DIY Laminate Installation An Easy Way to Save Money

Reader Contribution by Staff
Published on February 11, 2011
1 / 2
2 / 2

How should I install laminate flooring? I’d like to do the work myself, but I’m not sure how to proceed.

Laminate flooring came to North America about 20 years ago. I’ve been watching both the flooring and the people who choose it for their homes since then, and I’ve noticed something that’s not found in other flooring choices: there’s a large range of reactions. Laminates please a lot of people, but also disappoint more than a few homeowners. The varied outcome seems to be dependent on which flooring is chosen, where it’s used, and the expectations.

Laminates were originally developed in Europe and are based on a high density fiberboard core covered with a visible outer layer that simulates wood, stone, or tile (some laminates are available in plain colors). Neighboring pieces fit together with tongue and groove edges, without attaching to the underlying floor at all. Original designs required all these edge joints to be glued together, but most modern laminates click together with a self-locking, glueless tongue and groove joint.

I happen to like laminates a lot – at least, the right kind of laminates. I’ve installed it in two parts of my own home and it’s been working well for three years.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368