How to Install Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is an excellent home improvement project that many homeowners can do themselves. It is a moderately price project that can significantly improve the value of your home. There are several steps that you will need to take after you have measured and purchased the laminate flooring supplies from your local home improvement store. Here are the basics for how to install laminate flooring.

The first step of the process is to prepare the floor that is going to be laminated. It is imperative that the floor be repaired and that it is level prior to laying down laminate flooring. You don't want to walk around on rough spots and gaping holes. You can use flooring putty or cement mortar to fill in the bad areas and repair the floor that you will cover.

You need to create a moisture barrier between the bare floor that you will cover and the laminate. You can seal the floor with a water resistant coating or you can use a thin layer of polyurethane over the floor. Make certain that the repair areas are completely dry before you seal the floor or you will seal in moisture and have potential problems later.

Next, you will brush water over the rough side of the laminate boards and allow setting for a period of approximately 24 hours. Typically you will use about one liter of water per board. Once the boards have set, you will lay them in the room in the matching direction of the straightest and longest wall of the room. Once the flooring is laid it is important to vacuum to get up any possible grit and dust. Lay each section and use the spacers as needed. Remover the spacers when the project is complete. For more information on laminate flooring check out www.LaminateFlooringIdeas.com.