200 sq foot kitchen with island took professional installer 2 days to put
down Pergo over the existing sheet goods.

wrote in message
news:8eyKd.148$g_3.101@trndny08...
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