Fitting Laminate Flooring

Fitting laminate flooring properly isn't that difficult, but it is important.

You can lay laminate floors in virtually any room of your home. With so many different types of laminate flooring, finding the perfect floor for your home is all about choice. Laminates have come a long way from the cheap floors used in decades past. Today, you can have the look of hardwood or ceramic tile without the expense or the hassle with laminate flooring.

Keep in mind, however, that your flooring will only look as good as its installation. If you lay a floor leaving gaps and uneven areas, your flooring will end up looking shoddy no matter how much money you spent. This is why fitting laminate flooring properly is so important!

How you lay out your flooring will depend a lot on the style of flooring you choose.

If you are using wood laminate planks, it is very important to measure the entire floor before you begin. If you have several entryways in the room, consider how the planks will fit in each entryway. In other words, if you begin laying out a floor at one entrance but end up needing only half the width of a plank for the opposite entrance, you've got an appearance problem. Instead, measure accordingly, several times if necessary, then begin laying your floor.

Wood laminate generally requires the use of a foam roll of underlayment. This creates a "floating" floor. This underlayment should be measured for a tight fit from wall to wall, without any excess cracks and crevices.

You'll need to measure and cut around any vents and around the edges of entryways and the corners of the room. You should also tape any seams together to ensure a solid fit. Smooth the underlayment as much as possible, pressing out any creases and folds as you go.

It is often recommended that spacers be placed between the flooring and the wall, which will allow for any expanding and contracting that might occur as the floor settles into place or as the temperature in the room changes. Depending upon the type of wood laminate you choose, you may need to lay the planks with glue, or you may simply use the tongue-and-groove method of fitting the pieces together. The manufacturer's directions should inform you as to what you need for installing the flooring.

Laminate tile comes in a variety of sizes and styles. In some respects, laminate tile is easier to work with simply because you can lay out the tile in the pattern you want before you actually begin installing the flooring. Again, keep in mind that vents, corners, and entryways will have to be cut to fit, and this can be tricky. Mostly, this part of the flooring job will be trial and error, so be sure you order or purchase several extra tiles.

Fitting laminate flooring isn't that difficult with the exception of the tough areas, like corners, angles, and vents.

• Apply leveling compound. In some instances, you may need to level the floor before you begin. An underlayment may help, or you could apply a self-leveling compound. Let it completely dry before you begin. Most professionals recommend adding a polythene membrane between the compound and the flooring to hold back any moisture if you are using wood laminate.
• Allow the boxes to breathe. While the compound is drying, it is a good idea to open each wood laminate flooring box at least 24 hours before you begin the flooring job to allow the wood to expand or contract. This typically isn't necessary, however, with laminate tile.
• Prepare the room. You can prepare the room by removing any quarter round, baseboards, moldings, and door facings before you begin.
• Use the right tools. Depending upon the flooring you use, you may need to purchase special tools to help you measure and cut each of the angles in the room. Template tools can ensure a more custom fit, and these can be purchased at a home improvement or flooring store.

Finally, don't be afraid to consult a professional. If you are trying to save money, consider a floor installation clinic that might be held at your local flooring or home improvement store. You can also ask for tips and advice from sales associates at these stores.

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