Laminate Flooring Installation – A Guide to Assist Homeowners With Their Remodeling Projects

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Laminate flooring is an easy and economical way to improve your existing flooring. Amateurs that have the necessary tools and education can do the installation. The skill level for laminate flooring is low, however, installing the wood trim is more difficult. Below are the steps to installing laminate flooring.

1. Remove any appliances, furniture, or objects that exist in the area being remodeled.

2. Remove base shoe trim around the edges of the room. The base trim can remain, as new base shoe will be added at the end of the process.

3. Remove existing flooring to lower the level of the floor. This will help with transitions from room to room. If the room to be remodeled is considerably lower than the other floors, laminate can be laid directly on structurally sound existing floors. Another option would be to raise the floor to match adjacent rooms. This can be done with plywood.

4. Install waterproofing paper membrane with staples to secure it to the floor. This will help the laminate resist warping.

5. If the plastic laminate underlayment is unattached, install the underlayment.

6. Cut door casing/jambs so that the laminate will slide underneath with limited clearance.

7. Snap a starter line using the longest wall in the room that is perpendicular to the floor joists. This line should extend through the majority of the room.

8. Lay the first row of laminate flooring using the snapped line as a reference. Secure the laminate by installing shims on the edges. The shim-space should not to exceed the width of the base shoe that will be installed later.

9. Lay additional rows one at a time. Be sure to offset the joints by 6 inches of the joints in the previous row. Continue to shim from the edges.

10. Install transition pieces according to their manufacturers.

11. Install base shoe to the trim around the edges.

12. Install matching putty or caulk in all nail holes and gaps.

13. Replace any furniture or appliances.

Even if you plan to do the improvements yourself, it is important to contact a construction professional in your area before attempting any remodeling. Many professionals will lend you free advice or estimates. This will give you knowledge about your individual project and help you plan the process.

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Source by Reis Grams