How to Lay Laminate Flooring

by Gillian Markson | More from this Blogger

16 Jun 2006 04:20 PM

Many people find that laminate flooring is the perfect alternative to unprotected hardwood floors, easy-to-stain carpet, and the unfinished look of raw cement. Laminate flooring is easy to install, easy to clean, and durable. The most popular rooms in which people enjoy installing laminate flooring are the kitchen, washroom, bathroom and laundry room. Many people also install it in the garages to give the garage a more finished look than plain cement.

The major drawbacks that people have had with their laminate flooring include: tearing the floor and having to replace and entire panel, scratching the flooring, scuffing and having corners come up after years of use.

Because laminate flooring is installed in panels, like ceramic tile, many people find that if they do not glue the panels down properly, the corners and edges will begin to become raised from their neighbors. As the edges become raised, they absorb water and then entire panel becomes warped.

If you are considering installing laminate flooring in your home, here are some words of advice and direction for you to heed.

1. Select the proper flooring for your room. Laminate flooring comes in just about any size, shape, color and texture that you can image. Many people like to match the flooring to their walls, cabinets or other fixtures to create a finished look. Decide what you would like to do with your laminate floor. Would you like for it to brighten your room? Would you like for it to help make your room more comfortable? More industrial? More contemporary? Once you have the goal established for how you will use the laminate flooring, you can proceed with the shopping and purchasing.

2. Most home improvement stores carry some basic selections of laminate flooring - usually in the most common colors, such as white, grey and checkerboard. Tile and laminate flooring specialty shops will carry a greater selection. It never hurts to shop around thoroughly before making your selection.

3. When you have selected the tile that you most desire, be sure to measure the space you need tiled accurately and purchase extra laminate panels to cover that space. Many people find that they tend over underestimate the number of panels that they need. When they make a mistake with the cutting, or if a panel rips when they are laying it, then they have to go back to the store to purchase more.

4. When you actually begin laying your laminate floor, there are two types of laminate that you will have the option to use. The first and most popular style is the laminate panels. Like tiles, the panels come in a take-home box with a given number of panels predetermined. The other method is the laminate roles. Basically, you purchase a role of laminate, like carpet. Both methods are installed the same way once you get home.

5. Lay a thick coat of cement adhesive on a flat surface. Put a thick coat of adhesive on the laminate. Before the glue dries, lay the laminate on top of the floor and let rest for 48 hours. You can trim the edges after the 48 hours is up.

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