DIY Timber Laminate - any hints or tips?

HI there

We are new to this renovation game, and need to replace the floor (was carpet) in our dining/family area - approximately 28sq m, so not a massive space.

As this is not the "dream reno" and we have the "kid factor" we have decided on a 12mm timber laminate from Perfect Timber floors.The laminate will be going on a 30 year old concrete slab. There will be joins where it meets slate (kitchen) and carpet (bedroom doorways). Apart from that the room is just a big square.

We have been quoted $30 per m installation which seems a little high. We have also been told this is a fairly easy DIY job if you have a bit of know how - so my DH is tempted to give it a go, with the help of a builder mate. Our mate hasn't laid floors before but he is handy with tools (and can build houses!)

Obviously I want the best result possible (for the best price!) Does this sound like an "easy job" or should we call in the pros? Also, if we were to do it ourselves, what tips do people have, or what should be be aware of?
Particularly:
Do we need to do anything to the slab before laying?
What is the best underlay to get?
We will need quads trims, anything else to finish the job well?
Are there particular tools we/builder mate should have available?

Thanks so much for any advice

I have done numerous intallations so it is not hard at all, just make sure that you allow about 10mm between edge of flooring and walls to allow for expansion, this gap can be covered with small beading. Make sure that you stagger joins like brickwork. Also you usually get a standard underlay/vapour barrier however you can get better quality ones such as sound deadening, increased insulation properties. Laminate flooring does not like moisture either however you can get some brands that are better than others. I found a place in Dandenong Vic. These guys supply for $11.98 pm or for water treated boards $14.98. Visit bigbrands.com.au to find more detail. I am pretty good with my hands (sorry for sounding big headded) however I am certainly not a builder.
Good Luck

Don't forget to undercut any door jams [ about 15mm ], so the flooring is fitted under them. The quad is only on the straight walls.
I sure sign of the DIY, is the gaps around door jams.

foc1, have you actually used bigbrands laminate? I'm very curious to get some some solid feedback from anyone who has used their product.

I know you get what you pay for, these are "supposedly" $49.95/sqm RRP and German "engineered"... I assume this means they could still be made in China, but not sure. I really don't want to spend $2000 on rubbish

Thats a good point, A friend of mine has it in their hallway which has a high traffic and so far no issues... I did notice recently that B@#nings had a stock clearance for around $20 per box(around 1.25m in a box) There were around 15 boxes left so obviously last of this stock. It was a particular colour though so you have to chance it.

Newby,

My advice is simple. DO NOT buy online, do not buy a laminate under $30 m2 and buy from a reputable, specialist flooring store. Try your local Harvey Norman, Carpet Court, Carpet Choice store. Industry professionals that can give you advice, talk you through the product/s that suit you best, and also help with all the tips that you could need to DIY the products.
Ask the following questions:
Do you know the wear rating (they will have AC numbers, the higher the number the better. For instance an AC4 is a Commercial rating, better than an AC3 heavy domestic)
Is the board a HDF or MDF board? (High Density Fibreboard vs Medium Density Fibreboard) How does that make a difference?
What is the wear warranty?
Does it have moisture inhibitors in the fibreboard?

See if these can help you tell the better retailers from the not-so-flash

ADVenture,
I am yet to understand why anyone would spend $2000 or more on a product that you have no experience in, can't see and can't ask anyone about. It's not a TV where you select one model number and get the best price. Go and see a proper laminate floor, talk about warranties and get them from a retailer that may be around to see out those warranties, just in case something happens. See above

Hi newby,
Laying a big square floor is really easy you can get a istallation kit from Bunnings witch has wedges for keeping your 10mm gaps around the edges a plastic bock for tapping the laminate into place, you may also require some aluminium edging for when the laminate meets the slate and carpet should be available from where you bourght it from or they should know were you can get,make sure you glue the ally stips down and allow 10mm gap inside of strip as well, regarding the slab make sure you scrape the slab so that it's clean then give it a quick vacuum, just make sure when you get the laminate you unpack it and let it sit for a day in the area your laying to let it settle, tools required sliding compound mitre saw, tape measure and marking pens and a hammer be careful when hitting the laminate with block as you can damage the edges apart from that it should'nt take long at all just don't rush it.
Regards
Heath

Hi Everyone

Many thanks for your replies and advice. We decided to get the professionals to do the job in the end, mainly because the room wasn't square and there were a few potential pitfalls where the new floor had to meet slate, benchtops, doorways etc. We figured if we wanted the best result possible, DIY might not be the best option!

We used a Quickstep product from Floorworld - no internet buys! Very happy with the result.

THANKS again!