Prep Work for Installing a Tile Laminate Floor: What You Need to Succeed
Prepping the floor is the first thing you need to consider when installing a tile laminate floor. How far will the floor go? Will you need transitions between doorways or carpet? Is the floor unleveled in areas or have dips? What tools and materials do I need? All of these items must be addressed before you can begin to install a tile laminate floor.
Tools.
Most of the tools you will need to begin this project are basic tools you probably own already. A tape measure, utility knife, screwdrivers, and a pry bar. If you have dips in your concrete slab, then you will also need a large putty knife. Another tool needed is a rubber mallet and plastic tapping block and shoe. The tapping block/shoe is used to drive the interlocking pieces together for a tight fit. It is a must have for any snap together laminate flooring. You will also need a good miter box. This will assure a nice cut and speedy installation. If you have any awkward cuts such as around cabinets or pipes, you will need a jigsaw. Last but not least, you will need an undercut saw. This small handsaw will allow you to cut the trim around a door to slide the laminate flooring underneath the trim piece.
Materials.
Underlayment and laminate flooring. You will need to install an underlayement underneath the laminate tile floor. This is a ¼-inch pad of foam that reduces vibrations and sliding from the floating floor. It also cuts down on acoustic transfer and helps to insulate the floor. Companies that produce the laminate flooring also produce the underlayment. They require that you use their underlayment or the warranty will void. Always check with the dealer when you purchase the laminate tile floor. The salesperson will also tell you how much laminate flooring and underlayment you will need according to the square footage of your room.
Tools.
Most of the tools you will need to begin this project are basic tools you probably own already. A tape measure, utility knife, screwdrivers, and a pry bar. If you have dips in your concrete slab, then you will also need a large putty knife. Another tool needed is a rubber mallet and plastic tapping block and shoe. The tapping block/shoe is used to drive the interlocking pieces together for a tight fit. It is a must have for any snap together laminate flooring. You will also need a good miter box. This will assure a nice cut and speedy installation. If you have any awkward cuts such as around cabinets or pipes, you will need a jigsaw. Last but not least, you will need an undercut saw. This small handsaw will allow you to cut the trim around a door to slide the laminate flooring underneath the trim piece.
Materials.
Underlayment and laminate flooring. You will need to install an underlayement underneath the laminate tile floor. This is a ¼-inch pad of foam that reduces vibrations and sliding from the floating floor. It also cuts down on acoustic transfer and helps to insulate the floor. Companies that produce the laminate flooring also produce the underlayment. They require that you use their underlayment or the warranty will void. Always check with the dealer when you purchase the laminate tile floor. The salesperson will also tell you how much laminate flooring and underlayment you will need according to the square footage of your room.
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