Laying Laminate Flooring

MrsMondragon

Ive just bought some laminate flooring, trouble is im getting quoted 10 pounds a sq metre to lay it. Whats the going rate, and would I be able to do it myself? Any suggestions welcome...btw the price of laying it is more than I paid for it!

Davidboy

Well I have just done my Dining room and Daughters bedroom. The actual laying of the laminate is easy, the only sod bit is around the door frame. I bought the click stuff from Wickes, very easy to do, but a killer on knees and back.

Better if there is two of you, saves you getting up all the time to get new planks, get a mechanical saw of some type to help, select the correct underlay for floor type, leave enough room around edges for expantion...min 10mm, either take off skirting makes better edging, or do as I did and use quadrant edging looks fine. Take your time and make sure each plank is flush and butted up together fully. Plan where you will start as to where you will finish, does make a difference cos if the last plank is too small, could be a problem, so you may have to use half plank to start with. Start at one side, carry on to the wall, the bit you cut off is the first bit to use on the next line.

Also depends on the type of shape of room you have. If it is square no problem to do it yourself, but if lots of awkward shapes get someone in.

I was very worried about starting it and making a hash of it.... but it looks fine, if I can do it anyone can.....honest!

Best of luck

chalky_bertie

Do it Yourself, you'll save loads of money inthe long run just take your time and PLAN. Personally I would take off the skirting board and lay flooring up to wall (+ expansion strips) and then either replace the skirting or put back the old stuff dependant on how damaged it was - makes the finish look alot better.

MrsMondragon

Thanks so much David and Chalky....just might have a stab at laying it myself!

Glad

B&Q have some good free leaflets on how to do this and other DIY work

MrsMondragon

Thanks I will be down to B and Q!

chalky_bertie

HERE is the link for B&Q and the "How to" leaflet.

MrsMondragon

TYVM, im gonna have a look now.

thaylock

B & Q even sell a video on how to laminate, it's a doddle.

denlancs

Be very careful if laying on floor boards.Any movement of these will cause joints to spring.Also in a kitchen movement of heavy items (washer,cooker)can have the same effect.

gardnt1

The cost of laying laminate from an experienced fitter ranges from £6 - 7 per square metre. Anything over this I would consider is expensive. Bear in mind that although this may seem alot, that included in this price should be the trimming of doors where necessary, cuting in neatly around door frames, all beading adhesives, nails and coloured silicone...............although the later should rarely be used if the fitter is any good!

I dont want to sound critical, but if the fitting is more than the floor, I would be concerned at the quality of the floor! MAny people make, in my opinion and experience, the choice of going for a cheap laminate which only chips and lifts, doesnt lock well and needs replacing after a short period. It is better to opt for a medium to high end product. False economy springs to mind. wickes, B&Q offer fairly decent products, but in my opinion, and having fitted most manufacturers flooring, Quickstep is by far the best.