How To Install Laminate Flooring Like A Pro
Date Added: November 24, 2007 11:58:50 PM
Home owners all over are adding value to their properties by installing laminate flooring. New home remodelers want to get a hold of laminated hardwood planks because of the added value and appearance they gain in the home.
The laminated hardwood and tile flooring industry with the click together design is growing quickly. Home remodelers that are new to the game and trying the flooring installations have many questions, which the major flooring manufacturers going the extra mile to answer and make home remodelers comfortable with the project.
Bruce, Pergo, Armstrong and Mohawk flooring companies are doing everything they can to inspire home renovators to install new floors they can admire in one day.
With these companies competing for flooring that is easier to install the old days of messy, sticky planks are over. The new designs that allow flooring to easily click together are giving remodelers spectacular results in no time. Some common questions home remodelers have about the new flooring are:
Should there be a gap between the edge of the laminate flooring and the wall?
The way the flooring is designed to be a floating floor product allows the flooring to expand and contract with the changes in temperature and humidity. Leaving a 1/4” gap between the edge of the floor and the wall is needed to allow for the expansion and contraction of the product, but is easily hidden by the floor molding. Not leaving the gap at the edges could mean eventual buckling of the floor planks so you will want to use your spacers and don’t trust your eye. The professional molding designed for the flooring will cover the edges on by the walls.
Can laminate flooring be installed over existing flooring?
Laminate flooring is designed to be laid over the top of most kinds of existing flooring products. That means that you don’t have to make the extra effort to rip out the old floor. Two types of flooring that will need to be removed prior to installing new laminate flooring are carpeting and real wood installed on concrete. When installing the new floor, you need to ensure that the sub-floor is even and smooth. Any irregular spots need to be filled or sanded and you will want to install any cabinetry prior to putting the floor in.
Should the laminate flooring material be acclimatized prior to installation?
You should allow for two to four days with the materials lying on their flat side in the area to be worked on. Most manufacturers require this and you will want to allow for the time to avoid any buckling in the floor. Some extra time will go a long way toward keeping your floor beautiful for years to come.
Is there anything I can do about the hollow footstep sound on laminate flooring?
The floating floor concept is what causes this and what makes a good underlayment so vital in the installation process. Sometimes it pays off to incur the extra expense of a sound dampening pad for your underlayment. The thicker underlayment also has the added benefit of a more cushioned feel to the floor. Some manufacturers are even taking the extra step to install this on the bottom side of the laminate planking. In some cases where you are not installing on a wood sub-floor you will also need a vapor barrier.
Can laminate flooring be safely installed on stairs?
Laminate flooring can be installed on stairways, but when doing so extra care should be taken to follow the instructions to the letter. Finishing on the stairs will require stair nosing and is installed using screws and construction adhesives. Stairways are the only exception to installing laminate flooring with adhesives.
Can I install laminate flooring in the kitchen or bath?
Laminate flooring planks are very water resistant and are a good option for kitchens and baths. In high moisture areas such as these the extra step of sealing the expansion spaces should be take to assist in preventing buckling or warping of the planks. Some manufacturers also suggest that the extra step of sealing joints with glue be taken. Keep in mind that wood is no friend of water and spills should be wiped up quickly.
What extra steps are needed to ensure a professional look?
The companies that manufacture laminate flooring have developed numerous moldings that are color coordinated. This allows you to finish your flooring project with elegance and style. The moldings come in many types for different areas, colors and looks.
What do I do if my laminate flooring needs repairs?
The manufacturers realize that occasional accidents happen that result in chips. What they did was develop putties that can repair the damage. By simply reducing any rough edges you can fill the chip with the putty using a small putty knife. Make sure the area to be filled is clean of debris. When the hole is filled, simply clean away any excess. Another good tip is to keep some spare planks on hand for any major repairs that come up. That allows you to just switch out the bad plank.
Let go of the old carpeting and bring in a new and stylish look to your home with laminate flooring.
