laminate flooring underlay

How Much Will My Laminate Flooring Cost?

2010-01-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

By Richard L Mccaffery

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,

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6 Laminate Floor Underlay Tips

2009-09-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

By Hristo I.

The more you know about the conditions at which your floor is going to operate, the easier you can prolong its life. As floors are affected from two directions, above and underneath, it's important to provide good conditions on both sides. While you can always look after the surface as long as you follow the right maintenance tips, the underside of the floor is not something you can easily work with once the floor has been installed. That's why having the best possible laminate floor underlay is essential.

1. Before you go on to look for an underlay for your laminate floor, take your time and observe your sub-floor. Is it concrete slab or timber boards? Find out as much as possible about its structure, any damage that it has or may potentially develop, the moisture level beneath, at and above it.

2. In order for the underlayment to work properly, your sub-floor has to be as level and as clean as possible. If it's a concrete one, fill in any gaps that exist using a compound mixture and scrape off any adherent carpet and other left-overs. If it's a timber sub-floor, nail properly all boards and use plywood sheets if necessary to level out the surface.

3. If the level of moisture in your area is high or has the potential to reach high levels over an year, and you have a solid sub-floor (concrete slab, stone, brick), use a damp proof filler compound to fill in any gaps. Make sure to give it enough time to dry out before moving onward with the job.

4. Depending on your budget and personal demands you can choose foam, cork, plywood or a combination of these. Additional layers of sound absorbing materials are also available, either separately or built-in, but might cost you more. Generally you would want to have the latter on upper floors where sound is more of a problem. Ground floors on the other hand are more susceptible to moisture and the aim there is to have good moisture insulation.

5. Before deciding on the type of underlay, check if your laminate flooring doesn't come with an underlay of its own. Very often Do-It-Yourself laminate floors are pre-finished and don't require additional custom underlay installation. That said, custom separate layers for shock and sound absorption are always an option. It helps reduce the "hard" feeling and reduce the hollow sound noise that are so typical when walking over laminate.

6. Damp proof membrane (DPM) is necessary when you have a solid sub-floor, especially if it's a new one. Timber sub-floors on the other hand need to breathe to avoid the build-up of mold in the near future and DPM should be avoided. Installing foam to level out irregularities and create a cushion is often enough in these cases.

The important thing is to know your level of moisture before making any of these decisions.

If you would like to learn more about floors in general, flooring types, floor installation and floor cover maintenance tips, visit http://AllAboutFloors.co.cc where you can read about flooring comparison, cheap bamboo flooring, laminate hardwood floors, pre-finished hardwood floor, engineered bamboo flooring, and more.

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How to Lay Laminate Flooring

2009-09-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

By Peter Gitundu

The modern option of laminate flooring has been an answer to the prayers of many. Not only does it look good but it is very affordable and easy to install. Such a combination is very rare and you should take advantage of this and learn how to lay laminate flooring. It is not complicated and when you follow steps provided, you will be very pleased you did it. The laminates floor comes in form of strips which are then installed on your floor. They look so similar to wood and they are a sure spice to your house. You begin the process at an exposed wall where you will work your way towards the other parallel wall. Therefore, you will not have the desired results when you start work from the middle.

On how to lay laminate flooring, you will learn that there is great importance to start with an underlayment or a padding which will ensure that the flooring is comfortable to stand on. You must therefore consider room for expansion for this padding especially around the edges. You will lay the boards or strips without gluing so that you can pay close attention to every row. To make the flooring stronger, avoid any joints between strips and this will also enhance the look at the end. You have the option of gluing the strips and the glue will be applied at the edges. You must realize that the underlay or the padding is not glued. Therefore the laminate flooring floats on top and is very strong and durable.

If you did not know how to lay laminate flooring, now you have a better idea and the next thing that is going to happen in the process will be to tap the strips into place to ensure every board fits perfectly in place. Then it will take approximately an hour for the glue to dry. When your work is complete, go over it and see whether you have followed every instruction as provided. It is a really a fun process and you can help out a friend or better yet, you can lay your very own laminate floor. It is easy to take care of the floor and below are some of there tips that you will find very helpful.

You can pass information on how to lay laminate flooring to a friend. The simple things you can clean with include using vinegar and water which will ensure that all dirt is cleansed. Therefore, you need to avoid abrasives if you want your floor to remain new and beautiful. Avoid using very harsh agents like scouring powder, steel wool and others to clean. The best way to clean the floor is by using a soft damp cloth and you can be sure that your floor will be radiant and attractive at all times. If you want to get more information on laying laminate flooring, you can consult an expert near you or you can simply search for more information on the internet and you will find all you want to know about how to lay laminate flooring.

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Laminate Flooring. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here LAMINATE FLOORING TIPS If You Enjoyed Reading This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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Laying Laminate Flooring

2009-09-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

By Rami Nseir

When it comes to a combination of incredibly good looks, simplicity of installation, durability and price then there are few other flooring products that come close to laminate flooring.

It has never been easier to fit a laminate floor, with manufacturers introducing quick and simple to assemble products. Even for people with limited DIY knowledge, which is another reason why so many people are choosing laminate for their homes.

All laminate flooring packages come with easy to follow instructions and laminate kits and accessories can be bought which include everything you will need to lay your floor with ease. Laminate floor does not fix directly to the sub floor which means installation is very quick and you can walk on your new flooring straight away. Many of the laminate floors on the market simply click together, eliminating the need for the adhesives of the past, making laying laminate flooring a clean operation and by avoiding glue you can dismantle the flooring which means that should you move, your laminate flooring can move with you.

