by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: November 24, 2010   Last Updated: December 01, 2010

Laminate flooring makes the ideal alternative for those who don't want to go to the expense of laying new wooden floors. It is vital that the area where the laminate flooring is to be laid is perfectly flat, and moisture free. This can be tested with a moisture meter if in doubt, and once the laminate floor has been laid, what you get is a wonderful new look that gives the room a freshness.

The choice of laminate floors available is vast, and a mine field for the unwary. Be careful not to choose the cheapest you can find, as often these are only photo finish, and not as hard wearing as their counterparts. Look around and if you are working on a budget choose those which are middle of the road, rather than those which are cheapest.

You will need the following tools to lay the floor.

•Tape measure.
•Fine toothed saw.
•Plastic membrane
•Insulation layer
•Sandpaper for neatening cuts.
•Pencil
•Straight edge

Calculating where to start.

It is wise to measure the room so that the lay of the boards is in an opposite direction to the light. What this does is give the room the appearance of being larger. It's also a great way to hide any areas where the jointing isn't at its best. If laying flooring in a bathroom or kitchen area you will also need glue as this helps to reinforce the joints and helps them to stay water resistant.

The measuring process is fairly straightforward. Multiply the width of the room by the depth of the room, and allow a little more than you need for wastage. Often at the edges of the room, there will be small cuts made which will mean that your square meters won't go as far as you anticipated. It is always better to over-estimate.

Preparing the floor.

If you are laying the floor in just one room, clear the space to work. It's worthwhile taking all furnishings out of the room, as this will make the work quicker and more efficient. If you can remove baseboards, this also helps to give a great finish, as the edges are cut a little short of the wall for breathing space, and the eventual baseboards cover that gap. Make sure that the floor is completely clean before starting, as little pieces which are left may puncture the membrane or even make laying the floor difficult.

Underneath each laminate floor there is a damp proof and insulation membrane which is recommended for the particular floor brand you are using. Never skimp on this or try to use something else, because it has the properties which keep that floor

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