Is it easy to lay laminate flooring yourself?

Question

I need new flooring but can't afford to hire someone to do it so I'm going to do it myself. Is it hard to do?

Jo · Answer

We did ours... or had our son do it. Make sure you follow directions and get some advice from your local Home Depot/Lowes if you need it. If you know how to use a saw, and can read and comprehend directions, you should be good.

Liz · Answer

contact a regional tech school, they often need real projects for their students. Depending on your age, free labor is available for olders. also let your insurance agent know of your project.

Rymea · Answer

Probably you can do it. It takes time so don't be in a hurry. You just need saws with the right kind of blades, a tapping block and a rubber mallet. I think I might have used a crowbar in a few places also. You will need to cut some boards lengthwise and others straight across. I used a miter saw and a circular saw. But don't worry about your cuts being perfect because none of them will show because they will all be against a wall covered with quarter round or in a doorway covered with a threshold piece. If you already have quarter round remove carefully before laying the flooring and you might be able to reuse it. Otherwise the new quarter round can match the floor or the baseboards.

Kri33105060 · Answer

Thank you. I'm going to do it. I'm not a patient person but to have great flooring I'm going to learn to be one.

Deanna · Answer

There are many new brands of vinyl planking that look amazing. The vinyl is backed with cork or other antibicrobial backings and is also waterproof. The great thing is it can be scored with an utility knife and snapped. No fancy tools needed. It snaps together just like laminated products but will wear much better. The texture is more pet friendly and the surface is not as slick. It can also be put down over tile...but I wouldn’t recommend that. As for pricing it is between $3-$8 per sq. ft. depending on the brand. I am working on my main level and just selected the one I like to work best with my woodwork. I am seeing much more vinyl planking/floating floors than anything else since it also works in bathrooms and under refrigerators and in the laundry room. Go check it out!! It is superior over regular laminate planking. And installation is easier to get that professional look.

The attached pic is an example of what it looks like. It is from a job my son just finished. Note—the floor had not been cleaned so it looks dusty.

B. Enne · Answer

Don't start at a doorway. Pick a guest room, office or a closet to start until you get the hang of it. Leave a gap by the wall (not too big), and stagger your joints. Take your time.