Laminate click flooring is quickly becoming a popular choice for flooring for many homeowners. They have the beautiful look of hardwood without the hassles of upkeep and maintenance. They are easier to keep clean and don’t look much different than traditional hardwood. With a little elbow grease most people can install click flooring in their homes without the need for a professional.
What You'll Need
What You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Floor underlay
- Saw
- Straight edge
- Surface grinder
- Wide tape
- Kick boards
- Quarter inch spacers
- Quarter round boards
- Hammer
- Finishing nails
- Puller tool
Step 1- Check the Subfloor
You will want to use the long straight edge you have to ensure that the concrete floor is flat. You will also want to make sure there are no cracks or dips. Mark any low areas you find with a pencil.
Go back and fill in the areas that lie lower with a self leveling compound. Follow the manufacturers directions for dry time.
Step 2- Polish Floor
Now you can use the surface grinder to polish any spots that may sit higher than they should. Use a damp towel to wipe any dust that is left behind from the grinding.
Step 3- Door Frames
Place a small piece of click laminate flush with the bottom of the door frame. Mark the frame directly above the laminate. You will want to cut the bottom of the door frame at this mark so the door won’t grind on the floor.
Step 4- Install Underlay
Every brand of click laminate will be a little different. You will need to read the directions provided so you have a better understanding of how to lay the floor. You will also need to install any underlay that the manufacturer recommends before you start to lay the floor.
Once that is done you can decide where you are going to start laying the floor. The underlay needs to be installed in the same direction and the same starting point as the actual floor. Use the wide tape you have to tape the seams down. Allow an extra two inches of underlay outside the perimeter of the floor. You will want to do this in small sections to make it easier on you.
Once that is done you can decide where you are going to start laying the floor. The underlay needs to be installed in the same direction and the same starting point as the actual floor. Use the wide tape you have to tape the seams down. Allow an extra two inches of underlay outside the perimeter of the floor. You will want to do this in small sections to make it easier on you.
Step 5- Find the Number of Planks
Measure the width of the room and divide that by the width of the plank. This will give you the number of planks you will need. If the number you get isn’t a whole number just divide that fraction by two. This will give you the width of the first and last row of planks and will give you what you need so you can cut those planks.
Step 6- Start Installing
Use your quarter inch spacer between the first plank and the wall. The second row plank will need to be held up at a small angle facing away from the first plank. Press the second plank into the first one so that the tops of both planks touch each other. Rotate the second one downward until you hear it click in.
Continue laying the planks in this manner. Make sure you use a staggered pattern. The puller tool will need to be used on the last row. The tool will give you a snug fit and help you ensure the quarter inch space between the last row and the wall.
Continue laying the planks in this manner. Make sure you use a staggered pattern. The puller tool will need to be used on the last row. The tool will give you a snug fit and help you ensure the quarter inch space between the last row and the wall.
Step 7- Finishing the Job
Finish the project by using your round trim around the perimeter of the floor. This will hide the quarter inch space allowance. Miter the ends of the trim for the corners. Nail it to the wall, and use putty to cover the nail holes when you’re done.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
