In this article on TutKnow.ru, we describe in detail how to properly lay the laminate with your own hands without resorting to the help of specialists. Useful tips and tricks with a video tutorial. Self-laying laminate - the process is very responsible. Yes, the algorithm here is exactly the same as in the case if the laminate is not laid by you, but by a team of professionals. But far from always there are funds for hiring workers. And the owner of the apartment himself is a man: if so, why not learn how to lay the laminate yourself? After all, it’s not that difficult. So, let's learn how to lay laminate!
Detailed procedure for laying laminate with your own hands
First, the floor should be prepared. Take the level tool and measure the floor area. Pay close attention to the deviation: the permissible height difference in an area of 1 square meter is 1-2 mm, no more! If the drop is more obvious, then you will have to tear off the old covering and level the floor. Of course, you can ignore this point. But in this case, you will get the so-called “floating floor”, that is, the laminate will “walk” under your feet when walking, and after a while it will also begin to creak. Draw your own conclusion.
So, if the difference is large and exceeds 2 mm, then the old floor covering should be torn off and the floor should be leveled. For quick leveling, you should use special building mixtures that self-level the floor. For example - Polirem floor mix. Ideally prepares the floor for subsequent use of any floor covering. Layer thickness - 5-50 mm, depending on the situation. The algorithm for preparing the floor is as follows: the floor is carefully removed from the old coating. All debris is swept up: pebbles, specks, etc. There should be nothing on the floor! Next, a new screed is poured - a mixture is used to level the floor. The new screed must dry for at least 5 days, since the moisture content of the floor must not exceed 10%.
Further, the screed is thoroughly covered with a primer mixture: to prevent the penetration of moisture from the screed. After the soil has dried, the floor is swept again.
The next step is to lay the underlay. A backing is a special material that performs several useful functions at once:
- creates a depreciation effect;
- reduces sound transmission - absorbs noise when walking;
- helps to absorb possible drops (even 0.5 mm);
- will significantly reduce the load on the "locks" of the laminate. Remember, however, that no overlap is allowed when laying the underlayment, and avoid gaps. The backing layer must be complete! Also keep in mind that the edges of the backing should creep up to a height of 5 cm onto the wall.
After laying the underlay, you can proceed to laying the laminate. Laying should start from the right corner of the wall and go along the room. Attention: laying is carried out according to the "chess" principle, that is, you lay the first plank of the laminate so that the plank can be attached to it from the right and from the bottom. Actually, you will figure it out quickly: fortunately, you can see it right after you start laying the first plank.
Now about the "locks" in more detail. A correctly snapped plank is the key to a successfully installed floor. Therefore, each subsequent plank should be tilted at an angle of 15 ° to ensure the best possible grip and snap the plank in easily. Ideally, the joints should not diverge and there should not be the slightest gap between them!
The last plank, as a rule, requires a trimming. Here you yourself should see how, what and where. But the process is very simple: the main thing is “measure seven times, cut once”!
The next rows of laminate should be laid in the same way - in a "checkerboard" pattern. The main thing - watch out for the “locks” of the planks: they must be without gaps! Avoid hitting the laminate: you risk breaking the locks! The planks should make a characteristic click when joining. And the last thing: when laying the covering, there must be a gap of at least 1 cm between the laminate and the wall. Otherwise, there is a great risk that the laminate may "rise" closer to the center of the room.
That's all the wisdom. It is very easy to lay the laminate, the main thing is to believe in yourself. Good luck!
Watch a video about laying laminate flooring with your own hands:
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