Laminate Flooring

Flower_Power_mark_2

I am looking to lay some laminate flooring over the next couple of weeks. It is for 3 ajoining rooms and is on concrete. I have the damp proof membrane, underlay etc and have read up on the subject.

I just wondered if anybody had any tips they have picked up from doing this themselves which they wish they knew earlier. FYI my DIY ability is basic.

Kiran

Wickes TV has a pretty reasonable video guide to get you started.

ormus

take off the old skirting. dont buy the laminate edge trims, they are expensive and dont look pretty either.
replace the skirting or buy new ones. not expensive. if installing new ones, paint them first.
use no nails adhesive to fix.

Flower_Power_mark_2

Cheers both :beer:

Astec

I got edging for £1 (2.4m length), cheaper and MUCH easier than new skirting!

Tips:

Lay with shorter joins facing window as the light will show less joins.
Use a marker pen and a good saw.
Start on the side yo need tidy as cutting lengths is hard!
Join the strips together and add full length at once if you can.
Get some knee pads or wear padding on your knees.

ormus

you can get new skirting for about 1.00 per metre. in bulk.
and its still far prettier than edging trim.

easier? i dont think so when you get to the doorway architraves.

missile

Do not buy cheap, you will only regret it. Get the best quality you can afford.

For a large area like you describe, it may be worth renting or buying a mitre saw. Much easier and quicker than a hand saw. You can flog it on eBay after you are done.

Triggauk

Hi there ... Sorry if im hijacking your post but didnt want to start another just for this question.

We are moving into a new build house in a couple of weeks and want to laminate our hall (3 sqm). Im getting the old man to fit it as he said it's a doddle (his words not mine)

We are going to be replacing the skirting boards to give it a better streamline look. but im just a bit confused on what underlay we are going to need for the job. Nothing too expensive but i dont want to skrimp to much on quality. So just ya standard but effective job.

As i said its a new build, so were starting straight on top of the concrete!!

Thanks for any advice!!

P.S. the hallway joins the living room which we are carpeting.... Just wondered if there is any advised method of what should be laid first maybe?? Carpet or Laminate??

boliston

My flooring fitter seems to swear by "alveolit" underlay.

Escal

Triggauk wrote: »

P.S. the hallway joins the living room which we are carpeting.... Just wondered if there is any advised method of what should be laid first maybe?? Carpet or Laminate??

Won't matter - butt them together (don't be too fussy) and get an edging strip "Threshold strip" to cover the join.
When we laid Quikstep laminate we also bought the two recommended tools ie a hook that lets you pull two strips together, even when the edge of one is near a wall, and a block to hammer against so as not to damage the laminate. Both highly recommended and cheap to buy - or beg or borrow!