How difficult can it be? Should I install 500sqft laminate wood floors myself? Your opinion does count!

Question

I have put together dressers, chests, nighttables, my sons book shelf, even his bunk bed; All by myself with his help lifting and helping me balance, but that's it. I've painted both my previous apartments too. Now I wish to put down about 500 sq ft of 12mm floating interlocking laminate wood floors and everyone is amazed I plan on doing it myself. Most men seem to do it and a few ambitious ladies have been successful. What's the big deal? What am I missing? I can take measurements and cut wood too...??????

Answer 1

Go for it.  Its mad easy.  Just follow the instructions, and make sure you have a good saw to cut the boards with. I recommend a Jigsaw with a new blade.

Don't forget the spacers!  Very important or the floor may buckle.

Answer 2

Go for it and draft a friend of two if you need to do so. Based on what I have seen the floating floor does not seem that bad - the glue stuff (or nailing down) seems to be a more difficult situation.

I am contemplating the same / similiar - trying to decide if I want to do the floating engineered or laminate wood floor.

Answer 3

You can do, We can help. go to Home Depot or Lowes they have classes on these things check and see when the next class is coming up. The floating floors are not that  hard to install. If you can use a tape you shouldn't have any problems.

Answer 4

It is fairly easy. I did my bedroom and hall. But I made the mistake of not leaving down the padding that was left from the carpet I took up. It would have made the floor more stable. I have an old fashioned radiator in my room and getting the cuts just right to go around that area was very tricky and it didn't turn out well. Any obstruction like that will be a real challenge. Make sure the boards fit tight together. Use a rubber mallet and a scrap piece of wood to get the pieces as close as possible.