Laminate Flooring Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding the perfect floor covering as an AFC homeowner may seem tasking. There are numerous options to choose from, like tile or hardwood, each with its pros and cons. One alternative that’s making a comeback among American homes is laminate flooring.
It is a synthetic, composite flooring choice with a core layer of fiberboard or plywood. On top, there’s a printed image layer of a high-resolution picture of stone, real wood, or some other material. The flooring also has an underlayment or backing layer at the bottom for extra insulation and protection. For the final touch, laminate flooring features a transparent wear layer that protects the surface from scuffing or scratches.
This flooring option offers a fantastic blend of:
If you’re renovating your home or changing your currently outdated, worn, scratched, or water-damaged flooring, here’s a step-by-step laminate flooring replacement guide for an expert, DIY installation.
Modern laminate flooring comprises interlocking boards that slot together above the underlying subfloor. This floor option often doesn’t require nails or glue to stick together, which makes removing it relatively simple. If you're replacing older-generation laminate flooring, you may encounter some adhesive use that is trickier to remove.
Once you determine the type of flooring you’re dealing with, gather the following laminate flooring tools to ease the removal and installation process:
To make sure your workspace is ready, clear all the furniture and anything resting on the floor. Afterward, proceed with the following steps:
Using your hammer, lightly tap your chisel to wedge it in between the wall and the boards. You can then lever down the chisel to carefully remove the skirting board from the wall. Label the prised skirting board if you plan on using it later.
Utilize the lever or crowbar to remove any transition strips. The metal or plastic pieces are usually on the thresholds between rooms. You can also use a screwdriver to unscrew them out of place.
Starting with the first row of boards against the wall, slot your flat bar into the gap at a 45-degree angle. Gently manipulate the bar back and forth until it separates the laminate board from the floor. You may need to apply more force when there’s a glue seal between the boards. After completing the first row, repeat the steps until you remove all of the planks.
Upon lifting the boards, you’ll encounter the underlay. This part helps protect your flooring by absorbing the impact of foot traffic. Simply roll it up to remove it, and now have a clean slate to work with.
It is essential to prepare the existing subfloor to enable a successful laminate flooring installation. The perfect subfloor must be free of any flaws affecting your new flooring’s longevity. You can achieve the ideal subfloor by
Your laminate board has a wooden core. Ensuring the subfloor is free from moisture protects this wooden core from water damage. Excess moisture can cause the board to:
A moisture meter can help you check the water level. You can lower the high moisture content by improving ventilation in your home.
A level subfloor prevents gaps and ridges in your new laminate flooring installation. You can use a spirit level or straightedge to evaluate your floor for low or high spots. If there are any irregularities, consider eliminating them with a floor leveler material that fills the dips. A level subfloor provides a stable base during your laminate flooring replacement.
Any debris or dust on the subfloor can create an uneven surface that interferes with the underlay. To remove these loose particles, you can thoroughly vacuum or sweep the subflow. Also, clean up any grease or adhesive residues that can cause irregularities. A clean subfloor enables a seamless laminate flooring replacement process.
A structurally sound subfloor can provide enough stability to your new flooring installation. Consider repairing any weak spots or rot that can compromise its integrity.
There are several key considerations when picking out laminate flooring for your home. To make the best choice, start by:
Different rooms have different requirements. Your living room and entryways, for instance, require highly durable flooring that can withstand wear from heavy foot traffic. Meanwhile, the kitchen is a spill-prone area that will benefit from water-resistant floors.
Budgeting for the renovation process enables you to have all the materials required to install new flooring. Apart from the floorboards, you also need to calculate the laminate flooring cost of the:
Installing your flooring can be pretty straightforward with the right guide. You can start by
Dry fit a few of the laminate flooring pieces in your space to visualize the final outlook. You can loosely arrange the planks side-by-side to determine the best flooring pattern. This step also allows you to gauge the sizing of each laminate plank.
You’ll need to roll out a fresh sheet of foam underlayment before installing the flooring underlayment. You can secure the seams with tape to achieve a flawless finish. The laminate flooring underlayment:
The laminate flooring boards usually come with several spacers. These spacers help leave a 1/4 expansion gap between the floor and planks. The spaceboards usually conceal them after installation.
When installing your first row of boards, start from the wall. Connect one board to the other by clicking the tongues and grooves in place. To lock the joints, tap on the boards lightly with a rubber mallet until you hear an audible click.
By now you get the gist of connecting the laminate flooring boards. You may start to cut the planks to fit different aspects of your floor. To avoid any errors, carefully measure the pieces you need to cut and mark it with a pencil. Afterward you can use a handsaw or utility to achieve a smooth cut. Complete the installation process by removing the spacers.
Despite the numerous laminate flooring pros and cons, the installation process is a beginner-friendly DIY project you can undertake in your home. By following these steps, you can have lasting functionality and beauty with your new floor.
And if you’re thinking about replacing your laminate flooring in a bathroom or two, consider a full bathroom remodel from a trusted bathroom remodel contractor in your area.
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