How to Install Laminate Flooring

How to Install Laminate Flooring:

Written by: Anita Johnston

How many times have you thought “I can install laminate flooring” or “I wish I could do that?”  Flooring is one of those renovation projects that allure newbies most often.  After mastering the skill of installing your own floor it can liberate the home owner which can be good and bad for a home.

I have walked through many homes and within a second I can pick out a home owner renovation project.  From spaces between cabinets that weren’t properly attached together or gaps that weren’t perfectly filled with a filler pencil.  And flooring………. I have seen the worst flooring jobs while touring houses for sale.  A new floor can add great value to a home.  But an improperly installed floor can actually deduct value from a home.  I just saw this recently with a home that the appraiser specifically noted the poor flooring installation and downgraded the value of the home.

There’s several things to keep in mind when installing flooring.  Prepping the floor is a must.  If you’ve removed carpet then you definitely had to endure the tedious task of removing staples that was holding down the carpet pad.

Sweeping the floor to make double sure that there’s nothing sticking up that won’t allow the floor to lie perfectly flat and level.  Second you need to decide where to start.  If it’s just one room that’s easier.  You simply start running your flooring parallel to the entrance.  Once you lay out your first row you will then take your cut board and lay it in place to start your next row.  There should never be less than 4″  from the end of one board to and other ends the row before or after. You should tap the boards together until they click together and all gaps are gone.