The costs for installing laminate flooring in an average kitchen 10 feet by 10 feet can range anywhere from $600 to $1500. This depends on the type of laminate flooring you choose to install in your kitchen. The prices range differently depending on the glued laminate flooring, floating flooring, or the glueless laminate flooring.
When you install laminate floors in your kitchen you will need many different tools. If you decide on the floating laminate floors you won't need as many tools and this type of flooring is easier to install. However, the glueless laminate floors and the glued laminate floors require many tools if you want to do the job right.
Before you install laminate flooring in your kitchen you need to prepare your kitchen floor for the job. The tools required for this include a pry bar to remove the shoe molding and trim, a level to verify the high and low spots on the floor, a cold chisel so you can pull up the old flooring, and a ball-peen hammer will be used to hit the chisel. You will need to use a putty knife for the prep work and a floor scraper to remove the entire previous residue from the floor. If you have a wood sub-floor then you will need a belt sander to smooth the surface. You might need to rent a jamb saw if you don't want to purchase one also. The jamb saw will be used to cut the door jamb and other trimmings so you have enough clearance for the flooring. A trowel will be used to smooth the leveling compound. The tools for preparation should cost you less than $100, including the cost for renting the saw.
You will need many tools for the installation of the kitchen laminate flooring also. These tools include a backsaw and a miter box for cutting angles in the flooring. A circular saw is for straight cuts with a carbide tipped blade and a saber saw with a laminate blade will be used for cutting curves. You can rent saws from hardware stores if you do not want to purchase them for around $20 to $30 a day.
The basic tools you will need for the installation of your laminate flooring in the kitchen will run you under $100. You will need an electric drill, tape measure, marker, utility knife, screwdriver, coping saw, hacksaw, nails, claw hammer, caulking gun, clamp, straps, pull bar, spacers, and a tapping block.
If you don't want to purchase each individual tool for installing laminate floors you can find laminate floor installation kits which include all of the tools you will need to complete the job from $350 to $500. The kits make it easier so you don't have to purchase each individual item but they are relatively more expensive than you will actually spend if you purchase the tools separately.
You will also need to purchase glue if you are using glued laminate flooring. Since you are considering putting laminate flooring in your kitchen you should use glue on glueless laminate flooring also. The glue will provide extra sealant in areas where the refrigerator or the dishwasher are and prevent less damage due to moisture or leaking from these appliances. The more protection you can provide on the kitchen floor with the glue and sealant, the longer your floors will last. The glue and the sealants should cost you around $40 for your kitchen floor.
Laminate flooring can cost you from $0.65 to $3.00 per square foot depending on the type of flooring you would like to install in your kitchen. For an average kitchen size of 100 square feet you will be looking at spending from $100 to $600 depending on if you would like the glueless planks or the glued laminate flooring. It will also depend on the quality of the laminate and the protection on the flooring.
You will also need to purchase a roll of underlay which will be placed under the laminate flooring. Underlay averages around $0.30 per square foot or $30 for a roll of 100 square feet. It is important to remember that you will need to purchase at least 10 additional square feet of materials. Do not purchase the underlay and flooring for your exact floor size because you will make mistakes and need extra flooring.
Installing laminate flooring in your kitchen will cost you around $600 to $1500 depending on the flooring you decide upon and the actual sizes of your kitchen. You can purchase the tools separately or find kits that include all of the tools you need. When you are laying laminate flooring in a kitchen, you should really think about choosing the higher end flooring because of the protection offered. A kitchen area is known to have mold issues near the sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator because of the moisture that comes with these appliances. It is better to lay the protected flooring so you don't find yourself having to repair or replace the flooring from moisture issues.
For more home improvement information please visit our site pergo laminate flooring.
Article written by Richard L McCaffery,
Costs of Purchasing and Installing Laminate Flooring
Cleaning Laminate Flooring - Do You Really Need a Laminate Floor Cleaner?
