| Laminate flooring has really increased in popularity in recent years. This is especially true as technology has improved the quality of laminate. It is a very versatile product that can be used throughout the home, even in the basement! We are going to have a look at a laminate floor install to learn some tips on how to lay laminate flooring. |
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While the homeowners had at one point wanted to install hardwood, laminate had several advantages for them on this project. The first advantage was price. They were able to have laminate installed for less than a third of the price of traditional hardwood flooring. Additionally, they would have needed to put down a plywood subfloor in order to support a hardwood floor and to give it something strong to nail into. Laminate, on the other hand, could be installed over their existing linoleum flooring. A half inch thick laminate, named 'Chalet Oak', was selected. This thickness gave the floor stability and strength without doing a subfloor. |
Advantages of Laminate Flooring: |
- Price - It is cheaper than hardwood by half or better.
- Attractive - Some products look very close to real wood
- Variety - It comes in many different colors, grains, designs or patterns.
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- Versatile - It can be installed above ground or below in the basement.
- More Versatility - Laminate can be installed over wood, linoleum, tile, vinyl, concrete or practically any hard, smooth surface.
- Environment-friendly*
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- Quick - Laminate is designed and engineered for fast installation.
- Easy - It is easy to install. Some do-it-your-selfers can even do it.
- Resilient - Good quality laminates are dent, fade and scratch-resistant .
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Laminate flooring uses tongue and groove joints to "snap" the planks together. |
Rubber wedges, or spacers, were used along the wall to keep the starter row plumb. |
A foam underlayment was used to cushion the floating laminate floor from the existing floor. |
| It is vitally important to get your first row, or starter row, right before you continue. It needs to be straight or plumb. The wall, however is not often plumb. Most walls bow in or out, even slightly. Wedges were used along the wall of the starter strip to keep the panels straight. If you don't get the first row right it will get harder and harder align the rows and have tight joints, as the you'll go further off square. |
| The spacers also created a 3/8" gap around the perimeter to allow for expansion in the flooring. Some shims provided by the manufacturer allow for a 1/2" of expansion. Slight expansion in the laminate is caused by moisture or temperature changes. Laminate, however, is not subject to the same expansion rate as real wood. |
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This before shot of the kitchen shows the old linoleum floor that the homeowner wanted to change. |
The wood grain in the laminate flooring nicely compliments the wood of the kitchen cabinets. |
This after photo shows how the laminate flooring has quickly updated the look in the kitchen. |
| The product specified by the manufacturer should be used for the layer of underlayment and all seams should be taped. Underlayment is typically a foam or rubber product. |
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In the dining room a carpet had covered the unsightly seams in the old linoleum flooring. |
The laminate nicely frames the tiled fireplace area. |
The laminate flooring made a dramatic difference in the dining room. |
| The laminate planks should be installed in a staggered pattern. You can begin the starter row with a full piece. The second row can be roughly 2/3's and the third row a third. You can then start each new row with the remaining plank from the previous row provided it is at least one foot in length. |
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A small scrap of laminate was used as a tapping block to click the panels together. |
A crowbar was only used to lift this tight piece in order to attach the tapping block.* |
A contour gauge, a very useful tool, was used to transfer the exact shape needed for this cut. |
| *You should never bang a rubber mallet, hammer or other hard tool directly on the flooring as this will damage the laminate. |
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| Key areas like this show the difference between a skilled flooring contractor and a do-it-yourselfer. |
This before picture shows the two different linoleums in the entrance and dining room. |
After, the laminate flows right from the dining room to the entrance for one harmonious look. |
| Each board of laminate flooring should be checked over for defects before it is installed. It is pain to take an installed piece out after just because you noticed too late that it is damaged. |
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An old heating vent was closed off and covered with laminate. |
The last board, which falls mid-doorway, was cut to measure. |
A tapping block was used to "push" this last board into place. |
| A tapping block or a scrap piece of laminate can be used to tap a piece of laminate into place. When the final piece along a wall is being installed, a last board puller is used to "pull" the new board snuggly against the previous board. |
Supplies and Tools: |
- Measuring Tape
- Hammer
- Rubber Mallet
- Utility Knife
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- Contour Gauge
- Laminate Puller or Last Board Puller
- Laminate Tapping Block
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- Pencil
- Chop Saw
- Laminate Flooring
- Underlayment
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If you want to have laminate flooring installed in your home you will need:
- Acclimatize the laminate in your home before it is installed (for about 2 days).
- Make sure that the floor is smooth and flat.
- An underlayment will be needed under the laminate panels. This provides soundproofing and serves to cushion the floating floor.
- Different manufacturers will have different installation instructions. These instructions will need to be read and followed carefully.
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Maintenance |
| To properly care, clean and maintain your laminate flooring you should follow the warranty information and care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your flooring. Often though, all that will be needed is to sweep or vacuum and occasionally to wipe the laminate with a slightly damp rag or mop. Laminate flooring should not be wet-mopped. |
*Laminate is considered environment-friendly because it doesn't use as much wood as hardwood flooring in its manufacturing and because there is less waste of the tree and its wood fiber.
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