If you have a drab-looking floor that is in need of a makeover, consider laminate flooring as a DIY project.
Laminate allows you to give your floor an instant design lift and increase the value of your home at the same time.
“Laminate flooring is great value for money and a convenient flooring option that is simple to maintain and appealing to the eye,” says Helen Marshall, marketing manager for Floors Direct.
You don’t need any special skills or expensive tools, and if you are willing to allocate a bit of time to install the floor yourself, you can enjoy the satisfaction of having a brand new and fashionable floor within a day.
Remember to take photos before you start the project, and afterwards, so that you can share your experience with friends and family and show off your handiwork.
WHY LAMINATE IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE
l There are many colour and texture options.
l It is low maintenance.
l It replicates the look of classic wooden floors.
l It’s durable with excellent wear characteristics.
l Doing it yourself is extremely rewarding.
TIPS FOR FITTING LAMINATE FLOORING
l Do not fit laminates in wet and damp rooms such as bathrooms and saunas.
l Suitable sub-floors are flooring such as firmly adhering PVC, tiles and cement screed. Carpets are not suitable.
l Make sure the sub-floor is dry, level, firmly affixed and clean.
l Minor unevenness can be compensated with an underlay mat, or if it exceeds 3mm per metre, sand it down or level it with a filler such as self-levelling screed.
l Allow at least 1cm of space between the newly laid floor and any doors, to ensure the doors open with ease. If necessary, shorten the door by sanding it down.
l Laminate is manufactured from natural materials and will expand and contract in all four directions. Allow for expansion joints of at least 10mm or 15mm per running metre between the floor edge and all vertical surfaces such as walls, room dividers, thresholds, pipes and conduits.
l Floor surfaces that measure more than eight continuous metres require an additional expansion space of a minimum of 10mm or 1.5mm per running metre. This also applies to doorways, openings between rooms and corridor corners.
l Cover expansion spaces with skirtings, trims and mouldings after installation. Attach skirtings to the wall and not to the floor. Use silicon adhesive to attach the skirtings as it is quick and hassle-free. Make sure that you don’t accidentally fasten down the planks with the trim as this will prevent the laminate from moving freely.
l For more information, contact Floors Direct on 0861 356 677 or visit www.floorsdirect.co.za – The Star