Finding the perfect flooring is just the first step. You need to ensure it also delivers excellent performance and durability. Laminate flooring is a great option for RVs because you can have the beautiful look of a hardwood floor without all the maintenance and installation challenges. Heres how to install laminate flooring properly, and easily. Follow these tips and tricks of the trade to get a professional finish and avoid the common DIY mistakes. Cost To Install Laminate Flooring. As with any flooring type, there are inherent advantages and disadvantages that come along with the choice of laminate flooring. One of the biggest benefits of laminate flooring that homeowners love is the price. It is less costly than installing real wood floors in the home. This type of flooring is also very durable. Unlike real wood, it is much more difficult to scratch, stain or dent laminate because of the way it is manufactured. In addition to its low price and high durability, laminate flooring also does not require much maintenance. Unlike traditional wood floors, which may require sanding and refinishing over time, all it takes to clean and maintain laminate flooring is periodic surface cleaning, which can be done using a mop, water and floor cleaner.
Floating laminate flooring (15% more sq. Laminate flooring can also typically be installed over existing flooring, which can save homeowners a lot of time and hassle. It can also save them money as removing existing flooring can be quite pricey. Homeowners considering the option to overlay should be sure, however, to buy thicker laminate flooring than average. This way, there will be less potential for a hollow space to develop between the existing floor and the laminate. Even if there is a small hollow space, this will remedy itself in time as the flooring settles and is walked upon. Homeowners can overlay laminate flooring over both tile and short pile carpet that is less than 1/4- inch high, though doing so on tile will require more padding. Of course, there are some potential drawbacks to using laminate floors as well. Some homeowners are hesitant to use it because of the fact that it's not . Some homeowners dislike how hard this type of flooring feels on the feet, but with the right underlay, this can be helped. Laminate floors cannot be finished or stained. Therefore, if a homeowner purchases laminate flooring and decides they want a different finish later, it will be necessary to completely replace the floors. Laminate flooring as opposed to real wood will yield a smaller resale value on the home. Contact a Laminate Contractor Now. Choosing the right laminate flooring is more difficult than it seems because there are so many different types available. Some specific factors to think about when choosing a particular type of laminate include: Warranty length. AC rating. Pad or underlay. Texture. Typically, most laminate flooring manufacturers include a warranty with their products. It is not uncommon to find laminate flooring that comes with a 1. A homeowner should take the time to read the terms of the warranty and know what is covered, which can save them a lot of stress and hassle down the road. The AC rating is the industry's way of ranking laminate flooring for its durability. AC levels run one through five, with five being the most durable. Having an AC 1 floor is not necessarily a bad idea, depending on where the flooring will be located. For areas with lower foot traffic such as bedrooms, AC 1 is a perfectly durable option. However, for areas with higher foot traffic, more durability is necessary. Typically, the highest needed rating for residential laminate flooring is AC 4. AC 5 is generally used in industrial and commercial flooring. For homeowners who do not want any surprise expenses after buying the flooring, they should find a flooring type that comes with underlayment or padding already attached to the flooring. Underlay can also be purchased separately and typically comes in 1. The only drawback is that it will take longer to install because the padding will have to be measured and cut separately. The texture of the flooring is an important consideration since it plays an important role in replicating the look and feel of real hardwood. Most laminate flooring is embossed, but the level of embossing used can vary. There is also flooring available that is made to look as though it was hand scraped like wood. A high- gloss texture is probably the best option for a finish that will be the most resistant to dents and damage. Its clean, modern, mirror finish is desirable for many homeowners. Saving on Laminate Flooring As with any home improvement project, the best way to get a great deal on laminate flooring is to simply shop around. Homeowners should also be on the lookout for special promotions from local companies. Before choosing a company for the installation of the