply fits into the next one, forming a
tight, neat joint. This can be one of the most gratifying do it yourself
jobs to tackle, as progress is measurable and the end result quite
spectacular.
2. My budget is limited. Is it
costly to prepare the sub floor for
installation?
The beauty of these snap together flooring
planks is that they can often be laid directly
over ceramic, vinyl, tiling or real wood
floors. This saves you the time and trouble
of ripping out an old floor first. You need to
do some prep work, of course, but this
doesn't have to be expensive. For instance,
you need to make sure that the floor is
6. Awnings-and-Blinds.com LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION TIPS page 6
clean and smooth. It is a good idea to carefully sand down any bumps
or peaked joints.
If you have carpeting on the sub floor, you will have to remove this. It
is also recommended to do fittings of cabinets or cupboards first,
before tackling your flooring project. If you already have a hardwood
floor that is installed over a concrete sub floor, you will need to
remove the wood planks. Get detailed advice about your options when
you talk to your supplier.
3. Can I install the flooring immediately after my
purchase?
To be on the safe side, acclimate your floor planks by leaving the
cartons in the room where they will be installed, for a period of 2 to 4
days. Ask your supplier what the recommended period is for the
brand you decide on. This precaution will give you a floor that is more
likely to remain firmly clicked into place.
4. Can I use laminate flooring in a bathroom or my
kitchen?
Again, this depends on the brand you choose. If you want to do the
installation in a bathroom or kitchen, be sure that you are buying a
brand with a surface that is highly water resistant. The manufacturer
should state clearly that the planks can be used in high humidity
areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens or basements.
In these areas however, the expansion spaces (we will get to these in
a minute) need to be sealed with a special sealant or a similar
mildew-resistant silicone product before installing the trim or molding.
The same should be done where the planks were cut to make room
for cupboards or a dishwasher. Some experts also recommend sealing
7. Awnings-and-Blinds.com LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION TIPS page 7
the joints by using glue. Again, your supplier will be a valuable
resource.
Think in terms of long term durability when deciding on the best
installation process, even if it will mean investing a some extra time
and effort. Just remember that even if the planks are water resistant,
they are not made to handle standing water. You still need to mop up
any spills as soon as possible, to be on the safe side.
5. Can I install laminate flooring on stairs?
Yes, unless otherwise indicated, laminate can do well on stairs. On
stairs, you will probably need to glue the flooring to the sub floor. You
can usually purchase a stair nosing to help you with a neat finish on
the steps. The nosing is adhered with a quality construction adhesive
and finishing screws.
6. Do I need to provide for expansion spaces around
the perimeter of my installation?
Due to its floating nature, these floors
expand and contract along with changes in
humidity and temperature.
It is therefore vital to measure and leave
the recommended expansion space
between the flooring planks and the
adjacent walls or cupboards.
If you don't do this, you will have unsightly
buckling floors in no time. Floor moldings
can be used to hide these spaces after
installation and to ensure a professional
8. Awnings-and-Blinds.com LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION TIPS page 8
finish. Use spacers to keep your distances even. If you are tackling a
very large floor area, the expansion space needs to be increased.
Each brand comes with its own recommended expansion space. Make
sure that you adhere to this, in order not to void your warranty.
7. I have heard that laminate flooring has a hollow
sound when used. Is this true?
The sound depends on 3 factors:
1. The sub floor
2. The quality and type of underlayment padding attached to the
flooring planks, or placed separately between the floor and the
planks
3. The thickness and quality of the laminate flooring planks
One way to reduce the hollow sound, is by installing a sound
underlayment and resin polyethylene film underneath your floor
planks. This can be a highly effective way of dampening the sound.
Another benefit of this protective layer, is that it can act as a moisture
barrier as well. This can lengthen the life of the flooring, so it is wise
not to skimp on this.
An additional advantage is that you could be ensuring a more
comfortable floor underfoot by adding a quality cushioning layer.
8. Can I expect to get a professional finish when I do a
DIY installation?
The great thing about installing laminate flooring, is that every brand
9. Awnings-and-Blinds.com LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION TIPS page 9
comes with a satisfactory range of color-coordinated transition
moldings. These are specifically available to give an elegant and
stylish finish to your flooring project.
T-Moldings are used in doorways, while end moldings are used along
sliding doors and around tubs and basins. If you need to go from a
raised flooring area to a lower hard surface such as vinyl, you would
choose a hard surface reducer.
9. Is it possible to repair a laminate floor?
Mishaps are inevitable in a bustling
household, particularly if you have kids
or pets!
You can repair small nicks with
something like a putty made for this
purpose. Simply neaten the edges of the
chipped area with a small knife, make
sure the area is clean, and fill the hole
with putty according to the instructions.
A spatula gives a neat finish and the
excess is wiped away with a clean cloth.
It is with good reason that you are
advised to purchase an extra supply of
planks from the get go. With these
floors, plank replacements are possible if
a more major repair is needed down the
line. At that time, the flooring may have
been discontinued, or the shading may
be somewhat different. If you prepared
for this happening when making your
purchase, you will not be in trouble. You will have planks from the
10. Awnings-and-Blinds.com LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION TIPS page 10
same shading lot available, allowing you to easily do a section
replacement.
Hopefully this has helped to answer some of your basic flooring
questions!
You can always gather more flooring and other DIY tips from
my other articles here.
