Home Improvement Tips – Laminate Flooring
Many home improvement television shows have demonstrated how quick and easy it is to install this type of flooring. Although they are professionals, with these few tips, you too can update the interior look of your home.
Tip number one: Spend the money and buy the tools made for installing laminate flooring. Typically in the same department as the material at the home improvement store, you will also find extra tools that will make the job easier. A crow bar type tool is available that helps with easing the boards together at the ends. The tapping block that is available is used for wedging the planks together along the length. One key tip to keep in mind when using the tapping block is to also by the special hammer used for this piece. Using a traditional hammer will achieve nothing except demolishing the tapping block into pieces. A rubber mallet on the other hand simply doesn’t have enough force behind to have any effect. So, save some headaches and buy the tools specifically made for use with laminate flooring installation.
Tip number two: Buy materials ahead of time. As instructed on the packaging, you will need to keep all of the materials, the flooring included, in the room where it will be installed for at least 7 days prior to installation. The material expands and contracts with temperature changes and humidity. By allowing it to adjust to the environment in which it will be installed you will help prevent swelling and gaps later on.
Tip number three: Clean, clean, clean! It is imperative that the floor to be covered is completely and thoroughly cleaned prior to installation. Keep the broom and Shop Vac handy during installation as well as sawdust and other debris will build up. It gets very frustrating when pieces won’t snap together because of debris getting between the seams. It seems like more work, but it actually saves time by keeping the floor cleaned while working.
Tip number four: Work with at least two people. The boards are long, even the short ones. The tongue and groove edges are very difficult to line up on one end without popping out of the other without having at least two people doing it at the same time. Not only does it make this aspect easier, but it really does make the time go by at least twice as fast.
Tip number five: Take your time. On the commercials, television shows and material packaging, it is advertised that the boards simply lock into place. From first hand experience, I can tell you that these do not simply “snap in”. Try not to get frustrated by this and just take your time with the installation. It’s still much easier and faster than installing hardwood, even if it’s not as easy as the experts make it out to be. Take your time, do it right, measure twice and cut once and you’ll be done before you know it.
Once the flooring is installed and finished, you’ll be rewarded with knowing that you’ve done it yourself and you’ve done it right. The material is easy to care for, requiring no mopping but only spot cleaning. It is important, however, to not let water get into the seams. The material will swell when left exposed to liquids. If this happens, the entire thing will need to be pulled up and replaced so do your best to keep water from pooling on the flooring. Also, the flooring is virtually indestructible but it is possible for dents and dings. Heavy sharp objects are the biggest culprits for gouging the material and leaving permanent marks.
Laminate flooring is a quick and easy way to give your home an updated look and feel. By following just a few simple steps you too can enjoy the look of hardwood and the durability of laminate. There’s almost no better feeling than knowing that you’ve done the job yourself and you’ve done it well.