One of the major reasons many consumers choose laminate flooring for their homes is for the ease of maintenance. Although the maintenance is relatively simple cleaning laminate flooring needs to be done on a regular basis to keep them looking their best. To keep your floors in good shape some preventive maintenance should be put in place to protect your floors.
How to Clean Laminate Flooring
-For general daily maintenance use a dust mop, broom or vacuum with a hard floor attachment to prevent any possible scratching to remove dirt and debris.
-When there is more than loose dirt a damp mop can be used for cleaning laminate wood floors. Care should be taken not to saturate the floor as standing fluids should be avoided on the floor and wiped up immediately. Warm water can be used for faster evaporation.
-For a dirtier floor some manufacturers recommend their laminate floor cleaner. Some manufacturers say that besides their laminate floor cleaner you can use household vinegar (1 cup) and water (1 gallon warm) or else household ammonia & water (1/3 cup ammonia to 1 gallon warm water). Always check with your manufacturer as you do not want to void your warranty.
-Do not use soap-based cleaners, citrus oil products as they will leave a film on your floor leaving it dull looking. Avoid scouring powder and steel wool as they can damage your floor.
-Floor polish or wax products should never be used as this would cause a film that just attracts dirt.
How to Clean Laminate Flooring When Spots are Involved
To clean up juice, wine, chocolate warm water should be all that is needed or a non-abrasive cleaner (ammonia & water) or some manufacturers will recommend their laminate floor cleaner.
To clean-up more severe spots such as permanent marker, tar, paint, heel marks and paint use alcohol or nail polish remover that contains acetone.
To clean up gum or candle wax harden with ice first then gently scrape with a blunt object.
Laminate wood flooring is very durable but it is not indestructible so some preventative maintenance should be taken to protect your floors.
Preventative Maintenance
-Use felt pads under chair and table legs to prevent scratching. Do not drag heavy objects across the floor.
-Place floor mats at entrances to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked in.
If damage does occur many manufacturers have a touch-up kit that can include putty, wax pencils or crayons and is for small damage. Damage that is larger than a ¼ of an inch will probably need the entire plank to be replaced. By keeping a good routine of daily and preventative maintenance you'll get years of enjoyment out of your floors.
Carol Coutts is a successful author who provides information regarding flooring via http://www.hardwoodlaminateflooringguide.com/laminate-flooring.html For more information on bamboo flooring, hardwood flooring, laminate floors, wood flooring, and cork flooring then check out http://www.hardwoodlaminateflooringguide.com/Articles-PG-1.html
How To Clean Laminate Flooring The Right Way
The time comes after you have installed your laminate floors that they will need to be cleaned. Most people at this point stop and wonder how to clean laminate flooring? Is there special chemicals, is there a certain mop, should I go a certain direction? All these are questions that may enter your brain when it comes to cleaning laminate flooring.
When you finally are done wondering how to clean laminate flooring and ready to begin the first thing you will want to grab is your dry mop. these mops are available from many different manufactures and do the best job at cleaning the loose dirt off your floor. Dry mops usually have a disposable soft pad that once exhausted can be quickly changed and the cleaning continued. Make sure that you go the same direction as the seems of the floor. Because no laminate floor is perfectly flat there will always be slight uneven spots on the floor and If you go against the seams you may just trap dirt between the planks in these spots. That is the best way how to clean laminate flooring with a dry mop.
But what if you have stains or a spill on your floor, then the question how to clean laminate flooring will pop back into your head again. Even with stains or spills cleaning your floor is very simple. You should start by only using a floor cleaner that was made specifically for laminate flooring. This is very important because the wrong chemical can damage or ruin your floor very easily. If you in short supply of laminate floor cleaner you can use some Windex or a mixture of vinegar and water diluted 4:1. Never use a wood polishing chemical like pledge to clean your flooring. Although these chemicals will leave a beautiful shine they will also make the floor as slick as ice and could lead to a dangerous slip and fall!
