Do-It-Yourself Laminate Flooring - An Affordable and Easy Way to Update a Room

If you are thinking about investing in do-it-yourself laminate flooring then you should learn a little bit about this home improvement product. First you need to know where laminate flooring can be installed. Laminate flooring has been constructed to resist water and moisture. This means that you can install it in bathrooms and kitchens, as long as you take a few precautions to protect the flooring from excessive water exposure. To determine what diy laminate flooring product to buy for your home you need to look at its AC rating. If you plan on installing your laminate flooring in a bedroom or den then an AC rating of AC1 or 2 is fine. However, if you will be installing your laminate flooring in a high traffic area like a living room or entry way, then you will want to look for a laminate flooring product with an AC rating of AC2 or AC3.

If you have decided to install a laminate floor then using a do-it-yourself laminate flooring kit is a great option. These kits will generally include the underlayment, the floor planks and the instructions. You should know that in addition to your diy laminate flooring kit you will also need to purchase matching floor boards, grate covers and transition strips. After you have all of these items you will be ready to install your floor.

Do-it-yourself laminate floors offer home owners an easy installation process. First you will need to prep your floor by removing the old floor covering, removing nails and staples, and making sure that the floor is dry and clean. Next you will need to make sure that your floor is level. You may need to sand down high spots of add sub floor to repair damaged areas of your sub floor. Next you will install the vapor trapping film and underlayment. DonÕt overlap the edges of the underlayment. Instead simply meet the edges of the underlayment and tape it together. Next you can snap together your laminate flooring and finish it by installing the base boards, grate covers and transition strips.

Is laminate floors right for you? Find out more at LaminateFloorsCheap.com - your source for cheap laminate floors, do it yourself floor installation information and professional flooring advice. For more home decor and remodeling options visit the home and garden directory.

Laminate Installation for Countertops


The following instructions are intended to save you time, effort and money when it comes to installing plastic laminate or Formica on countertops.

Laminated plastics are available in many hardware and home improvement stores in a wide variety of colors, designs and patterns, and they have many applications, such as for countertops, tabletops and flooring among others. Sheets of laminated plastic are available both in dull or gloss finish, so you have a choice when preparing for a project. Laminated plastic is made from layers of paper that are injected with resin and bonded together under with a great deal of pressure and high temperature in order to form a strong, rigid sheet.

When preparing the surface- Laminated plastic sheets of 1/16” thickness are usually recommended when working on a flat surface. On vertical surfaces you should use 1/32” thickness sheets. Thoroughly sand and clean the surface where you plan to apply the plastic laminate, removing any paint, varnish, dirt or imperfections in the surface. Although many manufactured countertops utilize high-density particle board for their surfaces, regular particle board or plywood may be more ideal bases for plastic laminates.

When cutting laminated plastics- You can use a circular saw, saber saw, backsaw or utility knife to cut through plastic laminate. If you plan on using a saw, make sure that the saw blade is a fine-tooth blade. If you use a strip of masking tape along the cut line, it will help prevent chipping and make the line much easier to see while cutting. If you're using a power circular saw, or a table saw, cut on the back side of the laminate to prevent chipping. Cut at a low angle from the front side if you're using a hand saw to cut the laminated plastic. In order to allow for trimming, make sure to cut the sheet of laminated plastic slightly larger than what you will need. You may also consider using a straightedge or a steel square in order to create a smoother and even cut. You can use a utility knife to score the laminated plastic, then lift the shorter end and apply a slight pressure to snap the scored line. Make sure to choose the proper cutting implement based on the size of the job.

When Applying Laminated Plastics- You can usually use contact cement to apply laminated plastic. Epoxy adhesives can also be used but in general, contact cements are recommended. You should first roughen the surface using coarse grit sandpaper, but make sure to clean the sanding residue away with compressed air or a light brush to ensure that the surface is as clean as possible. Next, you will want to brush on the contact cement, applying it to both the counter surface and the back of the clean laminate sheet. After both surfaces have dried, you can lay the sheets of laminate down.

To finish Off the Job- Use a roller to apply pressure to the newly applied sheets of plastic laminate. Make sure to roll the entire surface thoroughly in order to eliminate any trapped air pockets, and to be sure that the plastic is attached firmly at all points. You can also use a wooden block and mallet in order to assure proper adhesion on the newly laid surface, by working out any trapped bubbles and pressing both contact cement layers together as much as possible. If there is any extra contact cement where it should not be, you can remove it with a special solvent, or with nail polish remover.

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What Is A Laminate Countertop

Laminate countertop material offers a highly decorative, strong and affordable option that is also easy to maintain. This material comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors that are sure to fit into any decorative theme that one might have. Since laminate countertops can be purchased ready-made or fabricated on-site, you are not bound with a lifelong decision when installing one. If you change your mind in the future, then a new pattern and color can be installed easily at a reasonable cost.

Laminate countertops are created from decorative paper that has been treated with resin and bonded together under high heat and pressure. This bonding process creates a strong moisture-resistant surface that is well suited for countertop applications. The laminate countertop also comes in different thickness to match the intended countertop application. Use the thickest variety of laminate for countertops that need to withstand high-impact usage. If you expect the countertop to be used as a decorative stain-resistant surface, a thin grade of laminate will suffice.

Cleaning a laminate countertop surface is fairly straightforward. For most stains, wiping the laminate surface with a damp cloth or a sponge with mild detergent will do the trick. Some stubborn stains will need a little scrubbing. Use a non-abrasive brush or pads to clean these stubborn stains as an abrasive scrubbing material could permanently dull and scratch the laminate countertop leaving it more susceptible to staining. Harsh chemical cleaning agents should also be avoided as they could damage the finish on the laminate countertop.

