One of the most attractive features of laminate flooring is the fact that just about anyone with an ounce of DIY chops can install it. This translates into a pretty hefty savings on the total cost of your flooring project, and is also a great opportunity to complete a fun project.
However, like everything else in life, a little preparation goes a long way. That's why Premier Flooring Center thought it would be a good idea to help our customers get started off right with this quick, handy guide to the four things you need to do to prepare for your big install.
1. Rip Out That Old Flooring
Sure, this one is pretty obvious when taken at face value, but there are a few things you should know about this aspect of the process. The most important thing is to be sure that you remove all traces of the previous flooring material to avoid problems further on down the line.
Old tack strips, chunks of grout, globs of adhesive, and padding remnants all need to be completely cleared away, if you want to have as level a floor as possible. When you are putting in a new floor, you want to have as clean a slate as possible to begin with.
2. Really Clean That Subfloor
Much along the lines of the previous tip, you're going to want to make sure that the subfloor is completely free of any sort of residue. You'll want to get down there with a scraper and make sure that the floor is as smooth as possible. Be sure to thoroughly sweep and/or vacuum, before you get started on the install.
3. Ensure That Your Subfloor is as Level as Possible
Once you've thoroughly cleaned and scraped your floor, the next critical step is to ensure that your subfloor is completely level. Since laminate flooring is a "floating" floor, this is one of the most crucial steps to take.
Installing a floating floor on a surface that is uneven can result in all sorts of horrendous problems, such as shifting tiles, instability, and increased noise. Luckily, there are many products, such as leveling compounds that are available to help you get the results you want, in the event of an uneven subfloor.
4. Allow Your Tiles to Acclimate to Your Home's Environment
Like other types of wood flooring, laminate flooring is susceptible to variations in temperature and humidity. This is why it's important to allow your tiles to spend a little time adjusting to the climate of the space where they will be installed. This is a pretty easy step that requires you to simply wait for a few days while the wood adjusts. A good rule of thumb is to allow your tiles to sit for 2-5 days before installing.
Allowing your tiles to cure will help you avoid problems like cupping, warping, shrinkage, and irregularities. Avoiding these problems is well worth the wait!
By getting started off right, you can expect a much easier install and a longer-lasting, problem-free floor for years to come.
If you haven't yet gotten to the point of choosing your laminate flooring, Premier Flooring Center hopes you'll consider stopping in at our showroom in Grass Valley, CA. We have all the latest styles and materials available, and our staff of knowledgeable flooring and design experts are always on hand to help you find the products that are best suited to your particular needs, whether practical or financial. We hope to hear from you soon!
