Is putting down laminate flooring easy to do or quite a hard job?

Question

Is putting down laminate flooring easy to do or quite a hard job?

Answer 1

In a certain well-known hardware megastore (B+Q) they often have a video running showing you how to lay flooring, or sometimes a demonstration, often in the early evenings or a few times at weekends.  

Good luck!

Answer 2

Not too difficult as long as you take your time. Even more straightforward if you get the'LOC' type. Just plan the whole thing first and ensure you stagger the joins to 'hide' them. You don't need to take off skirting if you're not confident as the shops sell beading (long strips of 'triangular' wood) which covers the spacing gap around the edges of the room. Also I found I didn't need to trim any doors, as if you've already got carpet down with underlay, you'll find the laminate will probably fit quite nicely - don't go sawing bits off before you've actually tried test-laying a few planks (without joining them together) first! Double check what type of underlay you need (and you do need it - it deadens any noise as well as protecting the laminate from damp. The cheapest is usually the thin grey foam but there's other types of different thicknesses and materials depending on floor substrate underneath. Don't open any packs unless you really need them as even if you've only used one 'plank' you can't take the unused pack back. You'll need a coping saw (the one with a fine blade with big 'C' shaped metal frame if you're not familiar) for cutting out awkward shapes e.g. curves or strange angles, other than that a fine toothed saw should be ok for the straight edges if you need to cut to fit. Read the instructions for the type you get on how to cut, as some advise cutting wrong side up, others right side up - take it slow or you'll chip the laminate covering along the sawn edge and it shows up unless covered by the skirting/beading. After saying don't open too many packs, you may need to open two packs to start with to get the 'layout' right as sometimes the pattern repeats and can look like a chessboard. Spacers are essential although you can borrow from a friend as they're not needed once the whole floor's down. They're used to give an even space around the edges as the wood expands/contracts with the heat/moisture in the house and you'll hear 'clicking' noises if it's too tight. Only other thing I remember from when I laid mine was don't force the join - if you snap the locking mechanism you've ruined the whole plank for that section, although don't bin it as you may be able to use it as an offcut for the end of a row or after cutting for an alcove etc.

Answer 3

Its tricky to do it well

Its not like a giant jigsaw, it needs to be laid in the correct order, tilting the lengths as you fit them.

Take the skirting off, fit new skirting after laminate is down.

Cut door frame bottoms with a saw to allow expansion under the frame (rest the saw on a scrap bit of laminate to get the height).

If you are not very DIY, get someone who knows to do it.

Make sure you leave the correct expansion gap and stagger the joints!

Answer 4

Not a novice DIY job.

i have laid 3 laminate floors and it is not as easy as it is made out. You have to have the right tools for the job, a strong back, tough knees and prepare to break a few nails,

The thicker laminate is hardest to lay, (tile effect/slate etc) but not impossible, even for me!

Just give yourself a couple of days to do the job, have the right tools, and measure everything three times, cut them once!

Answer 5

I've done a lot of laminate floors  There are several things to consider.

1) you need to cut the door casement molding about 1/4" above the sub floor so that the laminate can fit under it. If not you will end up with a very unprofessional looking gap where the flooring fits around the door frames.

2) you will can either remove the baseboards before laying the floor. Or you can cover the edge of the new laminate by installing shoe molding against the existing baseboards.

It is cheaper to carefully remove the baseboards and replace them after laying the laminate.

Answer 6

if your a woman - difficult. if your me - easy.

Answer 7

I didnt find it that hard to do (mind you I do my own tiling etc)

You need to plan it first, and take you time.

Good luck

xx

Answer 8

if you dont know what you are doing,,,you will mess it up...

which rooms...bathrooms and halls need different you do not need to rip off skirting boards as there are 90 degree plastic angles which you can glue to skirting boards to cover any gaps,if you use tongue and groove they need glue,,,if you use "snap and click"(more expensive)you dont,

if you use an electric fret/jigsaw remember it cuts on the up stroke(not down as a hacksaw)you have to cut the laminate upside down as the jagged rough edges will show if you dont,,it will look a real mess

Answer 9

looks like everyone here prety well covered it-spend a little extra money and buy real wood-they sell the cheaper kind if water ever soaks down into it-thats it it buckles

Answer 10

If you've never done it before then get someone who has to help you. You seem to me like you want to do it yourself so if someone can help you and teach you at the same time then I think you would be better off in the end.When its finished you can floor the rest of the house yourself.

Answer 11

Its not really that difficult. All depends where you are going

to lay it. I fitted some in the bathroom which was a pain.

Had to take out the toilet and the sink pedestal first to get it

down properly.Don`t forget to put the foam underlay sheets

down first.

Answer 12

I done laminate flooring meself 1st time i thought it was hard. If you have any problems give me a call on 0793 051 1065  From Alex