How Do You Lay Laminate Flooring Step-By-Step?
Laminate flooring is a building material designed to look like traditional hardwood, but costs only a fraction of the price. It is made from a composite base topped with a printed paper top layer. The paper is actually a photograph of wood, showing natural color and grain patterns, which makes it difficult to distinguish from solid hardwood. Laminate flooring uses a “floating” installation system that makes this an easy project for many homeowners. Measure the length and width of the room to determine how much material you’ll need. Add about 5 percent to the total area of the room to account for future repairs, discolored boards or material that is lost to cutting. Clean and level your subfloor. Laminate can be installed over any existing surface as long as the existing floor is adhered, rather than floating. Use leveling compound to fill any cracks or voids, and chip away ridges or bumps in concrete using a hammer. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and debris before proceeding.