Author: flooring.admin

Tiles are functional and decorative at the same time. They can easily brighten up the house with its color and texture, or in an opposite case, add some needed drama. On the floor or in the back splash, tiles certainly affects the over-all design of your house. Other than floors, tiles can also be used on the walls and sinks. A perfect mix and match of tile colors will not only create different world of surprises for everyone at home but will leave most of your guests with a pleasant delight.

Guidelines for choosing the right floor tile

Tiles are generally pricey and will take some amount of effort to install. The toll it will take on your budget and schedule should be enough for you to consider some questions and ensure that you are getting the most in your flooring investment. Here are some things to think about in order to find the perfect tile for your home.

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• Where will you use it? Will you use it in the kitchen? Living room? Toilet and Bath? Carport?
• What is the theme you wanted to create?
• How strong you need your tile to be?
• Does it fit your budget?
• What is the size of the room?
• How do you want the installation should be done? In pattern? Large or small squares? Would there be some distance in between the tiles?

If you can figure out the answers to these questions, you may pick the tile of your choice. Of course, it will be wise not to settle and decide based on these questions alone. Scout for some free professional advice and other not-so-costly available resources like promos in your local stores and online resources.

Proper placement of the tile

Different styles of tiles have appropriate placement. The  challenge to the homeowner is know where to use them. The sole determinant of this is functionality.

Here are the list of tile styles and their proper place in your house:

• Glass Tiles. They are used as decorative in the kitchen and bath walls. Sometimes, they come in multi-color decorative design which filters away the light from the outside to give a dramatic effect inside. If you use them in your kitchen, do not worry if they get splashed with oil and soup. They can easily be wiped away. In fact, this is what it is built for- easy cleaning. Aside from kitchen  back splash, glass floor tiles are now widely used for bathrooms. They are elegant and inexpensive as well as nature-friendly.

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• Ceramic Tiles. A popular and widely used-alternative to natural stone tiles, ceramic comes in various shapes, colors and designs that will certainly allow for plenty of possible flooring layouts. They are also durable and easy to maintain that makes them an ideal flooring solution for the kitchen, living room, bathroom and the basement.
• Natural Stone Tiles. These are the tiles that are sourced from natural stones. There are a number of these type of flooring tiles and you bet they have higher tag prices than wood and ceramic tiles. Some of the popular ones used today are: granite, marble, travertine, slate and limestone. Like ceramic tiles, they are ideal for just about anywhere in the house except in places where there tends to be a lot of water and moisture. For areas that are generally prone to wetness, slate is the top pick because of its anti-slip properties.
• Carpet Tiles. Oh yes! Not all tiles are created equal. Carpet tiles have gained popularity over the traditional wall-to-wall carpeting. This is very popular among offices and other places where only muffled sounds are tolerated. They are cheap, easy to install since most of them comes with adhesive on their backings already and what’s more is that they are easier to maintain -washable and easier to replace compared to their older and more popular counterparts. Carpet tles are ideal for use in bedrooms, home office, studies and studio.

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• Composite Tiles. Another type of tiles that is slowly making waves are composite tiles. Much like the more popular composite decking materials, composite tiles are made from recycled products like plastics that makes use of what’s generally considered waste. They are cheap and durable and ideal for outdoor use.

Picking the perfect tile for your home needs several considerations and it is very important that you think each one through to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck.

Continuing with our list of the best flooring choices for each room in the house, here are a few more ideas you might want to think over before deciding on what’s the best flooring material is for you. This is something you need to look into before buying a new home or taking up that new home improvement project, especially if you are planning to do-it-yourself. It also a good thing to know even if you have decorators doing it for you, at least you have an idea on what they will be talking about.

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4. Dining Room

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Dining room area flooring has to be elegant and formal enough yet at the same time have that casual freedom to accommodate grown ups having their boss over and the family just enjoying a home cooked meal. Carpet seems to be a healthy choice since it offers comfort to tired feet and toes and it can muffle sounds. The downside however is that it will be prone to stains to you might want to consider alternatives to wall-to-wall carpeting like area rugs or carpet tiles. Also think of the colors carefully and pick out something that will not easily show stubborn stains. Hardwood and laminate flooring is also a great choice of the best flooring for the dining area since it looks pretty and well, feels comfortably warm compared to stone, tiles or concrete. Again, just be quick to clean up spills and well, be careful  not to drop something sharp enough to scratch.

5. Bathroom

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Bathrooms used to be dominated by tiles and vinyl since they bear with water better than bamboo, cork and wood-based flooring in general. Again, depending on your needs and preferences, you can make a combination work and you might even want to try up and coming materials like recycled glass. Yup, recycled glass is now a choice of the environmentally conscious and those who want to make a statement. The surface is finished in a way that it prevents slips and well, its glass so it appears pretty in the light.

6. Bedroom

Now, this is where traffic is not so much of a problem and well, its more of making it more personal and comfortable. Traditionally, bedroom flooring includes wood-based products and carpeting. For kids bedrooms where carpets can pose a problem, especially for children with respiratory problems and allergies, a good alternative is cork since its hypoallergenic. Its also durable enough to stand kids running around, easy to maintain and does not place so high in the price tag meter. Further, its a good insulator and naturally muffles and suppresses sound which makes it ideal even for grown ups who have work spaces in their bedrooms or those who prefer to lay down with a good book.

7. Basement

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Since this is basically that part of the house most exposed to moisture and in extreme cases even flooding, most of us tend to overlook how we can best use our basement – aside from the traditional washing area and workshop. Well, if you prefer to keep the concrete, it doesn’t have to be bare. Adding some paint for color can actually bring in more light and warmth in your basement. If you’re not so much of a painter, then try floor decals and stickers. If you want a more conventional looking basement, then have tiles installed and you can from there.

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Now that you’ve read the best flooring choices available for each room in your house, its time to plan – ask yourself (better yet, a professional for their recommendations) and be sure to cover all possible grounds and doubts you might have, after all, the best flooring for your home is more than just a decor or home improvement. It is an investment in the quality of your experience at home and an investment in your property.

Finding the best flooring for your home is possible. There are a number of things you need to consider to identify which is the best flooring that suit your needs and getting to know your flooring needs is actually the best place to start since different areas in the house have different purposes. Next to these purposes, identify the activities you have in mind in each area as this will definitely tell you the amount of traffic to expect, exposure to the elements like water and sunlight. These may seem trivial but no doubt, are important factors in knowing which of the different available flooring solutions is the best option to buy.

Then, next and perhaps, the most important thing to think about in making your best flooring project a reality is the cost. Yes, the amount of money needed not just to buy the flooring material but also the cost of installation and maintenance. Finding the best flooring does not end with the material alone. It also has to be functional and practical and there’s no best way to test practicality other than the cost.

Below are some rooms and some ideal flooring solutions for each and why.

Entryways

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In general, there’s no need to have special flooring for entryways and hallways. They can have the same material you have in one room or another, as long as it transitions okay. However, keep in mind that just like stairs, these places receive considerable amount of foot traffic and often is subject to more dirt and grit dragged in by our footwear. What we need to be aware of is protecting the best flooring we want to install by exposing it less to harmful materials like dirt which can scratch the flooring surface and moisture which can cause watermarks and stains. For these areas, we recommend having some area rugs and carpet runners to help protect flooring inside the house.

Living Room

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This is perhaps the crowning glory of most homes. If you have an average-sized house, then it is more than likely that you entertain guests and do some family bonding activities in the living room. If this is the case we can expect a moderate to heavy footfall on this room and in general, it is a combination of both beauty and function. If you intend to stay in the property for a number of years and want to make a worthwhile investment in it, then get hardwood flooring for the living room. Sure, hardwood can cause a burden in the pocket but the beauty, comfort and classic sassiness it will bring is definitely worth it. However, if you have money to spare and there’s somewhere else the kids can play and the boys can watch their game, then you might want to invest in natural stone flooring then add some touch of style by accentuating it with carpets or area rugs. Should you have limited space and budget or have some pets and tots roaming around, then natural stone might not be the best idea. If this is the case, opt for wood-based products or more softer but durable flooring solution.

