Putting In Laminate Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing laminate flooring is a great way to update your home and add value to your property. It’s a relatively simple job that even the most inexperienced DIY-ers can tackle. But before you start, it’s important to make sure you have all the right tools and materials to get the job done right.

Tools and Materials Needed

When putting in laminate flooring, you’ll need a few basic tools and materials. These include:

• Laminate flooring boards
• Underlayment
• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Chalk line
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Utility knife
• Foam-backed tape

Preparing the Subfloor

Before you begin installing the laminate flooring, you’ll need to prepare the subfloor. This includes making sure it’s clean, level, and free of any debris. You should also check for any water damage or areas that may need to be repaired.

Installing the Underlayment

Once the subfloor is prepped, you’re ready to install the underlayment. The underlayment should be laid down in strips, with each strip overlapping the previous one by at least 8 inches. Make sure to secure the underlayment to the subfloor with staples or foam tape.

Laying the Flooring

When laying the laminate flooring, you should start in the corner of the room and work your way out. Start by laying down the first row of boards, making sure they’re straight and level. Then, use a hammer and chisel to tap the boards into place.

Cutting the Boards

If you need to cut the boards to fit around any obstacles or angles, you can use a circular saw or a utility knife. Make sure to measure twice and cut once to ensure a perfect fit.

Foam-Backed Tape

Once the boards are in place, you can use foam-backed tape to help secure them. This tape should be placed between the joints of the boards to help prevent them from shifting.

Conclusion

Putting in laminate flooring is a great way to update your home and add value to your property. With the right tools and materials and a bit of patience, even the most inexperienced DIY-ers can tackle this job. Just remember to prepare the subfloor, install the underlayment, lay the boards, and use foam-backed tape to secure them.