Hello all,
Quick question... I am planning to replace my carpeted floors to a hardwood/laminated flooring... I will do it my self as an IT guy wanted to do it.
Which one easy to install between Hardwood or Laminate?
Thanks again...
Jake
Laminate would be the easier choice if you're installing the click type. You also need at least a jig saw for cuts. Corners might be a bit tricky though.
Hardwood would take longer and you'd have to have the right tools like a mitre saw, a jig saw and also a nailer. All can be rented though. If cheap and fast is what you're looking for, go with click laminate.
Something that will last a long time and add value, I'd go with hardwood. Worth the time and expense.
Thank you for the reply...
OK I will go to hardwood then.. I will buy the rest of the tools anyway as I have big project to do i will start with from the living room and once OK i will replace the whole house.
Do I need to have a nailer even if i will use a locking type?
Cheers!
Jake
Laminate is generally easier. Engineered comes in click together which is similar, but also glue down, which means you have to run a bead of glue across the tongues before clicking them together. Nail down hardwood requires an air compressor, a nailer and the nails, so it takes longer and costs more if you don't have the tools. Here are some tips for your install:
1) Start in your longest room (usually a hallway leading into the room). You want to snap a straight line along the longest wall from one end to the other then measure to each wall to ensure your walls are somewhat straight and your floor is running parallel with the walls. Once you adjust your line to ensure the straightest line possible between walls, screw a straight board to the floor along the line so you have a straight edge to butt your floor into. If your wall is perfectly straight, just put a skinny piece of 1/4" plywood against the wall and butt into that.
2) Start the direction properly. The floor goes together better one way vs the other. Is it better to work the floor with the tongue facing you or the groove facing you? Then better to start from left or right side of the room? Some floors require you to lock the long side and then the end just drops down into the other piece (these you usually have to glue). Others you have to lock the long side, drop it down and then hammer in the end. Play with the floor before starting to make sure you are installing the easier way. You will know what I am talking about if you put the floor together from each angle to see what is easier.
3) Always leave expansion gaps along the walls. 1/4" is good.
4) Stagger your joints. Look at your floor and try to keep the joints at least 4" away from each other for 4 rows at a time. Everytime you start a row mark your starter board so that the joint will be a good distance from the any joint within 4 rows. This will give you a good look. Sometimes you can't avoid this when the flooring they give you come in 5 different lengths, just do your best.
Hope that helps!
Good luck with your renovation!!
Davyn Arscott
Renovation Specialist
THE RENO KING
"Royalty IS Affordable"
Hardwood is a more expensive way to go but as was said earlier it will ad more to the value of the house.
I wouldn't suggest you go with the hardwood option if you haven't done it before, there are a lot
of tricks to it, wouldn't want to see you spending a lot of money on material and end up with a poor
job.
Laminate is much easier if all goes well, to try hardwood no way.
Don's Handyman Service
Hello guys...
Thank you so much for all the replies...
With all your suggestions I decided to hire a PRO to install my hardwood rather than do it my self which I guess might end up spending more...
Cheers!
Jake
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