Kitchen

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Kitchens are definitely the busiest and most used of all the rooms in any property. The kitchen floor is prone to spills and things getting dropped. So for safety reasons, the best flooring has to be slip-proof and second, it has to be something that’s easy to clean to make the area more hygienic and appealing. For the kitchen it is not uncommon to have traditional tile flooring and hardwood with area rugs to soften it out a bit. Cork flooring is also not a far cry from the conventional and for a busier kitchen, vinyl is recommended for the daily wear and tear and so is laminate flooring.

Be sure to watch out for our next post for the rest of the list.

A partial or full basement is actually an undiscovered goldmine.If a property has one, homeowners only need to tap into their inner creativity to transform that damp and musty area usually condemned for perpetual storage in to functional living space where fun activities for family and friends can be conducted. Turn it into a spare bedroom, a bar or an entertainment room, the possibilities are just endless.

Often, we are misguided that the belief that our basement flooring is just plain unmanageable which is why we condone that extra space to be left with very little use. Below are 7 myths about basement flooring revealed:

Myth #1: Concrete basement floors are damp and cold.

In the earlier years of concrete construction, maybe. These days most building codes require contractors to install a vapor barrier on concrete slabs to block moisture migration. There is also the option for in-floor radiant heating which can be installed prior to poring of concrete slabs.

There has also been a significant increase in upscale homes opting for decorative internal concrete flooring.

Myth #2: Floor coverings are better and cheaper than decorative concrete.

Decorating concrete floors can cost just as much as carpets or laminate flooring, however the difference is in the floors’ life expectancy. Concrete will far outlive most if not all other types of available flooring materials. Not only that, concrete will outdo any floor covering material when it comes to enduring natural elements like water and will not be prone to cupping, warping or even decay.

In short, over time homeowners will get more than their investment in decorative concrete flooring. Compared to other durable and  high end flooring products like natural stone and ceramic tiles, concrete is significantly cheaper and is normally considered an alternative.

Another advantage is maintenance, decorative concrete only requires occasional sweeping and damp moping.

Myth #3: Carpeting is warmer and more inviting than concrete.

Technically, this is not a myth. It is true that carpet is warmer as for being inviting, it has to stand the test of the elements. Maintenance and the carpeting’s reaction to below grade environment. There is an ever present risk of it being a breeding ground for molds, mildew, dust mites and other allergens.

Some new form of carpeting might also have hazardous emissions that may not be well-suited to basements, especially if they are not well-ventilated.

Myth #4: Cracks in concrete are inevitable and we must cover them up.

Cracks is something that will naturally occur in concrete and unless they pose danger and raises some structural issues, you don’t necessarily have to cover them up. For some, these cracks can even give more appeal and character to concrete basement decorative flooring. They give a more rustic feel to the room.

However if find them as eyesores, there are polymer-modified cement-based overlay can easily cover and hide them. These are also suited for treatment.

Myth #5: Concrete basement flooring, especially decorative ones are slippery.

And so are vinyl and ceramic tiles. While adding a high gloss finish might reduce the traction of decorative concrete flooring this can be easily corrected by mixing a non-slip additive to the treatment or finish before application.

Myth #6: Decorative concrete flooring has limited colors compared to carpet, vinyl or wood laminate flooring choices.

This is really a myth. Decorative concrete flooring offers great versatility in terms of designs and colors – stamped, stenciled, coated, dyed, etched or painted, the possibilities are just endless.

Creating unique and beautiful decorative concrete flooring is possible and at the same time economical and durable. Just be cautious when using paints and other materials as basements may have poor or limited ventilation and fumes might be hazardous.

 

1. What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a popular flooring solution which has itsorigin as a humble kitchen countertop material in Europe. It was introduced in North America about 2 decades ago and the brand Pergo quickly became a household name.

Laminate is technically made up of several layers with a wood veneer, thick polyurethane finished top layer and moisture resistant back layer.

