Laminate flooring has become an increasingly popular option amongst homeowners in recent years for several reasons. Not only does it look great but it doesn’t pick up dirt like carpet, it’s affordable and it’s incredibly easy to install. However, while it is a durable and versatile flooring option that can be installed comfortably by just about anyone it’s still not a job to be taken lightly.
But before we get to the installation, let’s explore why you might want to consider choosing laminate for your next re-flooring project.
The benefits of laminate flooring
Variety – There are various types of laminate to choose from each of which offers a different aesthetic and feel. From laminates that resemble stone, wood and tile, to bespoke images, if you can imagine it then you can get a laminate made from it.
Maintenance – With a thick carpet, you might enjoy the soft feel under your feet but every fibre of that carpet is a potential sponge for dirt and debris. That means you’re going to have to end up getting the vacuum cleaner out every other day. Laminate, meanwhile, can be swept clean in seconds.
Flexibility – You can use it just about anywhere. While it might most commonly be used in hallways, kitchen and bathrooms, it’s also becoming an increasingly popular option to use laminate flooring in the living room. It’s a sleek and modern alternative that will never go out of style.
Laminate flooring installation tips
- Ensure the subfloor is smooth before you even think about laying your tiles. Laminate flooring looks and feels wrong on uneven surfaces so you might want to think about getting the sander out!
- It’s recommended using a strong adhesive when installing floor panels, though be sure to keep windows open at all times as that stuff can make you feel quite dizzy otherwise!
- Use a specialist laminate shear to cut your boards as using a conventional saw is going to leave you with rough edges and a lot of dust to clear out.
- Working around the doorways is probably the most difficult part of any laminate flooring install. This means you should always start at the walls with the most doors. Because it’s easier to start at a doorway than to end up at one!
- Plan ahead. Snap together multiple planks and lay them against the floor to see how they sit and always keep an eye on how parallel the boards are looking.
- Snap the pieces together consecutively if you can but be careful. It’s very easy to damage the planks if you’re too aggressive with them.
- Remember to use transition strips in doorways to hide the joins and the jagged edges.
- Make sure that any heavy furniture in the room is accounted for. Too much weight could push the flooring as it expands and contracts with humidity.
- Wear knee protection! It’s not a hard job but it is tough on your joints if they’re not protected.
- Take your time! The main benefit of laminate flooring is that it will save you cleaning time in the long tun so there’s no rush.
Thanks to everbuild.co.uk for consulting on this post.