Once you have the flooring cleaner just spray some on the spots to be cleaned and wipe dry with a towel. this is the a best way to go about using any liquid cleaners on your floor, to much liquid on your floor can leak between The flooring planks and cause damage and make the floor look worn.
Learn more Cleaning and Care Tips For Wood laminate flooring
Pergo Laminate Flooring - Learn How To Do A DIY Pergo Flooring Installation
Pergo Laminate Flooring is one of the giants in the laminate hardwood flooring industry. The floors are designed for home remodeling DIY enthusiasts, so questions related to installing laminate flooring abound. Pergo Laminate Flooring, Harmonics Laminate Flooring, Armstrong Laminate Flooring and similar products are pounced upon by gleeful, hand-rubbing first-time home remodelers. An average-sized floor can be ready to use and admire within a day - just imagine all the compliments from somewhat green-around-the-gills neighbors...
The days of battling to fit messy, sticky, glued laminate flooring are long gone thanks to ranges such as Pergo glueless laminate flooring planks. The unique tongue and groove designs of Pergo floors simply click together for a perfect finish. This is one of the most gratifying do it yourself jobs to tackle, as progress is measurable and the end result quite spectacular.
Is Installing Pergo Flooring Over Existing Floors Advisable?
The beauty of Pergo Laminate Flooring is that it can be laid directly over ceramic, vinyl, tiles or real wood floors, saving you the trouble of ripping out an old floor first. Make sure that the floor is clean, smooth and carefully sand down any bumps or peaked joints. Carpeting needs to be taken out however. It is always recommended to do fittings of cabinets or cupboards first, before tackling your flooring project. Real hardwood installed over a concrete sub-floor also needs to be removed before a Pergo Laminate Flooring installation.
Do I Need Expansion Room Around The Perimeter Of My Pergo Flooring Installation?
Pergo Laminate Flooring is a floating floor product, meaning that it isn't permanently fixed to the sub-floor area. These ranges expand and contract due to changes in humidity and temperature. It is therefore vital to leave a 1/4" expansion space between the flooring planks and the adjacent walls or cupboards. If you don't do this, you will have unsightly buckling floors. The Pergo floor moldings are used to hide these spaces after installation and to ensure a professional finish. Use spacers to keep your distances even. If you are tackling a very large floor area, the expansion space needs to be increased.
Does Pergo Laminate Flooring Also Have A Hollow Sound When Used?
The sound depends largely on the sub-floor layer and the thickness of the laminate flooring installation. One way to get around this is to install a sound underlayment and resin polyethylene film underneath your Pergo Laminate Flooring planks. This is a highly effective technique to use if you want to dampen the sound. This protective layer also acts as a moisture barrier, lengthening the life of the flooring. Take a look at Pergo SilentStep foam or Soundbloc foam and Moisturbloc vapor barrier. By adding these a cushioning layer, you also ensure a more comfortable, soft floor underfoot. If the sub-floor is wood, a vapor barrier isn't introduced before installing Pergo Laminate Flooring.
Can I Install Pergo Laminate Flooring Immediately After My Purchase?
To be on the safe side, acclimate your Pergo floor planks by leaving the cartons in the room where they will be installed, for a period of 49 to 96 hours. This precaution will give you a floor that remains clicked into place, rather than becoming an ugly buckling disaster area.
Can I Use Pergo Laminate Flooring In A Bathroom Or Kitchen?
Pergo Laminate Flooring's surface is highly water resistant, so the planks can be used in high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. In these areas however, the expansion spaces need to be sealed with Pergo Sealant or a similar mildew-resistant silicone product before installing the trim or molding. The same should be done where the planks were cut to make room for cupboards or a dishwasher. Some experts also recommend sealing the joints by using glue. Check with your supplier about the most satisfactory installation process. In spite of its water resistance, Pergo Laminate Flooring are not made to handle standing water.
Can I Use Pergo Laminate Flooring On Stairs?