These type of flooring materials are designed to mimic wood surface and better deal with moisture and humidity.

Over the years, laminate flooring products have also seen major innovations, from different sizes, thickness, installation methods and surface finishes.

2. How is Laminate Flooring Made

Laminate flooring is made up of several layers pressed together. These layers are:

• the stabilizer layer is made up of moisture-resistant materials like resin or melamine, it is the bottom layer that provides support to each plank;

• the core layer – made up of resin re-enforced fiber boards, this is the layer which supports the weight from foot traffic;

• the decor layer is where patterns or designs are printed; and

• the wear layer or overlay is the topmost and extremely tough layer that comes in constant contact with traffic, this is made up of either aluminum oxide or melamine.

3. Types of Laminate Flooring

There are several ways we can classify laminate flooring. One of them is how they are made. There are generally 2 ways of making laminate flooring and they are:

• Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) is said to be the standard process in making laminates, here, 4 layers of laminate flooring materials are pressed and bonded together at 300-600 pounds per inch of pressure at a temperature of somewhere in between 300-400  degrees Fahrenheit. Materials are treated and pressed together all in the same time.

• High Pressure Laminate (HPL) here, the pressure is increased to 1,000lbs/inch. This is to make the laminate flooring more resilient to traffic. Compared to DPL processed laminates, here there are 5 or more layers of materials pressed together. These extra layers are usually high-strength paper to reinforce the product.

Another would be the finish. Early laminate flooring planks were designed to mimic wood. Patterns of different types of wood grains were printed on the design layer. These days however, we have different surface finishes available, some looking like natural stone. Also, aside from the look, most laminate flooring planks today also imitates the texture of the materials they mimic making it look and feel more authentic.

4. Advantages of Using Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has several advantages over other flooring solutions. A big advantage is cost. Compared to traditional hardwood planks or natural stone tiles, you can get laminate flooring at a fraction of the cost. They come in warranties of 10, 15 and even up to 30 years.

They are lighter than natural stone flooring and very easy to install, you can do it yourself. For stone tiles and even hardwood, you would need special tools to get them cut unlike laminate flooring, all you’ll need is a typical saw.

They are easy to clean and low on maintenance, there is no need to refinish or resand laminate floors. Laminate flooring is also easy to install. Some can be bought w/ attached pre-glued underpads and some comes with an easy click and lock system making it easier for DIY enthusiasts.

Compared to wood, they are more resistant to moisture and won’t easily warp or cup.

5. How to  Choose Laminate Flooring?

As we’ve mentioned and as you might already know, there are a variety of options when it comes to laminate flooring – every color, texture and sizes possible to satisfy your imagination.

What I strongly suggest before picking out the right laminate flooring for your needs is to consider how much traffic you expect in each room.

Laminate flooring products all have an Abrasion Class (AC) Rating which identifies its resilience in terms of impact, burns, moisture and other elements which can cause damage.

In our previous post, we discussed the harmful elements in some flooring products like VOCs. In this third installment, we’ll take a look a some common flooring solutions and why they are considered eco-friendly.

In recent years, as the rising awareness in preserving the environment and our natural resources gained popular advocacy and support, words like sustainability, renewable resources and reusable materials have become buzzwords that everybody in different social and industrial circles are talking about – some out of genuine concern and others simply out of the publicity.

These days however, this is hardly the case with the recent development in media and improvements in communication, more and more people are becoming genuinely concerned with the environment. Some if not most of us have made an active commitment to use materials or products that does as little or maybe even zero damage to the environment. Most of us are also trying to make intelligent choices when it comes to products used in our homes and the establishments we run or own.

Below is a list of some environment-friendly flooring solution:

Hardwood Flooring.  Yes, you read that one correct. Hardwood flooring can be considered as an eco-friendly flooring choice for a number of reasons. The top reason is: its natural durability combined with proper care can make hardwood last for over a hundred years.

When you get hardwood installed in your home, you can have it treated and refinished again and again and when your grand kids have gone tired of seeing the same floor again and decides to take it out, the wood can be re-used and re-purposed in the same manner that re-claimed woods are such a hot commodity these days, people are willing to splurge for vintaged wood products.