flooring, however, it is always a good idea to read third- party reviews to ensure the company is dependable and reputable beforehand. This is especially true for those considering the option of hiring an independent contractor. Homeowners should always make sure the flooring technician is licensed and insured before allowing him or her to do any work. Get a Quote on Laminate Floors Now. Homeowners can also save on laminate flooring by having an accurate estimate of how much they are going to need to buy. The best way to do this is to determine the area of the space to be covered in laminate flooring ahead of time. Flooring is most commonly sold by the square foot. For square or rectangular rooms, the square footage can be calculated by simply multiplying the width times the length of the room. It's a good idea to purchase slightly more square footage than is actually needed to pad for errors. Overall, laminate flooring can certainly be a great choice for homeowners who want the appeal of hardwood but without the cost and maintenance. This more affordable option comes in all kinds of styles and finishes, so homeowners can achieve any look they desire in their living spaces. Thank you for submitting your feedback. Share your cost experience. Help others plan and budget for their projects. RV Laminate Flooring . If that’s YOU, click the “I Did This Mod!” button. See the FAQ for more information on this very cool feature! You've “Done the Mod”. You should see your gravatar displayed in all it's glory over in the sidebar. Don't have a gravatar? Visit www. gravatar. It's free and once you do, your new gravatar. See the FAQ for more information. Hardwood is not practical to install in an RV because of anchoring and flexing issues. Laminate flooring (commonly referred to as “Pergo”), on the other hand is straightforward to install because it requires no anchoring per se. The laminate “floats” on the sub- flooring surface, allowing the flex and small movement necessary in an RV environment. Mod Difficulty: To effectively install laminate flooring in your RV requires some planning and a bit of patience. It is somewhat of a challenge to get the professional look the manufacturers can with a factory install, but if you have the right tools and handyman know- how, this mod is a snap, literally. You first need to determine where you want the flooring. This may seem obvious but in an RV, you may have to deal with slide- outs, furniture, and odd angles. And if you have a class A or C, consider how you will work around the captains chairs, foot wells, and stairs. Once you have decided where you want the flooring, it’s time to figure out how much flooring you actually need. This is where the fun begins. One way to closely determine the amount of flooring is to make a cardboard template of the area(s) where you want the laminate. You may have to do this using several pieces of cardboard if the area is large. Cut the cardboard to size. You don’t have to be exact, but get as close to the shape of the areas as practical. Remember, 1. 2 inches by 1. You will need to determine the total square footage of all the cardboard areas. Once you know the total, you can go buy the laminate. Add about 1. 0% to the total to be sure you buy enough. So what is this stuff made of? Laminate flooring consists of planks made from a durable laminate surface, a wood based core and a balancing backing. The planks are clicked together to form a long lasting, easy- to- maintain surface. Like almost all materials in your RV, laminate flooring expands and contracts due to changes in temperature and humidity. Before installing laminate flooring, you will need to acclimate the planks to the environment they will be installed in. This means that for 4. PRIOR to installation, you will need to put the planks, while still in their boxes, in to your RV. Set the temperature to a minimum of 6. If your floor has linoleum, is in good shape , is smooth with no tears, then you can lay the laminate over the top of it as the lino adds very little thickness to the overall flooring height. If you are replacing carpet, you must remove both the carpet and the padding. Ensure that the sub- floor is is good condition and free of bumps, protruding screws or nails, and has no moisture damage. Make any repairs necessary before proceeding. Next, lay down the foam underlayment. This step may not be necessary if the laminate you buy already has the foam attached to each plank. If it does, this can be a real time saver. If not, cut the underlayment to fit, leaving a little extra around the edges. You will trim this after laying the planks. After the acclimation period, open the boxes of laminate, put your cardboard template(s) on the lawn or driveway, and lay out the laminate on the cardboard. This will give you a feel for how the laminate will look. You can experiment with different layouts like angling the