Consider installing laminate floors for a quick upgrade

There are many advantages to having laminate floors in your home, they are durable, they look nice, but the greatest advantage is how easy they are to install. You will not need to use many tools, you will not have to nail, staple or glue them down. In fact laminate floors float on a layer of foam.

The first thing you do is measure the floor, so you know how much material to purchase. There are many different types of laminate floors to choose from, depending on which room you will be installing them in. The stone, ceramic or wood finishes could be used in a kitchen, where as in a bathroom the ceramic would be the most logical choice. A wood finish would be appropriate for a formal dining room or living room. When purchasing laminate floors, you will also need to pick up the foam underlayment. The foam helps absorb the shock for the floating floor.

Laminate floors need to be acclimated to the room they will be installed in. This allows the material to expand or contract according to the conditions present in the room. You need to remove the toe molding if present. Start along the longest unobstructed wall in the room, rolling out the foam underlaymnet. The first laminate board should be laid out with the tongue side facing the wall. Use ¼ inch spacing between the board and the wall to allow for expansion. Install the next board by lining up the short ends and clicking together, tap the short end of the board with a scrap block and hammer to lock the boards into place. Follow this method until the floor is covered. Cover the gaps between the board and the wall by replacing the toe molding. If any pieces need to be cut, use a circular saw. The last step is to enjoy many years of your laminate floor.