Linoleum. One of my personal favorite  flooring material is linoleum. What most people don’t know is that its a truly green flooring material – made from renewable and biodegradable resource unlike vinyl which is made up mainly of PVC compound.

In recent years linoleum have slowly gotten a well-deserved revival. In general it is manufactured the way its been since it was invented with basically the same components and with modern renovations on the product, it has become more marketable and consumer friendly.

Bamboo. This is an ancient material that has displayed versatility and resiliency for several centuries. Highly durable, ancient civilizations have used bamboo in different ways from education, medicine, construction, arts and weapons.

The trick part about buying bamboo though is ensuring that it was produced with the least chemical emission or environmental damage. One thing to keep in mind when buying this flooring type is to check out the manufacturer and importer of the product.

Cork. Another product that has stood the test of resiliency is cork. This is another material that came from a highly sustainable resource. Hypoallergenic, low on maintenance, a great sound insulator and soft to touch, this is an ideal alternative to traditional carpets.

One thing to watch out for when getting this type of product is the finish, the underlay and the adhesive that will be used because it might contain toxic chemicals.

Natural Stones. Natural stone flooring like granite, marble, slate or travertine are environmentally sound choices since they come from natural resources. Since they are a bit pricey, home or establishment owners look at them as long term investments. Natural stones are not only durable, they can also be exquisitely stunning and they definitely add value to the property.

As I mentioned in the first part of this series, being green doesn’t end with buying green. Being environmentally conscious involves a constant checking and a continuing commitment to reduce one’s own carbon footprint.

After you have made the essential preparation for your subfloors, its now time to learn more about installing your new vinyl flooring. Continue reading for some pointers on our DIY flooring series.

Before you go right ahead and spread and cut your vinyl plank or sheet flooring, be sure to plan the layout correctly. It is ideal to draw a sketch of the room to make sure you identify every corner you wish to cover. This is also highly advised if you intend to create a pattern on the room. Adding extra inches here and there for cutting and and trimming. This is best done using craft paper as a pattern.

After you’ve laid out the craft paper and created a pattern, it is now easier to identify where and how much to cut from our vinyl flooring material. Also don’t forget to check the flooring manufacturer’s recommendations. While it is generally okay to install vinyl over flooring concrete or wood subfloors, they might need some preparation or perhaps installing an underlayment is necessary.

Again, the type of vinyl flooring you would use would largely determine the installation process.

For vinyl sheet flooring, you would need to temporarily tape the sheet on one side while working oh the rest of the sides – laying and cutting out the material before spreading out the adhesive either for full or perimeter adhesion.

Some vinyl sheet flooring on the other hand requires only limited adhesive as some have the standard tongue and groove that helps it get locked in place immediately while some are those peel back and stick kind, making it more secure and convenient.

Lastly, some vinyl flooring tiles are groutable so you would have to use spacers on them, just like ceramic tiles and probably rent a caulk gun to fill them up, especially if you’re planning to install them in places which gets exposed to either moisture or water.

One thing to remember especially if you’re gonna use groutable vinyl flooring tiles is to keep it clean and clean up quickly as some grouting product tend to dry up fast.

Done preparing the subfloor, we’ll now proceed to installing out linoleum flooring. First things first, don’t forget to let your linoleum flooring product acclimate to the natural conditions of the room for at least 24 hours.

Continue reading this newest installment on our DIY flooring series and check out if linoleum flooring installation is one project you’d like to do-it-yourself, while it won’t necessarily add value to your home, it can make the living space more functional and more appealing.

Installation will vary depending on the type of linoleum flooring you’re going to use and their respective manufacturers’ instructions.

Linoleum Sheet

For linoleum sheet flooring, If its a simple square or rectangular room, just simply get the room’s area and have an allowance of at least 3 inches on each side. However, if the room’s shape is irregular or has multiple obstacles or stable features and immobile furnishings, the same technique in installing vinyl sheet flooring can be applied here: create a sketch of the room and a pattern using craft paper. The seams, should ideally be located in low traffic areas.

