Laying the castle laminate
The range of flooring materials is very large, so everyone can choose the best coating option depending on its quality, appearance, properties, and prices. The most common and affordable is laminate flooring, which is suitable for almost every room. Depending on the installation system, laminate is divided into 2 categories: locking and glue. It is necessary to give preference to the first option, since the installation of the castle laminate will not cause you any particular difficulties. In addition, there is no need to acquire any professional skills, knowledge and tools; it is enough to familiarize yourself with the recommendations of the specialists given in this article.
Connection types
There are two main types of laminate joints:
- Click system;
- Lock system.
The first system is the most common, since the mechanism is very simple, and the resulting compound is strong. Click technology involves inserting a spike from one lamella into the groove of the other. That the lock was fixed finally, use a bar and a hammer by means of which laminate beat to each other.
When choosing a second system, it is necessary to arrange the boards in one plane, and the spikes and grooves are combined with a bar and a hammer until it clicks. Strength will be slightly lower, but the material itself is more accessible.
Note! When laying laminate flooring, it is worthwhile to carefully study the instructions and precisely carry it out, in particular, to pay attention to the angle of installation of the panels.
Styling options
Before you begin installation of flooring, it is necessary to determine the direction, which will depend on the direction of the sun's rays. In this case, there are 3 options for installation:
- parallel to the light;
- perpendicular to the light;
- diagonally (angular).
In addition to the option of laying, you need to consider and common schemes, namely:
- classic;
- chess;
- diagonal
The classical scheme is the most economical, since about 5% of waste remains - this indicator is the smallest. Begin the series with a cut from the last board used in the previous row. The chess scheme is 15% waste, but this option is the most popular: the edge of the lamella of the next row is located in the middle of the lamella of the previous row. If it is necessary to visually expand the space or to achieve the original result, then you should use a diagonal scheme (15–20% waste).
Note! The parallel stacking variant according to the staggered pattern is the most common and simple, moreover, the joints will not be visible.
Tips and tricks from experts
Before proceeding with the installation of a laminate with your own hands, it is worth checking the foundation for moisture, especially if it is being laid on a concrete floor. When choosing a substrate, it is necessary to carefully examine its thickness and density so that the locks do not bend.
There is no need to additionally process the laminate with the locking mechanism with glue, since it is not designed for this and may be damaged. On each side of the walls it is necessary to leave a gap of 1 cm, since the laminate under the influence of microclimate and temperature can swell and expand.
Note! Plinths are fixed around the perimeter of the room the next day after the completion of the laminate.
When gaps or cracks appear on the laminate floor, it is worthwhile to disassemble the floor, find out the cause and correct it, since the entire coating may deteriorate in the future.
Note! It is important to follow the recommendations and installation instructions that go in addition to each type of laminate.
Laying technology
There are three main technologies for laying laminate:
- Straight. The basis of technology lies in the fact that all laminate boards must be laid perpendicular to the wall. This allows you to significantly save on material, since the waste takes on average up to 5%. Laying can occur across or along the direction of the sun's rays - it depends on the interior of the room and personal preferences.
- Diagonal. It expands the visual space, so it is a great option for narrow or small spaces. The technology requires special care, accuracy and calculations, as you first need to calculate the amount of material, as well as take into account the percentage that will be spent on waste.
- Patterns. The simplest and at the same time original way is laying of a laminate herringbone. This technology is complex, besides it is necessary to choose a certain type of laminate with a special locking system.
Note! Choosing the option of laying across the sunbeams entering the room can visually expand the space, the same applies to curly technology.
Laying laminate can anyone who wants to save money and a dedicated budget for finishing. It is enough just to study the installation options, calculate the required amount of laminate for the selected technology and go to the store to select the material.
Video
How to lay laminate with a click lock can be found in the video: