I want to lay down laminated flooring. Is it really THAT easy?
Answers:
It is quite easy but there are a few things you must remember for your floor to last! Laying laminate flooring over concrete requires a vapour barrier to prevent moisture from the concrete contacting the underside of the flooring (this would cause the floor to warp and buckle in very little time!) Just double check that you are purchasing the correct underlayment from your flooring supplier and lay it plastic side down with no gaps (preferably, seal the seams with 'Tuck Tape' or equivalent) before installing the laminate.
Secondly, there MUST be a gap of at least a quarter of an inch between the edge of the flooring and the wall around the entire perimeter to allow for expansion (this gap can be hidden with new baseboard or quarter round).
You must also stagger your joints (preferably by at least 8 inches).This will add strength. Example: if your first run of boards begins with a full board length, the board used to begin the next run should be cut so that it is at least 8 inches shorter ensuring that the 2nd board is installed overlapping the first joint in the previous run. (I wish I could draw you a picture, it sounds more complicated than it actually is!)
All the laminate flooring I have seen comes with instructions on how to install it, but some are a little vague if you are not used to doing this sort of thing. Ask the staff at the store where you purchase the floor, they can usually show you how a couple boards go together with their samples. The flooring must also be stored in the room where it will be installed, in the boxes, for at least 48 hours before installation to allow for acclimatisation to the room's temperature.
Last but not least, definately invest in an installation kit (they should have a tapping block, some spacers and a gadget for hooking on to the end board, nearest the wall, for tapping that into place) because even the 'click together' floors need a little gentle persuasion sometimes :)
I hope this helps. There are some beautiful laminate floors out there and they are incredibly hard wearing. If installed with these few things in mind it should last for many years even under some pretty tough traffic. Go for it!
Other answers:
Its true its very easy once you start
Its true its very easy once you start
it can be but you have to start from one corner and end up at your entrance to the space you are doing. make sure you mesure twice with each row and have a very sharp cutter with you.
It really is THAT easy if you're talking about a Pergo type laminate wood floor. The first and last rows are the most important. The first row will set the alignment of the entire floor, so make sure it is laid perfect before you go on. Most rooms aren't exactly square, so the last row can be a little tricky to get in. I did a 15' x 22' guest room in 2 afternoons and it looks great. Well worth the time!
Though not 100% necessary, it REALLY helps to have a good miter saw and a decent table saw. If you're patient, you can get by with just a circular saw.
Good luck
It is fairly simple if you know how to work with tools. I installed for the first time and bought Video. After watching 2 times I started to install and found out its not that easy!! After 30 mins in to the project I was comfortable and speed up. Took 2 days to finish 10x10 room with some flaws. But now I know where I made mistakes and next time it will be a real snap.
I suggests that you should try installing in small area first - get comfortable and then do the final install. For an example, in video the lady was snapping the floor as if it require no force at all-but in reality I had to use hammer and slam it real hard to make sure the joints are snugged well tight and no joints are visible.
It must be because my brother-in-law did it and said it was easy!! The main thing is to make sure that you start off in a straight line. Your starting wall may be curved. The trick is to always measure twice and cut once.
Also be sure to use some really good padding underneath. You don't want your floor to feel like it is the same temperature as the concrete, nor do you want it to sound clicky.
It will look fabulous.
It is easy but there are some rules you need to follow. I would suggest you get the video that shows you how to do it. I found a copy at HomeDepot. It came in a kit with a couple of special tools that were a real help.
When you cut it, it will eat up a saw blade. Even a carbide tipped blade will get dull after a while.
We used Armstrong Swiftlok but most of the snap together types are about the same.
Do not go for a cheap brand. Get one with a very good warranty on the surface finish!! Don't put it where it is subject to a lot of water like a bath or kitchen. The substrate is just not made for exposure to water.
It is not THAT easy unless you have a perfectly square room without cabinets to fit around and vent openings to cut out.