Installing laminate flooring

Do it yourself installations

Depending upon your skills, product selection, and size of project, some installations can be handled on your own (this assumes you are reasonably comfortable with basic do-it-yourself projects).  Glueless floating floor systems that use click-lock systems are the easiest to install, and are available in laminate, engineered hardwood, bamboo, and cork.  We recommend you hire installers for all other flooring installations.

Depending upon the scope and size of the project, you could install a floating floor system by yourself and save significant $$$ on all of the installation labor costs.

Buy the product & hire installation labor

If you are reasonably certain you can find a good installer in your area, purchasing your product on-line from wholesale outlets and having it shipped directly to your location is a way to potentially save a lot of money.  You may actually find that the savings you accrued on the direct wholesale purchase will pay for your installation labor, and actually cost less than buying the product retail and installing it yourself.

Professional installers and contractors

We recommend you hire professional help for all flooring types other than glueless click-lock floating floor systems.  Professional contractors usually have established relationships with flooring wholesalers and good access to installation labor.  We recommend you get at least 3 quotes from reputable contractors in your area and to check there references carefully before signing any contract or making a deposit payment. 

Tips for hiring contractors

Contact the Better Business Bureau

See if your contractor is a member, and if any consumer complaints have ever been filed against them.

Lookup your nearest BBB: http://lookup.bbb.org

 

Business reference and background check

Investigate your potential contactor to see their payment history, credit risk, bankruptcies, court orders, liens, principal owners, and other matters of public record that will be of interest to you.

Investigate: Individual contactor background check

Investigate: Business or company background check

Proceed to STEP 5 - maintaining hardwood floors