Can You Install Your Own Hardwood Laminate Flooring?

Although carpet and hardwood are two of the most popular choices when it comes to flooring, they are sometimes inadequate. Certain areas of the home like the kitchen, or garage, commonly demand a higher level of durability and resilience. Carpet absorbs stains and moisture too easily, leading to a dingy looking surface that may also attract odors. Hardwood offers a tougher surface than carpet, but it also suffers from problems with moisture. A damp hardwood eventually warps and cracks. After many years of expansion and contraction, moisture damage can become very apparent with a hardwood floor.

Places in which water damage and accidents occur can cause scratching or gouging in the flooring as well. Laminate flooring is a wonderful solution for water damage and durability issues. With a laminate floor, designers can have the classic appeal of hardwood if they so desire, while dodging many of the typical problems. Laminate flooring is largely impervious to moisture issues and will not absorb water. Stains are not an issue, and as long as they are cleaned up promptly, will cause no lasting damage at all.
Fortunately, laminate flooring is very affordable, and can be found in a wide range of shades, colors, and styles.

Installing a Laminate Floor
Installation of laminate flooring is also relatively simple. As soon as a set of tiles can be unwrapped, check each to make sure there are no broken tiles. Once certain that all the tiles are in good condition, give the tiles a few days to adjust to their new environment. There may be some contraction or expansion involved when the laminate flooring tiles arrive in a new setting.

Make certain to follow all manufacturer instructions that are included with the tile packaging. Specific instructions on how to glue the tiles are very important, and can affect the overall performance of the tile. It is also important to ensure that the tiles are placed with a quarter of an inch space between the wall and the flooring. Although a great deal of tools isn’t required for in home installation, you may need something to cut the tile around corners, fireplaces, stairs, etc. A wet tile saw would provide all the cutting power needed for laminate flooring.

Having a level surface for installation is also crucial. Be sure to fill any holes in the subflooring, or sand away any protruding areas that might stick up afterward.