laminate, and validate you have enough for the job. Now it’s time to start laying down the laminate. This involves a lot of measuring, cutting, re- cutting, re- measuring, etc. In other words, it’s not an exact science. A mistake or two is common and entirely appropriate if you are not a professional installer. You don’t have to be perfect. The quarter rounds you will use to trim out the edges of the flooring will hide most gaps or rough cuts. Start by determining where the first plank will go. A good starting point is the most square edge of the floor/wall. Use a framing square to check the corner where you want to start. The idea is to work your way towards the non- square walls/cabinets. Once there, you can then measure the remaining area and cut a custom piece of laminate to fit. Some RV’s are made better than others in terms of plumb cabinetry and flooring. Once you find the right starting point, be sure you leave a 1/4. This is required so the flooring can “float”, or contact and expand as the temperature and humidity varies. A good technique for a nice look is to stagger the planks so that no ends line up with each other. Use a full size plank to start. When you get to the next row, cut the starting plank to 2/3 its length, and then cut a plank to 1/3 size for the third row. It should be noted at this point that some laminate requires the tongue and groove attachment of the planks to be glued. This is really a personal preference but does result in a more durable “one- piece” floor. Now it’s just a matter of laying (and gluing if necessary) the planks and cutting them to fit. You can use a jigsaw with a fine blade or a small circular saw with a fine straight- toothed blade. Use a pencil to mark cutting lines. It wipes off easily and won’t mar the surface. Be sure to account for heater floor registers. Installing laminate on stairs is done a little differently. Once you remove any carpet and padding, rubber tread, and/or flashing, you can glue laminate directly to the stair surface and stair well sides. Use a multi- surface glue that can bond differing materials. This stuff usually sets up pretty quickly so you can use the stairs a few hours after gluing. Next up is to install the floor trim, or quarter rounds, thresholds, and/or stair well bull nose trim. We’re going to take the high road here and be conservative by sealing all the edges with a pliable sealant. Since an RV is subject to high humidity in a small place, you need to ensure that any edges where moisture can get in are sealed, especially the bathroom area. Trim the excess foam underlayment that protrudes from the edges of the laminate. Apply sealant in an 1/8. This is a very important step to ensuring no water can get underneath the laminate and destroy it. For edges that run along carpet, a special carpet- to- laminate trim piece is available from the laminate manufacturer. Sealant can and should still be used here as well. Apply sealant and slide in the trim per the manufacturers instructions. This makes for a very nice transition from the carpet to the flooring and is thin enough that you won’t trip over it. For the stairs, use bull nose or flat trim. All laminate flooring manufacturers have all sorts of trim pieces to suit almost any need, so be sure and look through the maker’s catalog to see what’s available. Most any home improvement store will have samples on display as well. This will give the entry way a nice clean look while still being durable to foot traffic. Now you just need to put the RV interior back together and enjoy your beautiful new floor! If you put down laminate under a chair or other piece of furniture that is bolted to the sub- floor, drill holes 1/8. Use a thin felt pad between the furniture and the laminate so that when the furniture is bolted down, there is less friction in between the flooring and the anchor points, providing easier movement of the floor as it expands and contracts. On glued floors, you may notice swelling along the joints of your floor during the first 6 to 8 weeks after installation. THIS IS NORMAL. In fact, it is a good sign that an adequate amount of glue has been used. It is caused by the absorption of glue in the core material and will disappear as the glue fully cures. Mod. My. RV recommends these parts for this mod: Laminate Flooring. Best quality laminate flooring at discount prices: Free samples! Balta, Rustic Elegance, Old Homestead Floors. Du. Pont - Flooring through the miracle of science. There’s only one Pergo. Flooring Sealant. Quick- step laminate flooring sealant kit. Installation Tools. Laminate Flooring Tools. General Reference. How to install Pergo Flooring. Flooring Installation Costs . Consider it as a long- term investment, something you'll touch more than any aspect of your house, and it might just last for the life of your home. Types of flooring, of course, run the gamut in price and quality. The type of flooring you install should reflect your tastes and your lifestyle. Do you need something that's easy to clean? Or is it more important that it fit the character of your house? Do you have allergies? Even once you decide on a material, you won't be able to calculate costs until you settle on the quality of the materials and the level of expertise that's needed to install it. Wood Flooring. There are two primary types of wood flooring available. The first is the solid wood floor. These floors are generally 3/4. The average cost of hardwood flooring will sit at the top end of the range. The other style of wood flooring is the . The top layer is generally made out of oak, maple, cherry, etc. Engineered wood floors are gaining in popularity because they generally cost less than the solid wood floor, but can be refinished like a solid wood floor. However, since refinishing takes off a small amount of the surface each time, an engineered floor may not have as long a life as a hardwood floor. Cost. The average cost of having wood flooring installed in a typical 1,0. However, some people choose to install wood floors only in some rooms. The most common rooms to receive this treatment are living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms for a total average of around 5. The average cost installed then becomes around $4,4. Cost Factors. Typical varying cost factors that can increase or decrease your cost include: The type of wood you use. Distance to the job site (the more remotely you live, the higher the cost will be)Any work that has to be done around existing framing, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, or other such systems. Floor registers are a good example of such things. Testing and remediation of hazardous materials. Older homes may have lead and/or asbestos. If a general contractor will be supervising the job, add about 1. Sales tax on materials. Permits or inspection fees if applicable. Pros and Cons. Pros. Wood has a classic look that lends warmth to a room. Easier to match furniture to wood because wood is generally of a neutral color. Wood is a great insulator and can hold warmth for a while. Wood floors are very long- lasting if properly cared for. Some existing wood floors in Europe have been around since the Dark Ages. They are very easy to maintain. Wood floors can be sanded and refinished many times. Where a carpet might wear out after 1. Wood doesn’t trap dust and other allergens. Cons. Very susceptible to moisture and humidity. Even minor leaks can cause significant damage to a wood floor if left untreated. Not suitable for every room. Because of the susceptibility to moisture, wood floors are not recommended for bathrooms or laundry rooms. Before installing, the substructure must be inspected to make sure it is level. An uneven substructure can cause the wood to bend and pop up. Some finishes can scratch easily. The decision here, though, is that the finishes that scratch easily are also repaired easily, such as shellac. Polyurethane, though it doesn’t scratch easily, requires a complete refinishing if it does get scratched. They are noisy to walk on. Even the best of wood floors can develop creaks, though this can be mitigated to a degree with area rugs. Materials. There are almost as many different types of wood flooring as there are types of wood. Each one has its own characteristics, so take samples home to see how they look before committing to buy. Here are some of the more popular choices for wood flooring including the increasingly popular cork: Maple: Very hard, creamy white to pale red in color, can be hard to work with ($4. White Ash: Pale yellow in color, bold grain, durable and hard to stain ($3. Hickory: Reddish- brown with varying color patterns, very durable and hard ($3. Red Oak: Reddish, tight but visible grain, ideal for cutting and staining ($3. Brazilian Cherry: Exotic red- brown color, coarse texture but easy to scratch ($4. Cork: Light, neutral color, resistant to many kinds of damage (moisture, scratch, dent, fire, etc.), renewable (the bark, not the timber, is used), very soft under foot, retains warmth ($2. Options/Styles. Aside from the type of wood, you have many choices for your floor. Distressed, wide planks make for a rustic look. Reclaimed wood comes from old buildings. It’s eco- friendly and lends a sense of history to your home. Ebonized hardwood takes a dark hardwood and adds a sleek, black finish for a luxurious, modern look. Puzzle cut makes your floor look like a jigsaw puzzle. Perfect for game rooms and children’s rooms, it’s a real conversation- starter! Parquetry is the art of creating geometric mosaics with wood floors. Different types of woods are used to create stunning patterns. Some patterns may be repeated, such as herringbone, but others treat the whole floor as a canvas to create one large image. It is very expensive depending on patterns and materials. Marquetry is like parquetry, but it is more often seen on furniture. However, when money is not an issue, it sees use on floors. A skilled woodworker can make his or her own, though. Marquetry uses more curves and creates pictures instead of just geometric shapes. Hire a Flooring Installer Near You. Return to Top. Laminate Flooring. Laminate flooring is almost always cheaper than the counterparts it imitates. Real wood, stone and tile are not only usually more expensive materials but are almost always considerably more expensive to install. So if you want the look and feel of wood, stone or tile (or at least an approximation), but cannot afford the price tag, laminate flooring might be the way to go. Laminate wood and stone floors are also more durable and made for high traffic areas. Cost. Laminate flooring costs about $2,7. Smaller areas, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms, can cost as little as $7. Cost Factors. Typical varying cost factors that can increase or decrease your cost include: Thickness of the laminate. Supplier of the laminate (some high end manufacturers do a great job at imitating more expensive materials)As with all flooring jobs, the following cost factors are pretty universal: Distance to the job site (the more remotely you live, the higher the cost will be)Any work that has to be done around existing framing, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, or other such systems. Floor registers are a good example of such things. Testing and remediation of hazardous materials. Older homes may have lead and/or asbestos. If a general contractor will be supervising the job, add about 1. Sales tax on materials. Permits or inspection fees if applicable. Pros and Cons. Pros. Laminate is durable with some coming with warranties ranging from 1. Easy to maintain, laminate is stain- resistant and can withstand extreme impacts. Void of imperfections. Can be installed over existing floors. Available in a wide variety of patterns and colors. You can match your floor to your furniture instead of the other way around! Cons. Hard underfoot, even with a foam underlayment. Unlike the actual materials it mimics, laminate flooring doesn’t add much to your home’s resale value. Some laminates can feel slippery, though modern techniques have made slip- resistant laminates available. Laminates cannot be sanded and refinished. Any damage requires the damaged pieces to be replaced. Materials. Laminate flooring can be made to look like any other material you might use on a floor. The cost per square foot will vary widely depending on manufacturer, pattern, colors, etc., so your best bet is to get some samples and see which one works best for your room. Wood: This is the most common pattern seen in laminates. It can be made to look like any kind of wood without having to cut down a tree. With its durability ensuring that it won’t be seeing a landfill any time soon, this is a very eco- friendly way to get the natural look. Stone: Laminate flooring can be made to look like stone. Some are basic shapes while others are interlocking irregular patterns that have a more natural look. Tile: With a little texturing, laminates can look and feel like real tile. Options/Styles. Laminates come in only two types: tiles and planks. Tiles are either patterned or solid and glue into place with interlocking edges. No nails are needed. Planks are rectangular in shape and lock into place without glue or nails. There are four styles to laminates: Distressed Wood: This is an intentionally imperfect appearance to give wood laminates a more authentic look. Hand Scraped Wood: This is a technique that makes a distressed wood style look older and more rustic. Embossed: Embossing a laminate floor means giving it a texture to more accurately portray the desired material. Wood laminates will have the feel of grain while tiles and stones will have their own raised areas. Stone: Laminate stone floors can look like any kind of stone and can mimic the textures to a great degree. They can also have a polished, smooth finish for an air of luxury. Get a Quote on Flooring Today. Return to Top. Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring. If you're on a tight budget, vinyl and linoleum can save you tons in both material and labor costs. Like laminate, they can imitate wood, stone or tile, and when purchased in squares, can be easy enough to install that you might not need a contractor. Cost. Vinyl and linoleum tend to be very low cost with vinyl costing from $2. Vinyl can cost even less overall as it is usually sold in tiles and can be installed by the average homeowner without much trouble. Linoleum can be installed DIY, but it takes some knowledge of how to make the right cuts to make it fit well, especially in a room with a non- standard (rectangular) shape.
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