Installing laminate flooring in your home is not too difficult. It may also be a great way to get everyone in the family involved.
Step 1: Measure Your Rooms: The most important thing when installing laminate flooring is to measure out how much material is actually needed. You’ll need to measure the width and length of the room and then multiply the numbers together. The final number should be in square feet or square meters and that number will show how much material is needed. Always add 10% to cover waste. If your laminate comes in packs, divide that number by the number of packs to get your actual quantity.
Step 2: Get Your Materials: Before even beginning the job, make sure you have all the materials needed. In this case, it includes a pry bar, a hammer, a circular saw, laminate flooring, and if you wish, knee pads. You also need a floor leveler, underlay, rags, moldings, and an installation kit.
Step 3: Prepare the Sub-Floor Surface: One of the most important aspects of installing laminate flooring is to make sure the surface to be laminated is completely flat. If it’s not level or even a little off, you will end up with creaking floorboards that are very hard to fix. Use the floor leveler to check all areas of the floor for levelness; your underlay alone will not make up for the bumps.
Step 4: Get Ready To Install Your Underlay: Next you should install your underlay. Measure out how much you need and make sure you’ve selected the right type. Make sure everything is dry, clean and smooth.
Step 5: Install the Underlay: This step is different depending on which type of flooring you have. If you are installing over a concrete slab, tape it down using packaging tape to make sure it extends up the wall at least 5 cm. If it’s wooden flooring, you will not have to tape the underlay together, or run it up the wall.
Step 6: Install the Flooring: This stage may vary depending on which brand of flooring you buy, however, the basics are the same. Start on the left side of the room and work your way towards the right side of the room, placing spacers along each wall. Put the fist laminate floorboard down and add a piece to the right, lining up the short ends together. Keep going until you finish the first row and cut the last piece by measuring the distance between the last piece and the wall. Then, subtract 6mm, and cut. Use that leftover piece to start the next row and continue the process until the floorboards are covered. After the last piece is cut at the end, remember the entire length must be angled, and pushed forward so that the groove connects to the groove of the first row.
Step 7: Install the Baseboards: Once the laminate flooring is installed you can add the baseboards. If you still have your old ones and they fit, put them back. If there’s a need, cut new ones, put them in place, and caulk them.
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