The Basics Of Changing Your Carpeted Floors To Laminate

Carpeted flooring traps dust and debris, and has a shorter lifespan than other flooring types. One of the best things you can do for your health is to remove the carpet and install laminate flooring. Here is what you will need in order to change your flooring.

Equipment and Tools

There are several tools necessary to remove carpet and even more to install the laminate flooring. Most tools can be found at a home improvement store, and often times you can rent the larger tools from an equipment rental service to lower the cost. Some of the equipment you will need includes:

  • Table Saw
  • Jigsaw
  • Pry bars
  • Hammers
  • Carpenter's Square
  • Tape Measure
  • Chalk line maker
  • Cleaners

In addition to being able to rent some of the larger equipment, you can find kits that include the smaller tools necessary to install the laminate.

Prepare the Floor

Before you start installing, you want to make sure the floor is properly prepared. This means you need to remove the carpeting and the entire residue. You need to start with a flat surface, so you will need to sand the floor and make sure that low spots are filled in.

When the floor is clean and flat, you will want to remove the baseboards, doors, trims, and anything else that prevent a pristine finish. Finally, you will want to consider a softener to place between the laminate and the concrete to deaden the sounds of people walking on it. It is not a requirement, but some people find it beneficial.

Installing the Laminate Tiles

You are now ready to install the laminate, but not all of the pieces will be the perfect size. Start on one side of the room and work to the other, placing spacers to allow for expansion. As you place the planks, you will notice they lock in place. Laminate flooring is one of the easier flooring types to install without experience. Use the jigsaw and table saws to cut pieces to fit around corners, fixtures, and the walls.

Finish the Flooring

Once you are done laying all of the laminate pieces, including adding all of the small cuts, you will want to remove the spacers. Reattach the trim to the wall and allow the laminate to expand with temperature changes. Finally, you will want to begin the cleaning process. This includes vacuuming the floor, cleaning up the tape and excess glue, and finally, buffing to have a smooth floor.

It is important that after you rent equipment, you return it in clean and working condition. Kits and rental equipment make changing the flooring a project that homeowners can do themselves, instead of worrying about hiring an expensive remodeler.


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