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Stick Around: Laminate Flooring Installation |
 Laminate flooring installation is a moderately easy,
fairly straight forward process. Depending on the situation, it is possible to
complete the job rather quickly. Installing laminate flooring is, however, not
always as fast as you'd like it to be. Things like excess moisture or having to
alter existing door frames can drag the whole operation out.
While laminate flooring
installation is happening, though your presence might not be necessary, floor
many homeowners will find watching their new floor being put in interesting and
enjoyable. Any time someone is working on your home, it's nice to know what
they are doing while it's being done. Listing everything that is happening
would be difficult, especially since many situations have different concerns
that don't always come up. But for those who want to know what they're watching
without having to bother anybody, the basic steps are pretty easy to list and
recognize.
Installing Underfloor
Laminate flooring
installation usually starts with putting down an underfloor. This is a
damp-proof membrane that will make the base for the laminate even. It provides
not only a level surface, but also a bit if extra resilience as well. In some
cases, mostly when installing over linoleum, this step may not be necessary.
The skirting boards around the room will be taken off before the laminate is
put down. They will be replaced when the installation is finished and will hide
the gaps around the new floor at the edges of the room (don't worry, the gaps
are there for a reason). |
Lay Down the Wood
Installing laminate flooring
is a "tongue and groove" process. There is no adhesive or glue necessary. The
process can begin along one wall, in a corner, or in the middle of the room; it
doesn't really matter. The boards are fitted into each other, and the edge
boards are fitted into the wall.
Though laminate doesn't
expand as much as hardwood, it is still made mostly of wood and will expand and
contract at different times of the year. A small gap will be left at the edges
(you won't be able to see it, but it needs to be there) to accept minor
expanding due to moisture.
Once it comes time to lay
down the final row, some boards will need to be sawed off so that everything
fits. The last row is a bit trickier lay down, but it's also the most
satisfying. |
Finishing Up
The floor is now pretty much
done. In some cases, an elastic paste will be put into some of the remaining
gaps. Any excess underfloor will now be cut away, and the skirting boards will
be replaced but not anchored to the floor. The floor has been successfully
installed, and all that's left to do is enjoy it.
Those wishing to do their
own laminate flooring installation should either have a good knowledge of home
improvement or consult a professional. Though it's less expensive than
hardwood, any money can turn to wasted money if the floor isn't properly put
in. Additionally, good money could turn bad if the floor isn't properly cared
for. While not nearly as temperamental as hardwood, laminate flooring will
still come with a list of "do's and don'ts" that should be followed to ensure a
great look for the life of the floor. |
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