To help your laminate countertop last a long time, some care needs to be taken. Although the laminate surface is fairly strong, it can be scratched, chipped or cut. The edges are most vulnerable to chipping so keep this in mind when moving heavy objects on or around the laminate countertop. Always use a cutting board when using knives or sharp utensils on the laminate countertop to protect from scratches and cuts. The laminate countertop surface can also be scorched if high heat is applied onto it. To protect from heat damage, avoid placing hot pot and pans directly on the laminate countertop surface.

Want to learn more about Kitchen Counter Tops? Feel free to visit us at: http://www.aboutcountertops.net/Articles/Selecting_Purchasing_and_Installing_Your_Granite_Counter_Top.php

Should You Replace Your Countertops When Remodeling Your Kitchen?

Did you just decide to remodel your kitchen? If so, what exactly do you want to be remodeled in your kitchen? Most homeowners only want to have a specific area of their kitchen remodeled, some want everything remodeled. If you only want to upgrade an area of your kitchen or if you would want a totally changed kitchen, then you should be looking for a new kitchen countertop. If you are looking on buying a replacement countertop what kind are you trying to get?

When you decide its time for a new countertop, for your complete kitchen changing plan, there are so many things you need to bear in mind. The most important thing to remember is your kitchen cabinets. Kitchen countertops are always being placed ahead of cabinets or cupboards. If you are wanting to remodel your cabinets too then you should buy everything that you may possibly need when you purchase your new countertops. This will help you match your countertops better to your cabinets in the long run rather then having to go to the store multiple times.

The most important thing to keep in mind is, when looking for new countertops keep them in your price range. The most affordable of all countertops would most likely be the laminate countertops. Even though being the most affordable, most people think they are too plain. If you are not only wanting to change your kitchen looks, but enhance the style of it as well, you are probably looking for a whole new look. Most people want to replace their countertops with a fine wood or marble.

Even though it is probably most important to you to make it look nice and attractive, it is also very important to keep it in your price range. If you are changing the look of your whole kitchen, it might do you good to write down a list of things you may want to make budget. If you accidentally spend too much you will find it later on hard to remodel with no money.

If there is a possibility that you might already know what type of kitchen countertop you want to buy, you might not know when you see your options. If that happens then you should just start looking everywhere you can for your prefect countertop. Even if you look online or in a local home improvement store, you will most likely come across a few countertops you like, many with different colors and designs. I think browsing on the internet is the best way to gain ideas. In fact looking for countertops at multiple places is good to match prices, which is most important when remodeling your kitchen..

After you have bought the type of things you want to use for your kitchen countertops, whether they are laminate or fine marble, you will want to know how it is going to be installed in your kitchen. If you wanted to, you could seek assistance from a professional kitchen remodeling expert or a general contractor. Maybe you would want to install it yourself? With directions, you could install your new countertop faster then waiting on assistance, even if you don’t know how to put stuff together well. Every countertop and its pieces come with essential directions, but in case not you can always go out and buy a how to book about putting a new countertop in.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about kitchen remodeling as well as kitchen appliances at http://www.kitchenthingsplus.com

Installing Laminate Countertops-Worktops Formica Postformed

When installing your own laminate countertop/worktops, it is vital to be equipped with the right tools and the right detailed easy to follow information as you only get one chance to perform this task. If you are confident with using DIY tools, then you should be able to install your tops yourself using the methods described below.

Laminated tops usually have a rolled laminate front edge which is known as a postform. Postformed tops are by far the most common to buy as all DIY stores stock them. The lengths however do vary from different manufactures and different DIY stores.

The most common lengths are: 4.1m - (4100mm) most stores supply half board sizes too for this length at 2050mm. 3m - (3000mm) DIY stores mainly supply these lengths. Some stores will even cut them to the lengths that you require for a small fee.

You will have to take the board sizes into consideration so you know exactly how many lengths required. Firstly measure your kitchen walls, workout which way your joint is going to be cut into the corner and measure that length for one countertop, always allowing 100mm extra if possible. Repeat for all lengths of countertop.

If you are cutting the lengths yourself from full boards, you will need to place the length on two or more trestles/workmates to support it. Measure your desired length and mark ready for cutting, remembering to always measure twice. The saying in the profession is (Measure twice and cut once). You can use a traditional fine toothed saw for this or alternatively a jigsaw.

There are two ways that postformed countertops can be installed, each way giving you a different look and a different skill level to fit. The first, easiest way and less time consuming is to use the thin metal strips that you simply place over the joint to hide the cut. This way you simply butt the first top right into the corner and the second top butts straight up to the first tops front edge. Steer well clear of this method if you do not want to see the unsightly metal strip sticking proud on the joint. They are known to be unhygienic too as food and drink often gets trapped between the strip and the top which is very hard to remove.

The second way is to cut what is known as a butt and scribe joint. This will make the joint totally invisible and gives the top a nice flow all around your kitchen as there is nothing to breakdown the surface. This is the totally professional way to cut the joint. You will need what is called a countertop/worktop jig for this to enable you to cut one top into the other in the shape of a hockey stick. If you want your tops to look totally professional with no visible joints, then this is what you should be aiming to achieve. The jigs are very reasonably priced these days so don't let that put you off. If you like a challenge, you pay close attention to detail, want to achieve recognition, satisfaction and brownie points, then this way is for you.

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You will learn everything you need to know about installing your own countertops here. With detailed easy to follow information and photos from start to finish, you will not go wrong.