Pergo flooring is perfect for stairs. Steps are finished with Pergo Stair Nosing. The nosing is adhered with a quality construction adhesive and finishing screws. A stair application is the only time that the floating floor concept of Pergo is replaced with a glued end product.
How Do I Ensure A Professional Finish When Installing Pergo Laminate Flooring?
A large range of color-coordinated transition moldings are available to give an elegant and stylish finish to your flooring project. T-Moldings are used in doorways, while end moldings are used along sliding doors and around tubs and basins. If you need to go from a raised Pergo flooring area to a lower hard surface such as vinyl, you would choose a hard surface reducer.
Oops! I Have A Nick In My Pergo Laminate Flooring! What Now?
No problem. The folks at Pergo realized that this is an inevitable mishap in a bustling household. They therefore made sure that you have access to Pergo Finishing Putty. Simply neaten the edges of the chipped area with a small knife, make sure the area is clean, and fill the hole with putty. A spatula gives a neat finish and the excess is simply wiped away with a clean cloth. Plank replacements are also possible if a more major repair is needed.
With a gleaming Pergo Presto or Pergo American Cottage floor installation, your home will be transformed into a wrinkle-less, stylish lady. Pergo Laminate Flooring has been performing plastic surgery on properties for years. It's about time to let that tattered carpet go...
Click here to download your free copy of The Ultimate Laminate Flooring Buyer's Guide. Get more free Laminate Flooring ebooks at Home-Improvement-Time.com, where you can also read the TrafficMaster Allure Flooring and other articles. Copyright of this article: 2007 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.
10 Laminate Flooring Installation Questions - Discover Hardwood Floor Solutions
A laminate flooring installation should fit extremely well into a busy household, where cleaning chores need to be simplified as much as possible. Provided that you follow the installation and maintenance instructions carefully, a laminate hardwood floor is likely to save you time, while adding elegance and style to your decor. Here are the answers to ten of the most frequently asked laminate flooring installation questions.
1. What Is Laminate Flooring And Can I Install It Myself?
If you have an affinity for real hardwood floors, but can't afford them and prefer not to have the maintenance misery associated with them, you will love laminate flooring. The quality of these floors are now such that it is difficult to distinguish between real wood and laminates. The grains of the different woods are emulated to perfection, with texture and weathering thrown in as a bonus.
Laminate flooring planks consist of four or five fused layers. The base layer is normally reinforced with melamine. This is followed with the core of high density fiberboard, impregnated with sealing substances. Then there is the design layer, followed by the tough wear layer and an aluminum oxide finish. The planks are resistant to stains, fading, scuffing and water.
Innovative engineering has led to the development of glueless laminate flooring installations, popular among do it yourself enthusiasts. The planks have a tongue and groove design that simply click or snap together for an amazingly simple and quick installation. Although professional flooring contractors can be involved, this isn't necessary. Even a novice can tackle this home remodeling task with confidence.
2. What Is An Expansion Space?
A laminate flooring installation is a floating floor that is not affixed to the sub-floor. These hardwood floors always contract and expand due to humidity and temperature changes. To make provision for these shifts, laminate floors are never installed with the planks fitting snugly against walls or cabinets. It is vital to leave a space right around the perimeter. If you neglect to do this, you will soon be confronted with a buckling floor.
Every manufacturer prescribes the exact expansion space needed for their particular product. You will be able to use spacers to ensure that this provision is accurate. The size of the floor you are tackling in your home improvement project, will also dictate the size of the expansion space. Make sure that you get this right if you want to retain the looks of your flooring.
3. Will I Be Able To Install Laminate Flooring In A Bathroom?
Many laminate flooring products are suitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens, where there is always more of a moisture risk. Check with your supplier if you are unsure. The most important factor here is your diligence during the installation process. Every expansion space needs to be sealed perfectly with your caulking gun, to ensure that moisture can't seep into the core of the flooring. Once this happens, you will have problems with buckling, warping and blistering.
