Laying laminate on the balcony

Do-it-yourself laying of the laminate is always a difficult choice of materials not only in terms of external, but also in quality. Glossy, smooth, sophisticated or coarse, heavy texture and bold? When you enter the store, do not be afraid to reach out and touch the various coatings available. You will even discover laminate flooring with the look and feel of a real wood! Take small samples of the laminate home to imagine how it might look on your balcony.

When sorting your options, style is just your starting point. You should also pay attention to your thickness and AC rating as two key factors for durable laminate floors.

What is the best laminate thickness and why is it important?

Thickness ranges from 7 mm to 12 mm - as a rule, the thicker the floor, the better. Thicker laminate floors are more rigid, and as a result they are easier to lay on uneven substrates during installation. They are also a great way to reduce noise.

You may also ask yourself what is AC rating? Based on the abrasion rating system, ratings reflect the durability of your laminate. The higher your rating on a scale of 1 to 5, the higher your resistance to pedestrian traffic, scratches and stains. For busy areas, such as your hallway or kitchen, aim for AC3 and above.

What class of laminate is suitable for a balcony

Wooden balcony floors are available in many variations. Of course, you can purchase finished products for building a wooden floor on the balcony. With a little technical skills, but you can also build a wooden floor itself. Panels of finished parquet floors are installed in the rule by default with a space. First think about whether the floorboards should extend in the longitudinal or transverse direction on your balcony.

Cross strips should be from strips. So that the underlying region is protected from contamination and, therefore, can dry moisture, rubber seals with a soft seal are inserted into the joints of the wooden floor.

REFERENCE! What is a backing? Underfloor coating is a flat fundamental layer that you will use to build new floors.

One of the great advantages of laminate flooring is that it can be installed on any surface, including vinyl, concrete, ceramics and plywood. Before starting installation, clear your area of ​​obstructions such as staples, nails, dust, and debris. During your removal and installation, knee protection will also avoid any pain and pain later.
It is important that your floor is smooth and even, so that when laying the laminate it can be leveled without bending or slapping when you walk along it.

Step-by-step instruction

If you have a concrete floor, be sure to add a dry main panel as a base, as well as a moisture barrier. Adding a wooden base to the concrete will help air circulation underneath and warm the floor.

Before you begin, be sure to check your manufacturer’s instructions. Some may recommend leaving a laminate package in the room for a period of time. Your boards will adapt to humidity and room temperature, so you can avoid tearing or cracking on the floor later. Carefully inspect all of your boards before and during installation in daylight for defects.

REFERENCE! Starting at the longest wall, choose planks from more than one package at a time. This will even out the color change and avoid too many light or dark boards next to each other.

Add inserts to the wall to create a small gap that allows for expansion and contraction. Start building the first few rows and place them opposite the insets. You can also hold them in place by placing a flooring package or load on the first board of each row.

Each laminate board has a tongue and groove that fit together and “float” above the floor. Try to hit them at least 12 inches at a time, you will need a saw to cut several pieces of a certain length. Do not forget to wear safety glasses!
Use the right tools if you encounter obstacles such as door frames, ventilation openings, or cabinets. They will reduce the floor, so as not to make a mistake, you can also refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how to assemble in the overlay. When you are laying laminate flooring in your balcony, apply silicone-based sealant for a waterproof seal.

Leaving one row, measure the length from the wall and the last row minus the expansion gap. Now you know the width of the last row. When marking a cut strip on your board, do not measure from the tongue. Saw the board along the strip and connect the last row using the tie rod.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing rungs and floor profiling. If you installed a separate backing, cut off the excess around the floor.

Recommendations

It is very important to choose the right decor and accessories for your balcony, as balconies embody the personality of your home. When searching for a variety of flooring ideas, you should consider the latest floor decors that will make your balcony smart and presentable. Flooring materials are available in many forms, such as wood, tiles, carpets and concrete. Each floor material has its own advantages and disadvantages that affect the capabilities of your balcony.

Watch the video: How to Transition Wood floors to Sliding Glass Doors and Tile (March 2024).

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