Home Improvement Time

The DIY crowd loves installing laminate floors. This is clear from the phenomenal growth in this industry. This type of flooring is not just a fashion statement. It is also a budget interior design solution. Compared to real hardwood, installing a laminate floor is an affordable option.

(Note: You can view and order free laminate flooring samples here – no shipping fees at the time of writing!)

While quality ranges such as Toklo, Pergo and Armstrong promise to be resistant to scratching, staining and fading, a number of nasty eyesores may show themselves if the DIY enthusiast isn’t careful during installation. Luckily many of these mistakes can be avoided or reversed.

Mistake 1 – Buckling

This is one of the most common problems seen after laminate flooring installations. Warping and buckling are most often caused by excessive moisture, for example when spills are not cleaned up immediately. This can also happen if an installation in a bathroom or kitchen wasn’t done properly, or if an inferior, discount product was used. Some of the cheap lines don’t use the required water-repellant substances in the core or joints of the floor covering. Study consumer ratings and reviews carefully to make sure that you avoid this trap.

When cleaning these floors, it is important never to use a really wet mop. Some brands don’t even allow the use of a damp mop. Be sure to read the cleaning instructions very carefully. It can also be that the dampness came via the sub-floor.

Mistake 2 – Chipping

So, you are raring to go and eager to show off your DIY skills. The boxes are lined up and the planks look just about ready to jump into position in their new home. With gusto you begin to hammer away with the good old tapping block. Before you know it, you are confronted with ugly chipped corners, marks and indentations.

Whoa! The latest glueless, click-together planks have been designed in such a way that you don’t really need to use a tapping block. Or, when you do, you need to use a gentle touch. Chipping can’t be undone. Go a bit slower and work with care. The same applies to general maintenance after installing the laminate floor.

Mistake 3 – Peaking

Peaking occurs when expansion spaces aren’t handled correctly. The planks may be installed too close to the walls or cupboards. These floating floors expand and contract over time, most often due to changes in temperature. If inadequate expansion spaces are left, the planks will push up against each other over time. The result is peaking or joints that become raised and unsightly.

With proper care while installing laminate floors, peaking can be prevented. However, this is one mistake that can be rectified. It is possible to remove the baseboard or molding and cut the plank closest to it in order to get the required expansion space. The molding can then be replaced.

Mistake 4 – Gapping

Gapping may occur if there is a marked shift in temperature between the area where the planks were kept in storage and the room in which they are to be installed. During gapping, the planks pull away from each other. Many of the manufacturers require you to acclimate the planks in the room in which they are to be used, before installing your laminate floor. This is very wise and may save you many a headache later on.

Mistake 5 – Mildew

This is also caused by issues related to excess moisture. If mold or mildew occurs, you will probably need to call in an expert in order to identify the source of the problem and to come up with a solution. The worst case scenario is that it comes from a structural problem. Mildew can lead to health issues, so it can’t be ignored.

You can avoid the most common mistakes by asking lots of questions and taking careful notes when speaking to your supplier. Alternatively, try to get a friend who has done this job successfully in the past, to give you a hand during your first try.

Once you get the hang of installing laminate floors, you are likely to go from one room to the next, giving your home a complete face-lift, or perhaps it is more of a floor-lift…

(Note: Click here to view and order free laminate flooring samples – no shipping fees at the time of writing!)

From the home improvement review desk of Rika Susan.

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