Laminate is a great choice of flooring for nearly all ground floor living spaces except kitchens and bathrooms where moisture may cause the flooring to warp or swell. Laying laminate does not have to be difficult, nearly anyone who is willing to follow instructions can do a good job of laying laminate flooring.
The toughest part about laying laminate flooring is tackling those tough to fit around corners and angles. This article will help you tackle those tricky angles for a custom fit.
One of the most important steps to take for a well fitted floor is to make sure the surface beneath the flooring is level. To level the surface cover with a layer of self-leveling compound, sometimes referred to as latex screed, which is available from hardware and home repair stores. Follow directions for use.
After you have finished applying the leveling compound and you have made sure it is completely dry, cover it with a polythene damp-proof membrane. This material serves as a barrier between the surface and the laminate flooring to keep moisture from damaging the floor boards.
The second step for insuring a proper fitting of the flooring is to open the boxes of flooring and leave it in the room for 24 to 48 hours so that the boards can adjust to the humidity in the room. This is important to allow the boards to shrink or expand according to the environment they will be installed in for a proper fitting.
The third thing you can do to ensure a proper fit is to take off and inward opening doors before you start to lay the laminate. This makes fitting much easier around doors. Also remove any moldings or skirting boards sot he laminate can be fit as close to the edge as possible.
Replacing moldings after you are finished with the job will ensure a final look.
The fourth and one of the most tricky tips for laying the flooring is to fit the laminate flooring around doors and other angles is to use a special tool that is designed to be set as a template which can be easily set around any angle then transferred from the angle to the flooring which can be found at your local home improvement store.
If you choose not to use a specialized tool then using a piece of paper to create a custom pattern or template for each corner and angle in the room will help to ensure a snug fit.
Use these simple, yet very effective fitting tips for a professional looking, hassle free do it yourself job.
Find out more about fitting laminate flooring with the Anglebuster flooring tool at http://www.anglebuster.com
Flooring Instillation Tips - Fitting Laminate Flooring
