Installing laminate floors yourself can save you a lot of money, and it’s the easiest flooring option for this project.
How Much Can I Save By Installing My Floor Myself?
The going rate for laminate flooring installation (as of Jan. 2019) is about $1.75 per square foot. Calculate that rate with the square footage you want to cover, and you’ll probably be surprised how quickly it can add up. Installing laminate yourself for a 150 sq. ft. room may save you between $250-$300.
How Long Does It Take To Install Laminate Flooring?
The time it takes depends on your project’s size and your pace. However, most jobs can be a quick weekend project. Get the whole family involved to speed things up.
General Tips for Installing Laminate Flooring Yourself
You might not have done this before, so don’t get frustrated at the start. Once you get going, you’ll get the hang of it, and it will become easier. Relax and have fun with it. You’re making a beautiful, comfy, and smart addition to your home!
What Supplies Do I Need To Buy?
Besides the laminate itself, you’ll need underlayment (also called cushion or moisture barrier), transition strips, and either baseboards or quarter-rounds. Don’t forget a few hand tools to complete the job as well.
Tips On Purchasing Laminate Flooring
How Much Laminate Should I Buy?
It’s best to buy 10% more than the total square footage you need. Find the total square footage by multiplying the length by the width of the room in feet. During installation, you’ll cut the laminate to fit against walls and door jambs, leaving leftover pieces. For diagonal or herringbone patterns, use about a 15% waste factor since more pieces will need cutting.
Why Do I Need An Underlayment/Cushion?
Underlayment is essential when laying your new laminate flooring. Typical subfloors are concrete or plywood. Adding an underlayment cushion with a moisture barrier to your laminate flooring provides:
- Maintains Warranty: Installing laminate without underlayment will void your manufacturer’s warranty.
- Creates Moisture Barrier: Protects your flooring from moisture that rises from the subfloor.
- Reduces Noise: Soundproofs your flooring so it doesn’t create noise when you walk.
- Softer underfoot: The padded quality absorbs more shock while you walk.
- Longer product life: Preserves your flooring over time for a longer lifespan.