88ddc07f-2aec-4e5f-9912-34ddfbd65ed7
770-843-8184 keishatompkins@kw.com www.keishatsells.com
courtesy of: Keisha Tompkins
Dear Homeowners, May is the perfect time to refresh your home and embrace new beginnings, and this month’s Home Sweet Home is here to help! Tackle a DIY project, add a little greenery, or whip up something delicious in the kitchen—this issue has plenty of inspiration for you. Thinking about updating your floors? Our easy-to-follow laminate flooring guide will walk you through the process step by step so you can give your space a whole new look. Looking to brighten up your home? Even if you don’t have much natural light, you can still enjoy houseplants! We’re sharing seven beautiful, low- maintenance plants that thrive in dim spaces with little effort. If allergy season has you sneezing, don’t worry—we have simple, practical tips to minimize allergens and improve your home’s air quality so you and your family can breathe easier. And, of course, no Mother’s Day weekend is complete without a delicious brunch! Our fresh and flavorful recipes are perfect for a cozy morning at home. I hope this issue brings you plenty of ideas to love your home even more this season. And if you ever have real estate questions, I’m always here to help!
Keisha Tompkins Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners 770-843-8184 keishatompkins@kw.com www.keishatsells.com 2092 Scenic Hwy N Snellville, Ga 30078
Table of Contents 7 Houseplants That Thrive in Low-Light Conditions HOW TO BRING GREENERY TO ANY SPACE Recipes 16 04
Mother’s Day
• CREAMY CAULIFLOWER & MUSHROOM RISOTTO • AVOCADO & SMOKED SALMON BRUNCH “SUSHI” • BERRY ALMOND CHIA PUDDING PARFAIT
We highlight seven low-light-thriving plants— like the resilient Snake Plant and charming Spider Plant—that thrive with minimal care and low-light conditions. Discover tips for keeping these hardy beauties healthy, from watering schedules to fertilizer needs.
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DIY Laminate Flooring A STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION GUIDE
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How to Minimize Allergens in Your Home
Thinking about upgrading your floors? Laminate flooring is a stylish, durable, and budget-friendly option that’s surprisingly easy to install yourself! This step-by-step guide walks you through everything from choosing the right materials and prepping your space to laying planks like a pro.
Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold, and even everyday household products can trigger sneezing, congestion, and fatigue. This article covers practical steps to reduce allergens, improve indoor air quality, and finally breathe easy at home.
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7 Houseplants That Thrive in Low-Light Conditions
Experts agree that having houseplants can benefit your physical health as many have air purification benefits. Biophilic designers maintain the presence of plants can also improve mood and overall mental health. But what if you live in an older home or one with a layout that doesn’t provide a lot of natural light? The following is a list of plants that grow well in low-light conditions:
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SNAKE PLANT (DRACAENA TRIFASCIATA)
ZZ PLANT (ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA)
This hearty succulent is also known colloquially as Mother-in-law’s Tongue and is an excellent choice for those who have a history of forgetting to care for houseplants because they require little care. When choosing soil, go with a mix of half commercial potting soil and half succulent/ cactus mix. Snake plants do not require fertilizer, as they grow well without extra nutrients. Be careful not to overwater as succulents hold water in their roots and leaves. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
This hardy plant seems to flourish when neglected and will grow in any light conditions. ZZ plants require well-drained soil. It needs watering when the top layers of soil dry out. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause the rhizome (plant stem) to begin rotting. (Yellowing leaves are a sign of this.) ZZ plants require some standard houseplant fertilizer every six months. Because it grows well under fluorescent lights, this plant is a good option for an office plant.
Which Variety to Choose
Safety for Kids & Pets
When choosing a snake plant, pay close attention to the gardening tag as some species, particularly variegated ones, require a higher light level to maintain brightly colored leaves.
ZZ plants are poisonous, so be sure to keep them well away from children and pets.
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CAST IRON PLANT (ASPIDISTRA ELATIOR)
CHINESE MONEY PLANT (PILEA PEPEROMIOIDES)
As its name suggests, this plant is known for its toughness and adaptability. It is also known as the Bar Room Plant. This plant grows best in shade or indirect sunlight. Use standard potting soil that is well-draining, as the plant roots do not tolerate sitting in water. Water infrequently once the soil has dried out. The optimum temperature for the cast iron plant is 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer after watering during the spring and summer months. No fertilizer is necessary during the cooler seasons.
