More women homeowners means more women doing things for themselves and more women laying laminate flooring than ever before. And why not? Laminate installation is an ideal project for the weekend home warrior, male or female. If he knows how to measure and handle power tools, he will do just fine.
The hardware market is finally waking up to the fact that their female customers require something a little different from their men. Companies like Tomboy Tools and Girlgear Industries are designing and marketing work gear for the female figure. Think ergonomically correct weights, grips and tool belts for working women – what a concept!
When it comes to information, let’s face it, women are much more likely to ask for and read instructions than their male counterparts. And there’s plenty of information available on laminate installation if you’re looking. Start with the manufacturer’s instructions, talk to your flooring dealer, look it up online, or download an instructional video. Do your research to the bottom of your heart – you’ll save a substantial amount of money and get affordable, classic flooring by doing it yourself.
The tools you will need to do the job include a hammer, pry bar, pencil, T-bar, tape measure, workbench, pounding block, spacers, broom, handsaw, jigsaw, handsaw, band or staple gun. and utility knife. Acclimate laminate on job site 48 hours prior to installation and maintain room temperature a minimum of 65F or 18C. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and use them as your first point of reference. Undercut doors and use a 2-in-1 sound vapor barrier as a base.
Make sure your starting wall is straight. If it’s a new house, you can usually rely on a room’s exterior wall to be straight, though use a chalk line to check that it’s wise. If the starting wall is not straight, you will need to trace the tongue side of the laminate facing the wall to provide a straight base for the rest of the flooring.