Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Laying Laminate (trafficmaster) - tools needed?

I'm going to start laying my floor tomorrow night (preping the floor tonight). I have a Robi 10" tabel saw (one fo the $99 ones from the box stores) and the install kit from the manufacure. I'm going to pick up a 60 tooth saw blade or 2 and was going to pick up one of those battery powered skill saw's as well but am thinking it may be over kill. Thoughts? Do need anything else?

Laminate wood right? Ya got an undercut saw? Also you're using a moisture barrier right? What are you going to use to attach them together?

Yup - laminate.

No undercut saw, figured i would take the side moldings of my doors off and use the table saw to cut the 1/4 inch.

Have the two in one padding and moisture barrier - read I could use duct tape. Planned on using packaging tape to secuet he sheets together since Ihappen to have a roll.

Cool. :)

Wouldn't it be easier to undercut? I honestly don't know but I suppose you "can" do it that way...don't see why not. Saves you money too.

I used the clear packing tape too. :thumbup: Wondering...did the manufacturer say to use duck tape?

Have a mask and eye guards maybe knee pads? (don't know what they're called). I remember my knees got pretty bad. I didn't have the knee pads so I used the left over scraps of the moisture barrier and wrapped it around my knees LOL! I really did. :D

Hmmm...well, check back b/c that's all I could think of.

Have fun!

Hmmmmmmmmm, maybe i do need to get th eundercut saw. I need to go look at a door - LOL

I was going to take the side moldings off so I can get at the base boards easier (start using the pry bar at the cut end) and hopefully reduce the risk of denting my wall even more. Also because frankly, I aint the best painter and the area's along the base boards and moldings are a little rough so I figured since the moldigns were off I would do a little "touch up" work

BUT,,,,,,, know that I think about it, I must need to cut the inside od the door cases right? You know, right before the little notch the bumps out. I'm not sure, need to look at a door.

In any case, thanks for the input.

Ohh, and I plan on saving a few peices of the carpet I'm ripping up - after the last tile project I don,t think they could take much more....

I bought a little hand saw at our local hardware store. Very flexible blade, and cuts on the pull, rather than the push. Didn't cost much.

I also did an undercut on the tile base for a wood stove. I could have rented a power undercut saw, but I just used a 4 1/2" grinder with a masonry cutting blade. Makes a big mess (reminder to self, do this before painting the walls next time!!) and is exciting when the wire in the concrete was being cut, but it worked quite well.

Rob

Maybe you can borrow an undercut saw from a friend, family or neighbor. I borrowed one and it's been a year and I still haven't returned it :eek: :D

About the door. Basically, you'll have to undercut anywhere the laminate will lay. I'm sure once you look at your door(s) you'll be saying "...oh..." :) Make sure you take a scrap piece of your underlayment as well as the laminate for measurement. That way you don't undercut too high or too low.

You might be better off or it might be better to start with using a putty knife instead of the pry bar. I never used a pry bar and did well just using the putty knife. It won't dent your wall...or at least shouldn't. Good thought on touching up while you're at it.

DIYAddict: You were right, bought an undercut saw....

Was hoping to start laying the at least the first few rows last night but it didn't happen - starting to night, wish me luck!

Good luck! :)

Have fun and report back :D If you run into trouble, take a break, think about it, and/or post a thread if you need to.