Thinking of renovating your humble abode? Or maybe you are selecting flooring options for your house. Whatever the case may be, if you have decided to go with laminate wood flooring, you will need to know a few things before you start the installation.
Let’s get you up to speed on everything about laminate wood flooring.
What is laminate wood flooring?
Laminated wood is a synthetic multi-layered product used mostly for flooring. It is designed with the intention of emulating wooden flooring at a fraction of the cost. It is manufactured with fibreboard and resin materials with a texture on the top layer that resembles real wood. Laminate wood flooring is a versatile and cost-effective alternative to hardwood flooring.
Laminate wood flooring is more durable and has more advantages over real or engineered wood flooring. It is also much quicker and easier to install and can even be installed as a DIY project. So if you are thinking about redoing your wooden floor bedroom, you absolutely can do it on your own! That being said, we will also recommend that a professional does the full installation, as that will leave little room for error.
What are the advantages of laminate wood?
Laminate wooden flooring has several advantages over straight wooden flooring and the other options available in the market.
- Cost-effective: They are a common sight across many homes due to their being cost-effective. They have the appearance of real wooden flooring at a much lower cost.
- Scratch resistant: It is resistant to light damages such as scratches making it the ideal flooring material if you have pets or children.
- Dust free: Laminate flooring does not have areas where dust or other particles can be trapped. It is a great choice for people who are allergic to dust.
- Easy to clean: Spills and accidents are remarkably easy to clean up. Laminate floors do not require any special cleaners to be kept in the best condition. A simple daily sweep is all that is required.
- Versatile: Laminate flooring is not limited to redoing your wooden floor bedroom or living room floor. Many laminates are resistant to moisture and water, making them useable in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Subfloor protection: The laminate floor also works as a protection layer for the original floor underneath it.
- Wide selection of choices: Unlike engineered wood or wooden carpet flooring, laminate flooring offers a multitude of choices. You can choose different designs and textures, such as stone, wood and tile, available in every colour. When you choose a finish or design for laminate, it is printed and embossed all the way through the material.
- Longevity: It is pretty much guaranteed that a laminate floor will be there for many years to come. After the laminate is manufactured, it’s covered with a clear protective coating which ensures its long lifespan.
- Warranty: Most laminate floorings come with warranties against wear, staining and fading. Some manufacturers also provide a warranty against moisture damage.
- Environment friendly: The manufacturing process of laminates does not involve the harvesting of hardwoods as does that of wood flooring. Unlike some wooden carpet flooring, laminate wood flooring does not contain significant quantities of elements that affect indoor air quality. It can be destroyed without harming the environment.
How do I install laminate wood flooring?
It’s time to answer the main question: how is laminate wood flooring done?
Before we get to the laminate flooring itself, we have to start with a subfloor. The subfloor needs to be flat, smooth, and clean. You have to thoroughly sweep and/or vacuum the entire floor. It is recommended that you have an underlay of foam sheeting.
Your decision for a DIY project should be based on your budget and your comfort level with standard construction tools. Equipment that you will need:
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Tapping block or pull bar
- Rubber mallet (optional)
- Tape measure
- Straightedge
- Speed Square
- Pencil
- Circular saw, jigsaw or handsaw
- Table saw (optional)
- Chalk box,
However, if you do not have the necessary equipment or have not completed a home renovation project before, you may benefit from working with a professional. They will have all the materials and tools needed to properly complete the flooring.
Common Mistakes
Attempting to install it over an old floor covering that’s soft such as vinyl is a big mistake that most first-times commonly make. This especially applies in kitchens and bathrooms as moisture in those areas might cause the floor to become soft and warp.
If the old floor surface has damage or unevenness, you have to get it fixed before putting on a new layer.
Prior to installing the flooring and the underlay. It is a good idea to put a rigid layer of plywood to serve as a flat, firm base.
Conclusion
Laminate Wood Flooring is not too hard to install by yourself, however it is a good idea to consult a professional. No matter which way you choose to install your laminate flooring, you should always buy all wooden flooring from a trustworthy and reliable source. Reshawood provides excellent-quality laminate flooring and a variety of options to choose from. They also have an amazing customer support system where you can get help regarding any queries you may have about their products.
