Before diving into your laminate flooring project, it’s essential to plan carefully to ensure a smooth and successful installation process. This section will guide you through the key steps of planning your project, including assessing your space, measuring, and calculating material needs, and budgeting effectively.
Assessing Your Space
Room Functionality: Consider the function and traffic flow of the room where you plan to install laminate flooring. Different areas of your home may have unique requirements, such as water resistance for kitchens and bathrooms or durability for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Subfloor Condition: Inspect the condition of your subfloor to ensure it is clean, smooth, and structurally sound. Address any issues such as unevenness or damage before proceeding with the installation to prevent problems down the line.
Moisture Levels: Check the moisture levels in the room, especially if installing laminate flooring in areas prone to moisture. Use a moisture meter to assess the humidity levels and take appropriate measures, such as installing a damp proof membrane (DPM), if necessary.
Existing Flooring: We would advise removing any existing flooring.
Measuring and Calculating Material Needs
Room Dimensions: Measure the length and width of the room where you plan to install laminate flooring. Multiply the two dimensions to calculate the total square meterage of the area.
Account for Wastage: It’s recommended to purchase slightly more material than the calculated square footage to account for cutting waste and potential mistakes during installation. To calculate speak to one of our experts in store.
Consider Room Layout: Take note of any alcoves, closets, or irregularly shaped areas within the room that may require additional flooring material. Measure these areas separately and add them to your total square meter calculation.
Pattern Matching: If you’re installing laminate flooring with a pattern or directional design, factor in extra material for pattern matching and alignment during installation.
Budgeting for Your Project
Cost of Materials: Research the cost of laminate flooring materials, including the price per square meter or per pack. Consider factors such as quality, brand reputation, and warranty coverage when comparing prices.
Installation Costs: Determine whether you’ll be installing the laminate flooring yourself or hiring a professional installer. If hiring a contractor, obtain quotes for installation costs and factor this into your budget.
Additional Materials: In addition to laminate flooring, budget for any additional materials needed for installation, such as underlayment, moisture barriers, transition strips.
Contingency Fund: Set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses or changes to your project plan. It’s wise to budget for unforeseen costs to avoid financial strain during the project.
Choosing the Right Laminate Flooring
Now that you’ve assessed your space, measured your area, and budgeted for your project, it’s time to choose the right laminate flooring for your needs. Consider the following factors when selecting laminate flooring:
Factors to Consider
Traffic Level: Determine the level of foot traffic in the area where you plan to install laminate flooring. Choose a laminate product with a suitable AC rating (abrasion class) to ensure durability and longevity.
Thickness: Laminate flooring is available in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 6mm to 12mm. Thicker planks offer increased stability making them ideal for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces.
Underlay Compatibility: Consider the type of underlay recommended for the laminate flooring product you choose. Proper underlay helps reduce noise, provides insulation, and improves the longevity of your flooring.
Installation Method: Determine whether you prefer a floating installation method or a glued-down installation. Most laminate flooring products feature click-lock or glue less installation systems for easy DIY installation.
Need Inspiration: Take a look at our range of laminate flooring from leading brands
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