While most people prefer to trust the professionals to lay their laminate flooring, it is often possible to install your own laminate if you have decent DIY skills and are reasonably confident. It goes without saying that this will be easier in a regular shaped room with an even floor, straight walls and minimal awkward spaces or features.
If you are determined to have a go yourself, here are a few simple tips that should help you to avoid common problems.
Prepare thoroughly
You will need to check the integrity of the sub-floor and ensure it is level. Minor depressions may not be a problem when laying new flooring, but any large dents in your floor must be dealt with if you want to avoid damaging your laminate. Check the type of underlay recommended for use with your laminate and make sure it is suitable for use on your specific type of sub-floor. Using the wrong underlay can cause irreparable damage to your new laminate.
Allow your flooring time to acclimatise
Many people, when laying laminate for the first time, underestimate the importance of letting their new flooring acclimatise to the conditions in their home. This is a hugely important step. You will need to bring the packs of laminate into the room in which your flooring will be laid and leave them to adjust to the temperature and conditions. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see how long you should leave your floor before laying it, which will generally be around 24 hours. Skipping this step could lead to your new floor buckling, cracking or splitting, depending on the conditions in your home and where the planks were previously stored.
Always follow the instructions
It might seem obvious, but read, re-read and re-read again the manufacturer’s instructions before you start work on your floor. Even if you have previously laid laminates, there is no harm in refreshing your memory and you may find the fitting process is a little different if you are using a different brand or line. It is easy to become impatient and rush through the more tedious parts of the job, but a lack of attention to detail is one of the main causes of bad DIY jobs. If you follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and take your time on every step of the installation, you will also find that you are more likely to be covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee in the event of something going wrong or your floor being damaged.
If you wish to know more about laminate flooring in Liverpool or are looking for a new carpet for your home, please visit Carpet Design and Flooring for more information.
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from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/quick-tips-for-laying-laminate-flooring/
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