In the case of bathroom and kitchen flooring, the recommendation usually also is to use glue in the joints. This will act as an additional sealant, helping to protect your flooring.
4. How Do I Finish The Areas Around Doorways?
All the manufacturers supply ranges of color-coordinated decorative moldings for use in doorways, for transitions between different flooring finishes, and around cabinets, basins or tubs. These make it straightforward to ensure that your flooring has a professional finish. In a doorway, you will install a T-molding.
5. Is It Safe To Install Laminate Flooring On Stairs?
A laminate flooring installation can be done on stairs. In this case however, you don't need an underlayment. The flooring planks are adhered to the subfloor with glue. As a finish, stair noses are glued and nailed to the stairs. Just be very careful if you have been cleaning the flooring. Any dampness may cause the stairs to be extremely slippery.
6. What Is The AC Rating?
One of the most important aspects of a laminate hardwood floor installation, is matching the flooring to the traffic it will be bombarded with. Using a low quality, thin floor in a high traffic area will be disastrous. The AC Rating has been devised to help consumers when they have to make a buying decision.
The AC Rating of between 1 and 5 gives an indication of the suitability of the flooring planks for a particular area. In most residential situations, an AC Rating of 3 is high enough to ensure durability. Don't make the mistake of assuming that a higher rating will give your flooring a longer life. While this may be the case, a higher rating also comes with a rougher surface texture that can be tough on bare feet and socks.
7. I Love A Tiled Look. Is There A Laminate Flooring Option For Me?
A fairly recent development in the laminate flooring installation industry, is the introduction of planks with an extremely authentic ceramic or stone tile appearance, complete with realistic grout lines. Just imagine getting the tiled look you adore, without any of the grout messes. No more cracking, moldy, discolored grout to spoil your hard work. Just a smooth, multi-hued tiled look clicked together within a day. This truly is a decorating and interior design dream come true.
8. Doesn't Laminate Flooring Have A Plastic Look?
With the latest engineering, the days of plastic, fake-looking laminates are over. You will be amazed at the authenticity of the real wood or stone tile designs. Textures can be refined to be completely realistic. Planks are now beveled to come even closer to the real thing. In addition, weathering has been brought in to give that unique warm and rustic real hardwood appearance.
9. Do I Need To Acclimate My Laminate Flooring Planks?
Some manufacturers stipulate that the unopened boxes of flooring planks should be stored horizontally in the room where they will be installed, for a period of around 48 hours. This gives the planks a chance to acclimate. Your supplier should be able to give you the correct instructions. Alternatively, you can go to the manufacturer's website for more information. Make sure that you allow for this period when you do your planning. Don't rush into the installation. Follow the instructions to the letter if you don't want to void your warranty.
10. What Do I Do If There Is A Nasty Scratch On My Floor?
One of the main benefits of a laminate flooring installation, is that you can repair minor mishaps with ease, and replace a whole section of flooring in the event of a serious calamity. It is always better to try and prevent scratches by using felt pads under furniture, keeping pet nails trimmed, and avoiding spiked shoes. Entrance rugs are also a good idea, as they catch some of the gravel and grit before it gets onto the flooring. If there are scratches, color-coordinated pens are available to make them less conspicuous.
For more noticeable scratches, a filling putty can be used. Neaten the edges of the area with a small, sharp knife. Fill it with putty, and smooth the surface gently with a plastic scraper. Wipe excess away with a damp cloth and your floor should be as good as new.
Follow the laminate flooring installation guidelines to the letter, give your flooring the tender loving care it deserves, and you will enjoy its good looks for years to come.
Awnings-and-Blinds.com - where you can grab your free copy of the Ultimate Laminate Flooring Buyer's Guide ebook. The author, Rika Susan also offers more info on flooring, awnings, blinds and other home remodeling issues in Laminate Flooring Installation Tips and many other articles at Awnings-and-Blinds.com. Copyright of this article: 2007 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.
