What not to do when laying laminate flooring?
Common Mistakes When Laying Laminate Laying laminate floors in the wrong areas, Not sealing your floors against moisture, Not letting your laminate flooring acclimate, Not making sure the floor is level, Not using an underlay, Not using a vapor barrier (where needed), Not leaving room for edge expansion
Tips for Working with Laminate Floors
For many homeowners, laminate flooring is an attractive, affordable and easy-to-maintain alternative to hardwood floors. However, laminate flooring requires a bit of extra care and maintenance to keep it looking good. Here are some tips for working with laminate floors.
Preparing the Floor
Before you install your laminate flooring, it is important to properly prepare the area. Clean the subfloor and make sure it is level and even. Any imperfections can cause trouble down the road. Make sure to add a moisture barrier to keep the moisture out of the laminate and subfloor.
Installing Laminate Floors
Before you start to install your laminate floors, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand. You will need a circular saw, jigsaw, miter saw, drill and the appropriate drill bits. Once you have all the tools, you can start laying the floor.
Make sure to start with a straight edge and work your way out from the middle of the room. Use shims to adjust for subtle imperfections in the flooring. Also, use a jigsaw to cut irregular shapes or around door jambs.
Caring for Laminate Floors
Once you install your laminate floors, you need to do some general maintenance. Start by vacuuming or sweeping regularly to get rid of dirt and debris. Then periodically use a damp mop to clean the floors.
Avoid using any cleaners that contain wax or oil as this can damage the laminate. If you need to spot clean, use a cleaner made specifically for laminate flooring.
Repairing Laminate Floors
Laminate floors can be fairly durable, but accidents do happen. When they do, you can repair the floor yourself. Start by identifying the damaged spot and then removing the piece that is damaged.
Once the piece is removed, you can replace it with a new one. Make sure to use the same adhesive that you used originally and be sure to press the pieces together firmly.
Conclusion
Working with laminate flooring can seem intimidating, but with a bit of preparation and patience, you can do it. Follow these tips for preparing, installing, caring for and repairing your laminate flooring and you will be sure to have a beautiful end result.
When selecting new flooring for a home, many homeowners find themselves faced with the decision between two popular options – laminate flooring and real hardwood. Laminate flooring is a great option for those looking for a low maintenance, durable flooring without the hefty price tag of hardwood.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to start a new laminate flooring project or a contractor who frequently works with laminate, here are some tips on how to successfully install this popular flooring option.
Start by measuring the room – Before installing your laminate flooring you will need to get an exact measurement of the room. This will make it easier to purchase the right amount of flooring and plan out the installation process.
Clear the room – Before installing your laminate flooring it’s important to clear out the room and remove any furniture that may be in the way.
Prepare the floor – The surface should be flat, smooth, and free of dirt and debris when installing laminate flooring. Any textures or bumps can cause damage to the flooring, so be sure to clean it thoroughly before installation.
Choose the direction – Before laying down the flooring, you’ll need to decide which direction it should be installed in. It is recommended to install laminate flooring in the same direction as the primary light source in the room for a more natural look.
Make sure to leave space -When installing laminate flooring allow for a ¼ inch expansion gap between the flooring and the walls and any surrounding fixtures or cabinets.
Use the right tools – When cutting the laminate flooring it’s important to use the right tools for the job. Make sure to use a sharp utility knife and straight edge for a clean and accurate cut.
Carpet tape can come in handy – Carpet tape can be used to hold the flooring pieces together when they are connected. This creates a strong connection that can help to reduce squeaking.
Glue can also be used – If you’re installing laminate flooring on a concrete subfloor, you may need to use a flooring adhesive to ensure safety and protection.
Following these tips can help to ensure your laminate flooring is installed correctly and will last for years to come. Laminate flooring is a great option for those who want an easy to install and durable flooring option without spending a fortune. With wide availability, reasonable prices, and easy installation, laminate has become a popular choice for homeowners and contractors alike.