How do you go about laying a new floor (Basic Questions).
By
on
November 21st, 2009
My kitchen needs a new floor. It had square tiles that are now starting to come up, it’s 20 years old. I ideally want some a kinda wood tiles / laminated finish. Similar to: http://www.woodfloorpolish.com/New%20Folder/New%20Bruce%20floor.jpg (but with probably a darker colour)
I can’t tell exactly what surface is under the tiles. I think it’s some kind of concrete. How difficult would it be for an amateur to lay it. I have basic DIY skills/tools.
Can anybody estimate what it is per sqaure foor / meter for DIY.
Can anybody estimate what it is per sqaure foor / meter if I got someone else to install it.
kathyannage says:
Well, hell yes, you can. First of all, its not just the monies, its pretty cool to stand back after you are done and say, hey, I did that. As far as the concrete thing, its basicly is, its called backerboard, you get it at the large stores, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. probably about 6 or 7 a sheet, I think. It is 3 foot by 5 foot. So figure out what you need and use the fasteners appropriate for the job. They will tell you when you purchase the backerboard. This is assuming yours cannot be used. Has to be clean and flat. If you can get yours in good shape, use it, if not, dont go over it with more backerboard, remove the other first. After your sub floor is ready, snap chalk lines crossing the center of your floor and work from the center out. I usually start at the center and go to one wall, this will assure that you dont have, say 10 inch of tile on one wall and 2 inch piece on the other wall. Take your time and ask questions and it will be great. One piece of advise, dont take short cuts to save 50 bucks, it wont be worth it in the long run. As far as estimate of what it will cost totally depends on the flooring you choose, you will find that flooring can run from $1 a foot to $20 a foot.
November 21st, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Adrian C says:
Do not use a laminate floor in your kitchen as they will deteriorate with any water spills there are bargains to be had in the real wood ranges if you do lots of research in your area from around £23 per to £30 m2 which is top end laminate cost low end timber cost and usually thinner at 15mm but fine for domestic use, providing your tiles haven’t degraded too much you could go over the top if they are stuck too well. You will need a proper underlay and it in the realms of a competent DIYer to lay such a floor the problems comes when you need to cut the bottom of the door frames and if you want it to go under your skirtings or you could use a beading if you are that competent give it a go, a carpenter would probable charge as much again to install but choose some one who regularly installs floors. The quality look only comes with good finishing details easy to tuck it under the plinths on your kitchen units not so easy to get it looking good under the door frame. (bit like me attempting to spray my own car everything is possible for a competent DIY guy but you might have to live with any mistakes for the next 20 years) but if your feeling OK then go for it.
November 21st, 2009 at 11:57 pm
stella says:
You can buy Cushionfloor with wood patterns. Easy to lay, wonderfully warm and long lasting. I plan to get some after seeing my daughters kitchen.
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:50 am
Clara M. says:
Here’s a flooring estimator that will help you figure out how much you will need:
http://www.findanyfloor.com/OnlineTools.xhtml
that will help. Also, laminate flooring in moist areas can be a real pain in the butt. Try a tile, or more water resistant floor.
Here’s another site: http://directory.findanyfloor.com/
its a store directory. It will help you find a local store - give a few of them a call and see what they carry, recommend, and work with different price ranges.
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:25 am