Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring - Laminate installation questions
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millercanuck
09-25-09, 09:33 PM
I'm installing laminate for the first time ever. It's a small entry way (5 ft. x 5 ft.). Two sides are up against exterior walls, and two sides are up again carpet.
1. For the exterior walls sides, the floor concrete is lower than the concrete that the wall sits on. In the corner it is about 1/2 inch lower but on the same wall, opposite end, it is about 1/4 inch lower. How do I deal with this because the laminate needs to run up close the wall so the trim can cover the gap, correct? I was thinking of using a concrete leveler to level the floor concrete, that would bring the corner up a 1/4 inch and level it with the rest of the floor. Then I was thinking of putting a piece of 1/4 inch plywood on the floor to bring the entire floor flush with the wall concrete. Is that the right way to do this? I hope this question makes sense!
2. This laminate will be by a door so water could get in. When I put the pad down, do I put caulking or anything around the edge?
Thanks in advance!
1. For the exterior walls sides, the floor concrete is lower than the concrete that the wall sits on. In the corner it is about 1/2 inch lower but on the same wall, opposite end, it is about 1/4 inch lower. How do I deal with this because the laminate needs to run up close the wall so the trim can cover the gap, correct? I was thinking of using a concrete leveler to level the floor concrete, that would bring the corner up a 1/4 inch and level it with the rest of the floor. Then I was thinking of putting a piece of 1/4 inch plywood on the floor to bring the entire floor flush with the wall concrete. Is that the right way to do this? I hope this question makes sense!
2. This laminate will be by a door so water could get in. When I put the pad down, do I put caulking or anything around the edge?
Thanks in advance!
chandler
09-26-09, 07:11 AM
Welcome to the forums. You can use the floor leveler to attain a level playing field. Once that has cured, you can install the laminate directly over that. No need for the plywood if your field is leveled. Don't caulk anything on the inside. Stop any water from the outside. Laminate will be able to take the everyday wet shoes, etc, but should be dried as quickly as possible. If you want to post a pic of your area, you can do so by posting it to a site such as photobucket.com and copy/paste the IMG code to your reply post.
millercanuck
09-26-09, 08:30 AM
After the leveler: DSC02927 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21615228@N08/3955949764/)
Before the leveler: DSC02926 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21615228@N08/3955166611/)
I'm still thinking that the far corner will be a bit low...not sure what to do about it aside from raising the whole thing with some thing plywood. Ideas?
Before the leveler: DSC02926 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21615228@N08/3955166611/)
I'm still thinking that the far corner will be a bit low...not sure what to do about it aside from raising the whole thing with some thing plywood. Ideas?
chandler
09-26-09, 01:04 PM
If you used the leveler according to directions it is level. Have you placed a level on the surface? It could be other factors leading you to believe the floor is not level. If it is level, install your laminate directly over it, reinstall your base and add shoe molding. I believe with the work you have done, you will have a fine foyer.