Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Never been asked laminate questions
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Never been asked laminate questions
sirivr
10-03-05, 01:28 PM
OK, I've been reading lot of posts on this forum for the past few weeks. I've learnt a lot. Many thanks to the pros out there who pass on the advice selflessly. Without you guys, we DIYers wouldn't dare to jump in.
I am planning on starting my first laminate install in a week or two. It's about 300 sq ft. step down family room with garage door and patio door openings. Here are some questions that I couldn't find answers. Appreciate your expert advice.
1) Stair : how to join the corners of vertical raisers ? Miter cut the vertical planks and butt them together ? If we do that, wouldn't it be too sharp an edge and bust the toes ? How about using a stair-nose along vertical direction ?
2) Stair : do you guys glue and nail horizontal and veritcal pieces to the stair or just leave them floating ? Or float the horizontal and glue/nail the veritical ones ? Since they are small, is expansion space still important for the stair raiser pieces ?
3) Can jigsaw be used for U-shaped cuts ? How do you turn the corner with the jigsaw while cutting ? I pressume jigsaw goes straight.
4) What are used to nail the wall baseboards to wall ? Just regular nails ? How long nails should I use ? What are brads ?
5) In general, is this time of year in Northen CA good for laminate install ? Or is the summer better ? I read that it's good to install wood in late fall or winter as it would've gained most moisture before installation. Is it same for laminates too ?
thanks
Ramesh
I am planning on starting my first laminate install in a week or two. It's about 300 sq ft. step down family room with garage door and patio door openings. Here are some questions that I couldn't find answers. Appreciate your expert advice.
1) Stair : how to join the corners of vertical raisers ? Miter cut the vertical planks and butt them together ? If we do that, wouldn't it be too sharp an edge and bust the toes ? How about using a stair-nose along vertical direction ?
2) Stair : do you guys glue and nail horizontal and veritcal pieces to the stair or just leave them floating ? Or float the horizontal and glue/nail the veritical ones ? Since they are small, is expansion space still important for the stair raiser pieces ?
3) Can jigsaw be used for U-shaped cuts ? How do you turn the corner with the jigsaw while cutting ? I pressume jigsaw goes straight.
4) What are used to nail the wall baseboards to wall ? Just regular nails ? How long nails should I use ? What are brads ?
5) In general, is this time of year in Northen CA good for laminate install ? Or is the summer better ? I read that it's good to install wood in late fall or winter as it would've gained most moisture before installation. Is it same for laminates too ?
thanks
Ramesh
Carpets Done Wright
10-03-05, 07:53 PM
1.) Yes the stairnose vertically.
2.) Stairs are glued and nailed, not floating.
3.) Jig saw or Roto-zip. The jigsaw is more forgiving and you need a laminate blade for it where the teeth face downward or you'll get chipping. A roto-zip can get away from you if you don't go real slow.
4.) Most base is ¾" thick. Sheetrock is usually ½" thick 1½" or 1¾" work good, but 2" will also work. Find the studs for those high nails and wide base.
5.) It should not matter as the conditions inside the installation area are to be constant and maintained year around for any laminate or wood, or you can expect problems later, but that should all be explained in the installation specifications that come with your laminate, unless it is a cheap laminate with little instructions or pre-requirements in the cartons. The quality laminates have very thorough instructions.
2.) Stairs are glued and nailed, not floating.
3.) Jig saw or Roto-zip. The jigsaw is more forgiving and you need a laminate blade for it where the teeth face downward or you'll get chipping. A roto-zip can get away from you if you don't go real slow.
4.) Most base is ¾" thick. Sheetrock is usually ½" thick 1½" or 1¾" work good, but 2" will also work. Find the studs for those high nails and wide base.
5.) It should not matter as the conditions inside the installation area are to be constant and maintained year around for any laminate or wood, or you can expect problems later, but that should all be explained in the installation specifications that come with your laminate, unless it is a cheap laminate with little instructions or pre-requirements in the cartons. The quality laminates have very thorough instructions.