The secret behind the ease of fitting laminate flooring is the simple locking system that allows each plank to simply click into place. The joins are virtually invisible and the planks can be lifted then reinstalled if you need to replace a damaged board.

When laying a laminate floor you must consider what underlay will be best to use. By using thicker underlay the floor will have more insulation and better sound dampening properties. If a laminate floor is being laid on a concrete sub floor it is advisable to lay a damp proof membrane first to prevent moisture damaging the flooring. There is a growing number of laminate floors on the market that have built in underlay however a damp proof membrane is still recommended on concrete sub bases.

Deciding on which direction to lay the laminate floor in is another consideration to make as it can be crucial to the look of the room. Most floors look best if they are laid in the direction that the sunlight enters the room whilst in hallways laying the laminate floor along the length of the space will give the best visual results.

As well as the aesthetic benefits, top quality laminate flooring is renowned for its long lasting qualities. Boards are impact and wear resistant and high heals will not cause indentations. Spills can be removed with a damp cloth and cigarettes, dropped for only a few seconds will not leave any burn mark.

Once installation is complete keeping your laminate floor looking clean and tidy is effortless. Laminated flooring can be swept or vacuumed whilst everyday marks can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. By using a doormat dirt can be kept at bay and scuff marks from pebbles and grit will be avoided keeping your laminate floor in a perfect condition.

Laminate wood flooring can be used to add a natural and stylish finish to homes, shops and office spaces. With such a wide choice of laminate flooring available you can be guaranteed to find one that suits your taste and gives your room the stunning finish you are looking for.

Rami Nseir is a consultant for http://www.ukcarpetsdirect.com part of the Storey Carpets Group voted “Britain’s Best Carpet & Flooring Retailer” for the fourth consecutive year.

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Underlay for Laminate Flooring? What's Essential and What's a Waste of Money?

2009-09-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

By Karen Lacasse

There is a huge surge of consumers opting to install laminate flooring as a more cost effective substitute for real wood flooring. And along with that come a large number of questions on how to install the product so that it survives all of life’s abuse.

We have all heard our neighbour’s stories about a floor gone bad. The boards have shifted and ugly gaps have appeared between planks. Water gets into the seams and causes the floor to swell and delaminate, and the annoyance of the hollow clicking of the floor following you into the basement. Well selecting the right laminate underlay might go a long way in solving some of these issues.

First it is important to understand what the purpose is of laminate underlayment. It is really designed to even out the minor imperfection of the sub-floor so no one spot on the laminate floor is taking excessive pressure. Most laminate floors are made from medium density fiberboard (MDF), and as such can only take so much pressure before the fibers breakdown. Thus, the underlayment acts as a cushion. This is its first and foremost responsibility.

A good underlay supports the floor so as not to put too much undue pressure on the click, interlocking system!

Secondary to that the laminate underlay acts to dampen the noise of daily traffic. I found this particularly obvious with my dog in the house and his late night pacing. Industry has responded with product and a testing method called Impact Sound Transmission testing. It uses a multi headed hammer to tap on a floor and then measures sound transmission to the floor below. It is called an IIC rating. A rating of over 55 is required to pass current building regulations for multi level housing. The higher the rating the more noise it blocks.

In addition to noise transmission from walking on the floor, industry has moved to create an underlayment that will reduce the noise that is airborne from radios, TVs etc. The testing procedure for this is referred to as a Sound Transmission Class (STC). A rating of over 51 is commercially acceptable. Again the higher the rating the more noise it stops.

It used to be that the only way that you could get a laminate underlay that offered these sound dampening advantages was to go to a cork or rubber commercial underlay adding more that a dollar per square foot to the cost of your flooring. Today industry has created a range of foam underlay products that attain these commercial rating at a much lower cost making it a more reasonable choice for residential applications.

The last real issue, although there are many more trivial features like R value and antimicrobial additives, is the need to have a vapour barrier. Moisture is a laminate floor’s worst enemy. If moisture penetrates into the MDF core it destroys the accuracy of the interlocking joint. This is after all only a bunch of dust particles compressed into a plank. If water migrates up from the slap into the floor the joints will not be able to hold the flooring together. Thus on concrete sub-floors it is always essential to lay a vapour barrier first. Some manufacturers have now begun to laminate a polyethylene film to the foam underlay.

So lets go back to the original question. What is the best laminate floor underlay? It depends! If all you need is an underlay that will cushion your floor, buy the basic roll of foam for less the twenty cents a foot. If you are at all concerned with sound transmission into your basement then check out the list of noise reduction laminate underlay and their ratings on our website.

If you are laying a laminate floor on a cement slab inquire about a number of products that have a built in vapour barrier laminated to the back of the foam underlay. This offers a 2-in-1 installation for little added cost. Check out the list of more sophisticated designs that include a built in overlap for more effective moisture protection.

For further information on laminate floor underlayment, the various brands, their sound transmission ratings and vapour barrier designs visit our website at http://www.woodsTheBest.com

Karen Lacasse draws on 25+ years of woodworking experience, both as a woodworking teacher and industrial woodworker/owner of Lacasse Fine Wood Products.

She is the author behind woodsthebest.com where you will find articles and resources to help with all your home renovation projects.

She designs woodworking craft patterns and shares her wood crafting knowledge at theWoodBox.com

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