Laminate Floor - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Richard · 12-07-2006, 06:45 AM

Just bought a condo and want to replace the dingy carpet with laminate. I have searched in here and read up a little on laminate posts, but I'm mainly looking to use your answers as a guide to make sure I'm not missing something big. I am having a friend who is more of a handyman helping me out--but if I can learn up on it, it would help...

1-Foam?- I was told to not skimp on it, it's the most important part
2-Any kind of laminate I should stay away from?
3-Good price? I did find some at Ikea for about 1.30/sq., but the going rate at lowes is about 2.00-3.50/sq.
4-Is a carbide blade a must? and what saw gets used when cutting and what tips do you have for cutting?
5-So it needs to be "cut short" around the edge for expansion, right?
6-Vapor barrier? So this is the bottom layer, then foam, then laminate?

Any other tips would really help out...thanks guys, If you need free painting tips anytime-- you got it

go dart · 12-07-2006, 07:26 AM

#1- foam is a sound deadner as well as a cushioning agent. yes use it
note a pad specific to concrete is used when installing over slab
#2- choose "high pressure" laminates when given a choice. better floor avoid direct pressure laminates
#3- use 1/4" spacers @ stationary objects ( walls, cabinets etc) or wish you did
#4- still best to glue flooring even if its tap n lock, but don't glue some and not all
#5- use glue to seal cut edges at walls. especially around dishwashers
#6- laminates are hard! carbide blades are best, but can be cut w/ any quality saw
#7- under cut jambs/ casings for a perfect look
#8- measure room size and do not deduct for cabinets then add 15%
#9- work left to right

Richard · 12-08-2006, 06:42 AM

welp, this description of how to go about laminate flooring almost makes me want to put down hardwood--seems like the same amount of work--I was under the impression that laminate requires much less work (i.e-no glue, etc). I've found harwood and laminate to be the same per square too...

Murphy · 12-08-2006, 08:07 AM

Put down the pergo it comes with the foam already attached and it is my understanding that there is glue in the joints already. Once you get started you will fly. Murph

QWIKWHIP · 12-08-2006, 11:07 AM

I also recommend the Pergo. It is a good quality laminate and goes down fast. I also noticed it has a more realistic "feel" than most laminate floors, although still not the same as real wood.

This is a job I did last fall with the Pergo.

Richard · 12-08-2006, 07:41 PM

Man QUIK...if my floor turns out that nice, I'll be real happy- That stuff looks so real

John712 · 12-11-2006, 09:39 PM

There should be 8mm space between the wall and flooring for the expansion.

**Floorwizard** · 12-11-2006, 10:45 PM

Wood can be just as easy as lam.
But there is a price difference of course.

Richard · 12-12-2006, 06:20 AM

I assume after ripping up the carpet, I should take the baseboard off to make it easier...I was thinking of replacing it anyway--wonder if underneath is concrete since it's a first floor condo?

**Floorwizard** · 12-20-2006, 12:12 PM

Concrete or Gypcrete maybe.

baseboards need to come off.

John712 · 12-21-2006, 10:12 PM

The price is really high!

smilinflloyd · 12-21-2006, 10:25 PM

well i guess im ahead because i dont use a saw for laminate i use magnum cutter slices laminate also use bucket saw

Shanklesbuilder · 12-21-2006, 11:17 PM

Good pointers.

Glue? I have never used glue with any "click together" or locking floor, and have never had a problem.
What is a bucket saw?

Any one know about laminate on stairs?

**Teetorbilt** · 12-22-2006, 12:45 AM

bucketsaw = regional term. Want to have some fun? Go ask for one at the local box store!

I always glue to prevent water intrusion. The Acrylic 'glue' that they sell is a much better sealer than a 'glue'.

PrecisionFloors · 12-22-2006, 12:56 PM

http://www.bullettools.com/pro_tools...mal:group_id=1

Not a regional term Teetor...actually a pretty slick little tool for cutting inside

http://www.tools4flooring.com/bullet...saw-p-836.html

PrecisionFloors · 12-22-2006, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanklesbuilder

.....Any one know about laminate on stairs?

Yup...I am one of the few in my area that does it. I will only install Wilsonart one piece treads. Its the best way to do it safely imo, and there is way to much liability to risk a stair nosing breaking off and grandma tumbling down 14 steps

I use a Wheaton Tools Stair Wizard.