Using a utility knife, carefully cut the sheet according to your pattern, keeping in mind the measurements to make sure that the cut will be a precise fit. Dry lay the linoleum on the floor, also be mindful of the design or pattern you chose – they, of course should match. Seams should have the matching design and should overlap at least one inch. Tape the seams together to hold them temporarily as you continue with the dry layout.

After you’ve spread the entire layout throughout the room, be sure that each side or edge is temporarily held down by tape. You can now proceed to applying adhesive as directed by the manufacturer. Apply pressure using a roller as directed, though this is commonly done by beginning in the center and going to the sides. Seal seams with manufacturer-recommended sealant. Remove visible tapes that were used to secure the linoleum.

Finally, wait for at least 24 hours or as directed before putting furniture back and resuming traffic in the area.

Linoleum Tiles

One thing to remember here is our earlier post on installing ceramic and porcelain tiles. This is especially true if you plan to create a pattern or arrange the linoleum tiles to form a specific design. Be sure to get the center of the room and dry fit the tiles.

To find the center of the room, measure the opposing width of each wall and divide by 2 to get the center. After you’ve found and marked the center, snap a chalk line along. Be sure to check if the lines have a perfect 90º angle using a carpenter’s square. If not, be sure to make the necessary corrections.

Dry lay the tiles, make sure it is perfectly aligned with the chalk line. Arrange each tile to achieve the desired design or pattern. Apply adhesive as recommended and directed by the manufacturer. You can work your way from the center to the side of each wall. Be sure to take correct measurements and cut the linoleum tiles when necessary.

Before the adhesive’s completely dry, roll over tiles with a heavy roller to make sure they lay flat. It also won’t hurt to check if the tiles are leveled as adhesive or other foreign material might cause unwanted humps and bumps on your new floor.

Lastly, re-attach all trimmings, mouldings and baseboards to the walls to cover the edge of the tiles. Also check if there is a need to keep an allowance for expansion as this may vary depending on the product you use and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Glueless Linoleums

Be sure to clean the surface of the subfloor, measure the room and mark the each side of the wall for the expansion gap, as recommended by the manufacturer. It’s better if you can snap a chalk line here as your guide or reference.

Just like typical laminate or hardwood flooring boards, lay down the glueless linoleum with the tongue facing the wall, just dry lay them and don’t lock them together yet.

For the first row, saw off the tongue facing the wall before locking it together with the rest of the glueless linoleum boards. Cut boards as needed.

We’ve already written some posts on laminate flooring – what they are, how to choose the perfect laminates, gave a buying guide as well as how to clean and handle stains in them.

You may think that you’ve got everything you need and know absolutely everything you need to know about them and you’re probably about to go online or hit the nearest retailer in your area to get boxes and boxes of your perfect laminate flooring of choice…but you thought of something and stopped on your tracks: you realized you don’t know anyone who can install it and you’re not sure if you can do it.

Well we today, we give you the basics on how to install laminate flooring.

The most important thing to do before you begin is to make sure you have all the materials and tools you need. Common tools are:

• saw (miter and table saw);
• pencil
• safety glasses/goggles
• knee pads
• flooring installation kit (with pull bar and spacers)
• hammer
• tapping bar
• tape measure
• moisture barrier/vapor layer (especially for concrete subfloors)
• adhesive (depends on laminate flooring brand)
• underpads (depends on the brand as some have pre-attached ones)
• accessories (moldings, trims, stair noses)
• laminate flooring boards (with 5-10% allowance for waste, replacement or repairs in the future)

The next step is also critical. No matter what brand, with or without installation experience, one should always, always read the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

The succeeding steps are general processes observed and might slightly vary depending on the type of laminate flooring you are using and the specific set of instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Preparation

Site preparation. First remove the old flooring and thoroughly clean the surface to get rid of unnecessary debris, dirt and all other residue from the previous flooring product.

Carefully examine the area and check for needed repairs. Make sure that the subfloor’s surface is leveled by using a standard straight edge laser. Should there be uneven surfaces then simply apply thinset mortar to fill it. Its available in most hardware stores.

