Laminate flooring installation is becoming a popular pastime of many a home remodeling enthusiast. Avoid a flooring fiasco by keeping a number of basic secrets in mind when tackling the project as a novice. All the major manufacturers such as Pergo Flooring, Wilsonart, and Armstrong Flooring offer superb advice and support. Be sure to tap into their home improvement expertise to ensure a successful laminate flooring installation.
Secret 1 - Careful Match-Making With Your Laminate Flooring Installation
Always ask about the AC rating of a range before you make your purchase. This little known symbol and digit represents one of the most important aspects of a laminate flooring installation. The AC stands for Abrasion Class and gives an indication of the ability of the flooring product to withstand certain traffic levels, bumps, scratches or burn marks due to cigarette ashes. It also tells the homeowner that the planks have been thoroughly tested for the effects of furniture feet, and aspects such as resistance to moisture damage. Don't even consider buying cheap, discount laminate flooring without this rating.
AC rated ranges suitable for residential use comes with a house symbol, while commercial quality will display a building. The digit is an indication of the level of traffic and wearability:
- AC1 means the laminate flooring installation is suitable for the bedrooms of a residential home.
- AC2 gives the thumbs up for residential living rooms or dining rooms.
- AC3 will withstand fairly heavy traffic in residential homes or a light commercial setting.
- AC4 is tough enough for general traffic in offices and boutiques.
- AC5 is the brawny home remodeling option, aimed at heavily trafficked areas, such as public buildings or department stores.
The last two can also be used in residential areas, but has a rough texture not suitable for barefoot walking. Test the surfaces and pepper the sales person with questions to ensure that you get the perfect match for your needs.
Secret 2 - Look At Light Flow During Laminate Flooring Installations
Make sure that you install the planks parallel to the direction of the light flowing from your natural light source. This will maximize the aesthetic appearance of your new floors and will display all joints in the best light, so to speak.
If you really want to make a success of this gratifying do it yourself project, it is imperative to check that the walls are really as straight as you think they are. Using a wall as a guide, only to find out that it isn't quite straight, can spell disaster. Many manufacturers recommend that you do three or four complete rows and let these stand for an hour or two. This will give you a secure base to continue working from.
Use the wall of a long hallway as a guide for another parallel installation. Make sure that adjoining rooms are done in such a way that the line can continue smoothly and straight into the hallway.
Secret 3 - Stick To Your Glue Gun During Laminate Flooring Installations
While there is a heated debate about this, many experts do recommend that you add glue to the grooves of the click-together planks to ensure stability. This will also give you a sealed joint for extra durability and moisture resistance. This may complicate the installation process slightly, but it can be one of the best investments of your time.
During bathroom or kitchen remodeling, this will give you added peace of mind, as any humidity or moisture will cause the core of the plank to swell. You don't want to see unsightly buckling spoiling your hard work! Except on stairs, glue is never used to attach these planks to the sub-floor. They are made to be 'floating' floors.
Don't use too much glue in the joints and always wipe away excess glue immediately with a damp cloth. Wipe in the direction of the joint.
Secret 4 - Cutting Out Calamities In Hardwood Laminate Flooring Installations
Novices often complain about chipping as one of the most challenging aspects of a installing laminate flooring. There is a lot of sawing while fitting the planks to your floor. You need to find a way to minimize chipping. Experiment with a left-over piece or two until you find out what works for you and your particular saw.
A hand held power saw may require you to turn the plank over, with the good side down. If using a hand saw, the opposite may be true. Some do it yourselfers find the use of a form of builders tape highly effective during the process. Chips are unsightly and will spoil the effect of your flooring efforts. Careful work will eliminate this headache at the start.
Secret 5 - Getting To The Core Truths Of Laminate Flooring Installations
While the thickness of the planks are often an indication of their suitability for a particular level of traffic and wear, this isn't the only aspect you need to look at. You need to ask questions about the density of the core. This is the main factor that determines the floor's resistance to damage from rips and indentations.
As far as scratches, stains and scuff marks are concerned, you need to ascertain the toughness of the wear layer. For example, urethane is known to be highly stain resistant. These two aspects combined will determine whether your flooring will last or not.
One benefit of a laminate product is that a section of the floor can be replaced if there is a serious mishap. The only way to have this option with carpeting, is if you install something like Legato Carpet Tiles.
Do a bit of research to get the best for your bucks. You want to add value to your home, not create an eye-sore. A laminate flooring installation is one of the most popular do it yourself projects today. This is with good reason. If done correctly and planned carefully, you can be sure of a gleaming, elegant floor that is easy to maintain and a pleasure to use.
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