If you’re looking for a way to give your kitchen a fresh, updated look at a low cost, consider upgrading your flooring with laminate. This durable, versatile material looks and feels like real hardwood and comes in a variety of styles and colors that suit any décor. However, if you’re thinking of taking the DIY route with your laminate installation, beware: this type of project is more involved than you may realize and can result in costly mistakes. The good news is that you can minimize these risks by hiring a certified flooring professional for the job.
Properly installed laminate will reduce maintenance and costs by protecting against moisture and insulating the floor. Additionally, it will improve the sound quality of your kitchen and make it feel more spacious. If you are interested in installing laminate in your home, it’s important to prepare the subfloor for installation and take care of any repairs or issues that may arise during the process.
During the preparation stage, it’s recommended to remove all existing floor coverings and prep the subflooring for new installation. If you choose to do this yourself, be sure to gather all of your tools and materials ahead of time and follow proper safety protocols when using a power tool. Ideally, you should also remove all baseboards and trim before the day of your laminate installation to allow for clean and efficient work.
On the day of installation, be sure to stay at home and remain available for any questions or concerns from your installers. It’s best to have a walk-thru with the installer before they begin to ensure you are both on the same page regarding the details of your new laminate floor.
It’s important to leave a minimum of 1/4” space between the laminate and the perimeter walls to allow for expansion and contraction of the laminate. This “breathing room” will help prevent damage to the edge of your laminate and allows for the correct placement of the trim, quarter round or shoe molding that covers the transition between the floor and wall.
A well-installed laminate floor will last a long time, but you should still inspect the installation regularly for damage, scratches and discoloration. If any damages or stains appear, contact your installer immediately to schedule a repair appointment. A Tampa laminate floor installation professional will have the tools and skills necessary to restore your laminate floor to pristine condition in a timely manner. If you need a laminate floor in Tampa visit https://www.tampabayflooringcompany.net/.