Is putting in laminate wood flooring really as easy as they make it seem?

I am moving into my first house next week and I am doing the laminate flooring myself....can anyone tell me if they have done it an how easy or hard it actually was? Also, do you know if I can just put the pad and laminate flooring on top of the kitchen flooring that is already there? Thanks for your help in advance!

Public Comments

1. no its not...if floor is really flat and material is in good shape yes you can..watch height issues with doors and other rooms. The best way is to take it up...but on top is ok like I said if floor is level and no bumps etc......
2. I haven't done it, myself, but I have done other DIY projects that are made to look simple on t.v. My new rule is that everything takes 2X as long and 2X as much money as what you originally plan; the 2X factor is for the unplanned and unexpected complications that arise. Renovations are just never predictable! Good luck!
3. its not hard only if you have some common sense and a little carpentry sense in you.......... if you have something like vinyl flooring you can go right on top of it,and really it is good to have something like vinyl down to go on top of because it will act as a moisture barrier...... problems that might encounter a person doing it for themselves is cutting under your door jambs..........we use something called a super saw to cut ours, but what you probably need to do is measure the thickness of your padding and laminate and put a mark on the jamb and use a hand saw to cut it out...........also remember to leave at least 3/8s of an inch gap around the room for expansion and if you are putting it throughout the house you need to use trim pieces or T moldings in individual rooms, like bedrooms,because I guarantee you if the whole house is done in laminate and you do not do this it will eventually buckle from the expansion........... good luck.........
4. Yes, it is as easy as "they make it seem." The only difficult part is making sure your measurements are correct and using the right tools. We have installed many laminate floors and I use the instruction sheet attached here to train new employee's. It is very helpful. If you run into a problem, ket me know and I'll try to help.
5. Make sure the particular flooring you are getting needs no other supplies..some requires a simple underlayment(fabric type sheeting)..and some require you buy these foam rubber gasket type items that the baseboard needs pulled and they have to tuck under it to help lock in without moving..Just make sure before purchasing..that you are aware of what all is needed..Remember..most of these floorings need to have the base board removed to install properly
6. You know this is a difficult question. Some people would consider it easy and others not. I guess it would depend on how level your floor is. I've heard that if the surface is good and level they you shouldn't have too much problem. I would go to one of those Home Depot how do do it presentations before you go for it, or have someone do it for you.
7. Yes, it is one of the simplest floors for DIY's. The new snap locks require no nailing, or glue making it easier. In an existing home you will have trim issues to deal with. If you feel comfortable re installing the base trim, remove before you install new floor. You can re install to cover your edge gaps and will save you the cost of expensive 'shoe' mouldings. You will need a jamb saw for the casings and door openings. If this will be a one time install for you I would recommend buying a hand jamb saw at one of the big box stores (Irwin makes a good one, reversible to cut left and right for about $8.00) At the door openings lay a piece of underlay with a piece of your laminate on top (face down), rest the saw flat on top of this and begin cutting. Do all your prep first, then begin install. There is an underlayment called "quiet walk" which I have found to be worth the cost. It eliminates the "clacky" sound when you walk on the floor. Without this your floor will sound like you are wearing high heels. Yes you can float over existing kitchen flooring. If you have any minor height differences in existing floors, feather them out using #15 roofing felt prior to installing quiet walk. Now you are ready, read the simple instructions, pay particular attention to joint spacing, and proceed. When shopping for your flooring, I have one tip! Narrow the choices, when you have decided buy one box, take it home, spread it on your floor, then you get a more realistic look. Good luck, and enjoy!