How to lay laminate flooring

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">How to lay laminate flooring</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Laminate flooring is one of the most versatile options for any room in your home; it is easy to fit yourself and extremely hardwearing. For a household with either children or pets laminate is easy to care for, especially when you need to clean up any spills or accidents that may occur. Unlike a carpet, your laminate flooring will clean to look as good as new, time after time.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">There are several types of laminate to choose from with various designs to suit all types of décor. Many laminate types are easy to lay with a LOC system so the boards just click and lock into place without any need for glue. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">When you choose your laminate flooring it is advisable to prepare your sub floor initially. You will need to screw down or remove any nails that are in the floorboards as this could damage the laminate. The floor should also be level to ensure a good fit. For concrete floors you may need to use a levelling compound before laying the flooring to ensure a level floor. Underlay is an option for all rooms but especially for the upstairs as it helps to soundproof the flooring. There are different sorts of laminate underlay and you may require a damp proofing layer in rooms that may have moisture, such as the kitchen.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/12a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/12a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Laying the laminate flooring itself is a relatively simple task, although it is advisable to read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly to ensure you get a professional finish. Acquiring the necessary tools beforehand will also save you time once you have started the project and will ensure a good finish. Here at Wickes we provide project leaflets with instructions and advice as well as help you decide which tools are necessary to complete any project, helping you to keep costs as low as possible. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Once the laminate flooring is complete, you will find that fitting laminate flooring trim will create a professional finish. Fit the trim to the wall or skirting board to allow for movement of the laminate flooring once it has settled. Purchasing your laminate flooring from a reputable store, such as here at Wickes, will not only ensure quality flooring that will last many years but will also offer help through leaflets and advice from members of staff with the knowledge to prevent costly mistakes.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Laminate flooring is suitable for any room, having an appearance of real wood but without the need to constantly varnish and polish. For a house with pets you will find that hairs can simply be swept up and any muddy paw prints may be wiped up easily. Children will not ruin your flooring with spills or accidents, and even the likes of blackcurrant or chocolate will clean up without leaving a stain. Quality laminate flooring can even be used in a kitchen or bathroom when combined with a damp proofing layer. A laminate floor gives a stylish feel to a home, retaining its appearance for many years.</p>   <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Jennie McCann – About the Author:</p>   <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Emma writes articles on Home Improvement, including tips on <a href="http://www.wickes.co.uk/Flooring/Laminate-Flooring/icat/lflamflooring" target="_blank">Laminate Flooring</a> and how to get the best out of your <a href="http://www.wickes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wickes DIY</a>.</p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Source:<span>  </span><a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-lay-laminate-flooring-3051645.html">http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-lay-laminate-flooring-3051645.html</a> </span></p></span>