Posts Tagged ‘do it yourself’

Although carpet and hardwood are two of the most popular choices when it comes to flooring, they are sometimes inadequate. Spaces like the kitchen, or garage, commonly demand a greater degree of durability and resilience. Carpet absorbs stains and moisture too easily, leading to a spotted looking surface that may also attract odors. Hardwood offers a tougher surface than carpet, but it also suffers from problems with moisture. A moist hardwood gradually warps and cracks. After many seasons of expansion and contraction, moisture damage can really degrade the appearance of a hardwood floor.

Areas in which spills and accidents are frequent can cause scratching or gouging in the flooring as well. Laminate flooring is a great answer to all these problems and more. With a laminate floor, designers can have the classic appeal of hardwood if they so desire, while avoiding many of the usual pitfalls. Laminate flooring is largely impervious to moisture problems and will not absorb water. Stains are not an issue, and as long as they are cleaned up promptly, should not leave a mark at all.
Fortunately, laminate flooring is very well priced, and can be found in a large range of shades, colors, and styles.

Installation of Laminate Flooring
Installation of laminate flooring is also fairly easy. When first purchasing a set of laminate flooring tiles, check each to make sure there are no broken tiles. Once certain that the entire package is intact, give the tiles a few days to acclimate to their new climate. There may be some contraction or expansion involved when the laminate flooring tiles change environment.

Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions that are included with the tile packaging. Specific instructions on how to glue the tiles are critical, and can affect the overall performance of the tile. It is also important to give the tile a quarter inch between wall and flooring. Although a great deal of tools isn’t required for in home installation, you may need something to cut the tile around corners, fireplaces, stairs, etc. A wet tile saw would provide all the cutting power needed for laminate flooring.

Do note that having a level surface for laying down tiles is also crucial. Be certain to fill any holes in the subflooring, or sand away any protruding areas that might stick up afterward.