Hello everyone and welcome to our new series of DIY tips. This week we will be looking at laying laminate flooring.
Laminate flooring has become very popular in recent years and there are many different types of flooring to suit different homeowner needs.
The first step is to measure the floor area and you should include 10% extra to allow for wastage from cutting the flooring. Then you should lay the foam underlay of which there is also many different types to suit your needs.
Lay the plank connecting to the previous plank by inserting the planks tongue and groove into each other and pushing the plank tightly against the spacer which are set against the wall which to allow for movement and expansion of the floor boards.
At the end of the first row a piece will have to be cut to fit, you should flip the last piece upside down and mark the cutting and cut along the blank side of laminate to avoid chips or scratches. Remember you should alternate the rows so that the cuttings are all not in same place of every row. This scattering will prevent a weak area of the flooring and will look a more natural floor. So you should start the next row with the cutting from the previous row providing it’s not too short a plank.
When you have finished laying the floor you need to remove the spacers at the walls and cover the gap that is left with flooring trim which should match the flooring. The trim is affixed to the skirting board to allow the laminate flooring to expand and contract naturally. Measure the cut the trim and apply adhesive to the back of the trim and secure it in place
For advice or to install any of these recommendations please log onto www.tradesmen.ie and we can source the right tradesman for you.
Regards
Tradesmen.ie Team
