Laminate flooring laid flat and tight

Laminate flooring by Innocent Ndou

Laminate is a popular choice in Gauteng homes and rentals because it goes down quickly, is easy to clean and feels warmer underfoot than tiles in winter. It only looks good if the floor underneath is level and dry. Innocent checks the base, deals with high spots and loose old flooring, and lays underlay before the boards click together.

Laminate moves a little as the temperature changes, so it needs an expansion gap at every wall, doorway and fixed cupboard. Innocent leaves that gap, trims door bottoms where needed, and covers the edges with skirting and threshold strips so the room looks finished. Let the boxes of laminate rest in the room for a day or two before laying.

Getting ready for the job

Empty the room completely if you can, because the boards go down wall to wall. Bring the laminate boxes into the room a day or two early so the boards adjust to the temperature. If old carpet needs lifting, mention it in your message. Expect cutting noise and some dust, and keep pets out until the floor is done.

1. 1Send the jobWhatsApp photos, your suburb and what you need.
2. 2Get a quoteInnocent replies to talk price and timing. Bigger jobs may need a look first.
3. 3Job doneA date is set and the work gets done.