Expert answers common flooring questions
The next time you’re thinking about a new floor, don’t be intimidated by the installation process. While installing wood is often best left to professionals, today’s wood-look laminates are far more approachable.
To make the process even simpler, Sabad La Serna, installation expert with Pergo, offers insight on frequently asked questions.
Q: How long does it take to install a laminate floor?
A: Installing laminate in an average-sized room typically takes only two days and requires no glue, nails or professional experience, making it an excellent do-it-yourself project. Additionally, laminates don’t require the lengthy prep work of tile or carpet because they can be installed directly over most floors.
Q: How do the planks seal together tightly without glue?
A: Click-together laminate floors are assembled by inserting the “tongue” of one plank into the “groove” of another and then rotating the boards downward until they “click” to form a durable, lasting seal. Advanced click joints create tight, moisture-resistant seams for the most secure installation possible.
Q: Are certain rooms better suited than others for laminate flooring?
A: Laminates are extremely durable and can be installed in nearly any room. The best long-term results will be achieved in a room that’s not susceptible to flooding or water leaks.
Because laminate flooring is so durable and resists scratching, scuffing and fading, La Serna especially recommends it for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, foyers and living rooms.
Q: Do I need to do anything special to prepare the room before I install laminate?
A: A beautiful floor starts with good prep work. Laminates can be installed over any hard surface but soft surfaces such as carpet need to be removed. Also, check that the subfloor (the floor the laminate will cover) is clean, dry and level.
Leave new flooring cartons at the installation site for 48 hours before installing so the laminate acclimates to the conditions of the room. This will reduce gapping caused when floors expand or shrink due to changing climates.
Q: What else do I need?
A: Before laying laminate planks, you’ll need an underlayment to absorb sound and improve comfort. Underlayment is a soft foam layer placed directly over the subfloor. Some laminates, such as those in Pergo’s Vintage Home, Accolade and Casual Living collections, come with an attached underlayment for added convenience.
A second key accessory is molding. It eases the transition between laminate floors and the surfaces they meet. Some moldings are decorative elements, adding a finishing touch to the edge between the floor and the wall. Others, such as T-moldings, carpet transitions and hard surface reducers, help fit the new floor to adjoining rooms. Review the layout of the room to decide which moldings are needed before getting started. You may want to consider Simple Solutions Four-in-One molding. It combines all these transitions and is easy to install.
Q: How can I achieve the most realistic look?
A: Plan ahead. Some laminates are available in varying lengths or widths for a more traditional look, making it even more important to sketch out the floor pattern beforehand.
Q: How do you clean laminate flooring?
A: Use a simple mixture of water and vinegar for deep cleaning and a broom or damp mop for daily maintenance. Stay away from chemical-based cleaning solutions that can leave a dulling film on the floor’s surface.
For more information, visit www.pergo.com.
Information courtesy North American Precis Syndicate