Noted for its unusual round leaves, sometimes described as coin-shaped, this plant is known by many common names, including Coin Plant, Friendship Plant, Pancake Plant, or UFO plant. The Chinese money plant is a slow grower that will eventually reach a size of 8-12 inches in height. Known for its ease of care, it requires well-draining soil and infrequent watering once the soil is dry. The plant does well in consistent room temperature at average humidity levels. It does require a light layer of fertilizer in spring and summer. Be sure to rotate the plant from time to time so that it grows evenly.
Which Variety to Choose
Safety for Kids & Pets
There are numerous varieties of cast iron plants, ranging from Variegata, with its green leaves and white stripes, to Asahi, which features green leaves with white tips. Hoshi-zora has green leaves with yellow or white dots, while Lennon's Song sports leaves with stripes that vary from light green to yellow. Pay attention to the nursery tag to choose the species that appeals to you.
A money plant is a good choice if you have pets or children as it is non-toxic.
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5 POTHOS
(EPIPREMNUM AUREUM)
The pothos is also known as Devil’s Ivy. This trailing or vining plant should be planted in a high-hanging basket that will allow the leaves to cascade down. Use a standard potting soil and allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings. Pothos do require a feeding of liquid houseplant fertilizer every six to eight weeks. It also needs high humidity to thrive. Achieve this by placing the planting pot on a pebble tray filled halfway with water. Pothos is noted for its heart-shaped leaves and is cultivated in numerous varieties, from the deep green Jade Pothos to Neon Pothos with chartreuse colored leaves. The Golden Pothos has brightly colored yellow and green leaves, while the Marble Queen Pothos features silvery-white and green leaves. For low-light conditions, it is best to stick with solid green varieties, as bolder colors will lose their luster without exposure to brighter light. Safety for Kids & Pets It is important to keep pothos up and out of the reach of children and pets because, if ingested, the plant causes oral irritation and can cause swelling of the airway and severe vomiting.
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6 PHILODENDRON (PHILODENDRON HEDERACEUM)
ease. These plants grow best when planted in loose, well-draining soil. You should water philodendrons when the soil is dry to the touch, being careful not to overwater so that the plant sits in a pool of water. Discolored leaves are a sign that you are watering this plant too much. While philodendrons ordinarily like a lot of fertilizer, you will need to fertilize it more lightly but still regularly if it is growing in low-light conditions. They grow well in average home temperatures.
This plant with its heart-shaped leaves is appropriately known as the Sweethearts Plant. Philodendrons are available as vining or non- trailing plants. If you opt for the trailing or vining type, you will want to plant it in a hanging basket that will allow the leaves to cascade over the sides as it grows. Non-vining varieties of philodendrons are upright, tree-like plants that typically grow six to eight feet tall, making them a great option to fill a corner of any room with natural beauty, scaling your home decor with
Lighting Needs Philodendrons are good options for office plants because they grow well under artificial light.
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7 SPIDER PLANT
How to Water They can react negatively to the fluoride in tap water, so you may want to water these plants with rainwater or distilled water instead. You’ll notice that in addition to growing well in low-light conditions, the plants on this list are good for the beginning houseplant gardener or the forgetful one, with most requiring minimal maintenance and adapting to average household conditions. Enjoy in good health!
(CHLOROPHYTUM COMOSUM)
This popular houseplant has long, narrow leaves that grow in a rosette pattern and trail. Spider plants thrive in low-light conditions and are known for their versatility. These plants do best when their soil is kept moist, so plan to water them once a week in the warmer months and less often in the winter. Spider plants grow well at room temperature.
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How to Minimize Allergens in Your Home Our homes should be our sanctuaries—a place where we can relax, do the things we enjoy, and find pleasure. However, if your home contains allergens, you might be feeling sneezy, sleepy, or even ill. While medications can help with the symptoms, getting to the source of the issue is a better long-term treatment plan. The good news is that there are many things you can do to keep allergens at bay and stop being allergic to your home. The Usual Culprits Besides foods, the most common household allergens include animal dander, dust, volatile organic compounds, dust mites, mold, pollen, cockroaches, and personal care products.
