I need tips on pulling up 30 yr old carpet and laying laminate wood-like flooring?

Question

Hello. I am trying to help my parents create a new look in their house. I want to pull up their old carpet and install laminate flooring by Dupont. I saw this type of flooring at Home Depot, and it already has a rubber-like backing which provides noise reduction and cushion. I was thinking of doing this myself. Is this a reasonable goal, or should I shell out the bucks to get Home Depot to install? Has anyone had that company install flooring before and if so, how did it go, and was it expensive? We are looking to refloor a living room, dining room, and two small narrow hallways. Any suggestions or input will be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

go for it I did it once and it was the first time it came with directions on how to lay it out and I had a friend help me his first time too If you are somewhat handy you shouldent have any problems

Answer 2

Laminate is great!  I have both.  My Aussie cypress, which is a hard wood, is scratched and dull just after a few years.  Laminate comes in types that snap together and types that glue together.  Mine is the later.  I had to buy (or rent)  straps that squeeze the boards together for a tight fit.  Always lay the boards with the direction of the sunshine through windows if any. This shows less imperfections and "whoops" Do not put the boards up against your walls.  Leave a 1/4 inch space for expansion or the boards could warp.  It is all possible a fun to learn a skill and see it all come together.  Diane

Answer 3

Laying laminate flooring is quite straight forward and needs no reat skill, just a bit of common sense. Laying real hardwood can be a bit more tricky but even that is not beyond the skill of the average handyman. As you are doing it for your folks you are likely to take a little more time and trouble than the HD installers.  Check that the carpet is n't covering parquet or good quality floor board which might be a nicer option.

Answer 4

If you never put floor down don't try. It can be later a pain in you're, know where.! If you are brave try to practice in a small room first.

I think in the long run laminate floor is a money out of the windows. Hardwood floors the best.

The Home D. installers are the worst. I don't recommend.

Answer 5

Have you pulled up any of the carpet to see what's underneath?  You might find hardwoods already there.  To make it easer to pull up, cut the carpet every 3 feet with a carpet knife and just roll up the narrow sections.  Then do the same with the pad.

If it's just subfloor you can install laminate flooring, but do some research first.  There's lots of info on installing laminate on the web.  Laminate is supposed to be easy to install, but once down, it's noisier than wood, so it requires area rugs, and must be kept very, very clean or it will scratch.  It's also not impervious to water so any spills need to be cleaned up immediately.  Consumer Reports recommends Kronotex, which is also carried by Home Depot.  Good Luck!