DIY Network

Bedroom Build-Out, Pt. 2: Install Laminate Wood Floors A single bedroom becomes two, and a closet becomes a bath in this equity-building makeover. Check out more value-enhancing projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-207

New laminate wood flooring, installed

Eric and Lisa Smith make a bold decision to split their master bedroom in two, and struggle to squeeze a full bath into a closet. Project number two in this interior makeover: wood laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring is a great choice for a bathroom and comes in many looks these days. Lisa found laminate flooring that looks like maple for only $50 and installs quickly with a self-locking system.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Materials:

waterproof foam liner
miter saw
desired laminate
measuring tape
hammer or rubber mallet
utility knife

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

Installing Laminate Flooring

Steps:

• Roll out a waterproof foam liner onto the floor, cutting around any plumbing or vents and around the walls (figure A).

• Seal the seams together with the built-in adhesive strips.

• Start on the edge of the wall, leaving a 3/8" gap and lay your planks along the wall, locking them together with the tongue-and-groove system (figure B).

• Cut your planks to size with a miter saw (figure C).

• On the next row, stagger your seams to give the strength and a natural look (figure D).

• Tap your planks into place with a hammer and block or a rubber mallet (figure E).

• Finish with trim.