Don’t forget to measure the resulting flooring and make the necessary adjustments with your doors, trimmings, stairs and other transitions.

Consider also the subfloor material. For wood surfaces, as long as the subfloor is in good condition and shows no sign of damage – like decay or cupping, then you can go right ahead and put the laminate flooring in. The case is different with concrete though.

Moisture or vapor barriers are necessary for concrete subfloors to prevent moisture from seeping in from beneath which might cause damage to the flooring.

Also check the laminate flooring. Some products already have pre-attached underpads while others might require you to lay a separate sheet. Underpads provide a noise reduction for laminate flooring.

If you’re doing a major home makeover then ensure that all other jobs like carpentry and painting are all done before installing the laminate flooring to make sure that the surface are protected from unwanted scratches and stains. What’s the point of having a new floor when it’ll be less than perfect even before you get the chance to enjoy it?

Product Preparation. This is rather pretty simple. First make sure to examine each board or plank for any damage that might affect installation. Also scrutinize tongues and grooves to make sure they are whole and free from chips that could make locking them together hard or would leave seams visible or else gaps.

After checking, carefully arrange the laminate flooring on the room where it’ll be installed to allow it to acclimate. Acclimation simply means letting the product adapt to the temperature in the room thereby letting it expand or contract naturally for at least 72 hours.

There you have it, the initial steps in preparing for a DIY laminate flooring installation. Watch out for part 2 for the step by step process and more tips.

In our previous post, we showed the basics of preparing for laminate flooring installation, today we’ll continue with the rest of the process.

Laying the first plank.

For best appearance, it is generally advised to place laminate flooring boards parallel to the longest wall.

Remember to place your spacers to allow for the contraction or expansion of your new flooring. Spacers should be placed in intervals of 12 inches.

Also make sure that the groove-side is the one facing the wall and tongue on the opposite.

If its hard to tell which the longest wall is, as the room seems a squared one, then begin at the left wall going to the right.

Make sure that the first line is a straight line so that it’ll follow all throughout.

For stability, maintain a minimum length of no less than 8 inches. Also consider the length of each plank or board when laying down your flooring.

Laying the rest of the flooring.

Be sure to secure each piece of laminate flooring laid down by connecting all the grooves and tongues properly. To do this, position each board at an angle of 30-40 degrees.

Use tapping or pull bars when hammering is needed in order to prevent damage to tongues and  grooves.

Measure and re-measure each board or plank to get the correct length before cutting your laminate flooring piece.

Also, you may have to cut the width of the last piece to make sure it’ll fit perfectly in the room.

Transitions, Doors and Stairs

As we’ve already measured the new floors resulting thickness and taken note of other accessories needed, then this should be easy.

Baseboards, door jambs and panels should be trimmed in order to fit laminate flooring planks. You can do this with power tools such as a miter saw or a simple hand saw. Just simply measure the thickness of the laminate plank to get how much to trim from the door jambs or panels.

Since we left spacers between our laminate flooring pieces and the wall there will obviously be a visible gap so we would need to install baseboards.

Also known as wall trims or baseboard trims, they conveniently hide the gaps as well as provide additional decorative highlight to the room.

To accommodate the floorings contraction or expansion upward, be sure to nail the trims to the wall and not to the floor.

When transitioning from one room to another, then be sure you have the appropriate transition piece and cut it accordingly. There are several transition pieces depending on the purpose.

Shoe molding, T-molding and reducers are often used to transition from one flooring material to another or from one room to a different one.

If the laminate flooring is basically the same level with the next flooring its transitioning into, shoe molding is normally used.

When the floor we’ll be transitioning too is lower than our new laminate flooring, then the best piece to use is a reducer.

What about transitioning to stairs? Well, you can use stair noses that’ll go along with the color of your new floor, these are commonly available too.

One thing to consider about buying stair noses is that they are a bit expensive to take measurements before placing your orders and of course, keep in mind to add a little extra for waste and future repairs.

There you go, we hope you have fun doing your own DIY laminate flooring installation project!