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You can Install Engineered Flooring Yourself
The carpet in our home was over 15 years old, and looked it. When pricing carpet, we soon found ourselves comparing it to the price of engineered flooring; believe it or not, the engineered flooring was less expensive. Why? With carpet, you have to install a good quality pad, and unless you are experienced in installing carpet, it can be a nightmare. In addition, the price of having the carpet installed for us almost doubled the price of the carpet. For this reason, my husband and I decided to go with the engineered flooring. If we can do it, so can you. The following are some brief tips to help you do it yourself. If your local home shopping center offers weekend classes on installing engineered flooring, consider taking the class. Seeing it done does clarify many parts of the instructions. In addition, you can learn firsthand how to install your flooring and most importantly have the opportunity to ask an installation expert any questions you may have. You will also become familiar with the tools and supplies you will need to install your flooring. Another added benefit of the class is that you may meet a friend, who may be willing to help you with your installation. Before you purchase any of your flooring, you must measure the room where you will be installing the flooring to have your correct square footage. This will also be needed in purchasing your vapor barrier and pad, as well as any sealant and nails if needed. You will need to purchase specific tools and supplies to install your engineered flooring depending on if you purchase nail-down, glue-down, and floating flooring. However, every time requires that you install a plastic vapor barrier. You will also need a saw, and padding. If your flooring is the glue-down type then you will also require tightening straps and tapping block. Once you have purchased all of your supplies and flooring, your next step is to move every thing out of the room were you are going to install your flooring. This also means pulling up the carpet. You want to next, clean and repair your subfloor. With engineered flooring, you do not have to worry about defects in your sub-flooring showing through to your engineered flooring. One you have everything out of that room, you want to install your vapor barrier and your padding. Then you want to place the open boxes of your engineered flooring in the room so that the boards can acclimate for a minimal of 72 hours. Before you begin laying any planks, you have to decide in the direction that you want the planks laid. Once you have nailed or glued that first plank down, is too late to change your mind. A good rule of thumb, when installing engineered flooring in a narrow or long room, place the boards lengthwise, however, if you are installing them in a room with a large window or French doors, then lay the boards feeding towards the window or French doors. Another tip, do not rush, take your time, and take several breaks. In addition, before you get started. READ and UNDERSTAND your manufacturers instructions. If you do not understand what the manufacturer wants you to do, then dont be afraid in calling where you purchased your flooring from and asking for help. Once you have laid your starter boards, you will be amazed at how smoothly the process will be. Then once you have finished, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your new engineered flooring. Oh, and move all the furniture back into the room.
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