On 1/28/2005 4:35 PM US(ET), took fingers to
keys, and typed the following:

I was wondering if anyone out there who has done a laminate flooring
install using the modern click-together stuff could shed some light on
how long it took to install.

I realize every situation is different in terms of room dimensions and
number/type of cuts necessary, but it's important for me to be able to
get a good estimate of just how long this room I plan on installing
the flooring in will take to complete.

I have a 375 sqare feet living room that has an angle in one corner
due to a fireplace (there is tile in front of the fireplace that would
need to be left in place). One one side of the room is a stairwell.

Currently there is carpeting there, underneath the carpet is of course
padding and then plywood subflooring. The house is about 19 years old.

I would first need to rip out the carpet of course and then just
reinforce the nailing of any squeaky subflooring. Then begin the
laminate install (including the underlayment depending on the brand of
flooring I get).

I did a 150sqft glue-together floor once a few years ago and it took
me 3 days. I asked a fellow who installs click-together laminate
floors for an estimate and he does flat-rate of $1.50 a square foot
and said it would take him 1 day to complete, including carpet removal
(which would cost another $75). His price is very fair but I'd much
rather do this myself to save on cost since I don't plan on living in
this house for more than 3 more years. The current carpet is so bad it
must be replaced and we like laminate flooring. Hardwood is out of the
question due to cost and I have dogs.

I stopped by a flooring store today and asked a sales guy how long it
would take to install the flooring. I described the situation above,
and he said 3 to 6 hours! I seriously doubt it would be that quick.
There would be two people doing the install (myself and my brother).
What I'm hoping for is to be able to do it in one full weekend
(starting Saturday early morning and going until late Sunday evening
at the latest). If I can do it in that time frame then I will do it
myself. I am pretty handy, and my brother who will be doing it with me
swears it shouldn't take more than 2 days but he's also the guy who
told me we could finish my basement in 3 weekends and it took me
almost 4 months of weekends (800sqft) so I'm hesitant to jump right in
: )

Any advice, estimates, recommendations is greatly appreciated. I have
not chosen a flooring brand yet - I will be doing so in the next week
or two though. If anyone has any recommendations for a mid-grade
laminate that would be great.

mark
www.sixstringtheory.com


I did a 400 sq ft room, using the snap together laminate, in less than
one day (started in the morning, and was done before dark), and that
included a break for lunch and a couple of beer breaks (I already had
the beer at home, so I didn't have to drive 5 miles to get it).

--
Bill