Aside from its durability, water-resistance, and aesthetic appeal, one of the most attractive features of laminate flooring would have to be the ease with which it can be installed by those with even the most modest DIY chops. Like anything else, however, no matter how easy it is, there are always little tricks and tips that can make the process even easier. Here are four ways you can make your already simple laminate flooring install even easier:1. Removing the Shoe Molding
This is the first thing you are going to want to do. Simply use a thin pry-bar to gently lift the shoe molding. Be sure to take special care not to damage the shoe molding, so that you can use it again when the time comes. Be sure not to alter the baseboard molding.
Be sure to nail the molding to the baseboard, and not the flooring itself, to avoid damaging your new laminate flooring.
2. Trimming the Casings
You're going to want to trim your casings so that your laminate flooring slides perfectly underneath. Simply place a piece of the underlayment in front of the casing. Then put a scrap piece of flooring on top of that. This should give you a line you can use to decide where the cut needs to be made, so that your floor will slide perfectly underneath.
3. Rolling Out the Underlayment
This part can be a little tricky. The underlayment has a tendency to separate. This can be a major headache, because you can't overlap the underlayment or your laminate flooring will be uneven.
A simple way to deal with this problem is to place a thin piece of tape at the appropriate spots on the seam to keep it from coming apart. This little trick will definitely save you a tantrum!
4. Get a Tapping Block!
When it finally comes time to tap your planks in place, you are definitely going to want to get a tapping block to ease the process. They sell for only a few dollars at any big box home improvement store, and will make the process of locking your laminate flooring in place a whole lot easier, as well as preventing damage to your new floor.
Always be sure to employ the tapping block on the tongue edge, not the groove, to avoid damaging the plank.
These four simple tips are sure to make your install go much smoother, but if you feel you may not have the DIY chops to tackle a laminate floor install project, Completely Floored offers quality professional flooring installation at a price that won't break the bank. Simply call or stop by our showroom in Everett, WA and our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you get to where you need to be!