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Animal Dander
Dust Mites
While we typically say we’re allergic to our animals, what’s really igniting that sneezing fit is pet dander— the tiny flecks of skin shed by pets such as cats, dogs, birds, and rodents. The most effective way to minimize pet dander is to keep your pet clean. Bathe them often and comb or brush them too. Also, give pets their own special beds and crates, but keep them off beds and furniture where pet dander can settle deep into the fibers. You may want to keep them out of your bedroom entirely. Either way, wash pet bedding and toys frequently.
These microscopic critters can hang out in dust, but it’s more likely they’ll burrow into your upholstered furniture, your bed, and your carpet, creating a reaction when you’re trying to sleep or enjoy that Netflix marathon.
Mold
Mold and mildew are extremely common household allergens. They can cause reactions that range from sneezing to fatigue, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. They can also cause headaches, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or a rash.
Pollen
All those microscopic grains released by plants, trees, grasses, and weeds can be carried indoors through open windows and doors and by the humans and pets that come and go.
Dust
Cockroaches
Dust is more than a nuisance to deal with when you’re expecting company. It’s actually an allergen that can set off a reaction. In fact, it’s the shapeshifter of the allergy world since dust can be made up of animal dander, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, and other allergens.
Although they’re creepy little critters, you may not think of cockroaches as an allergen. However, they carry proteins that some people have an allergic reaction to, so it’s important to clean surfaces they come into contact with—which, hint, is everywhere.
Personal Care Items
VOCs
Also on the list are those personal care items you or your family members use. One or more of them can be allergy triggers. Think about soaps, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, and makeup. You might also find you’re allergic to your clothing detergent.
Volatile organic compounds are chemicals found in a variety of products. Inside the home, VOCs are often in cleaners, paint, and even air fresheners. These compounds can contribute to poor indoor air quality and cause an allergic reaction for some people.
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There are many approaches to minimizing allergens in the home. From a central filtration system to putting out a new welcome mat, take a whole-house approach in your battle. Practical Steps to Keep Allergens at Bay
Vacuum carpets, curtains, beds, and furniture often to suck up pet dander, dust, pollen, and other culprits. Also, mop floors and steam clean upholstered furniture and carpets regularly. When it comes to dusting, use a furniture, glass, or surface cleaner so dust particles stick to the rag rather than releasing back into the air when wiped off a surface. In the bedroom, change sheets at least once each week. Wash sheets in hot water and/or rely on a dryer to kill dust mites. Also, invest in allergy-rated mattresses, box springs, and pillow covers.
Create an Outdoor Buffer
Those surfaces closest to your home are where you’re most likely to pick up the allergens you unknowingly transport into the house. Grab a mask and head out with the leaf blower, especially during the spring, when pollen is raining down. Blow leaves and other debris away from the home and driveway. Also, clean off the decks and porches with a leaf blower or broom.
Keep a Clean Home
Use Floor Mats
The first line of defense against allergens is to keep a clean home. Avoid attracting rodents, cockroaches, and other pests by keeping up with the dishes, minimizing clutter, and managing laundry piles. Anywhere insects (cockroaches) and arthropods (dust mites) can hide in piles or shadows, they will. Make it more difficult for them with a decluttered space. Also, keep your garbage closed, put tight- fitting lids on all food canisters, and seal up cracks around doors or your home’s framing where bugs can enter.
Wiping your feet at the door does more than remove dirt from your shoes. It also minimizes the amount of allergens you bring into the home. Put a welcome mat outside the door to use as an initial barrier. Then, place a rug inside the door for a second line of defense. Remember to clean these mats regularly in order to keep the allergens from moving throughout the home.
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Filter the Air
Improve Ventilation
Keeping allergens at bay requires a full assault. In addition to minimizing the allergens that enter the home and keeping dust and pollen off of surfaces, rely on air filtration systems to take out additional allergens. There are countless types to choose from, but primarily, you can either use a single-room unit or rely on a whole-house system. In reality, you’ll probably do a combination of both. Use room units for sleeping and lounging areas to reduce allergens in a particular space. For a whole-house approach, use your home’s central furnace system to circulate and filter air. Just be sure to replace your furnace filter every one to three months, and be aware that it’s expensive to run air conditioning, so just run the fan if you don’t need to cool things down. Also, invest in high-quality HEPA filters for the central furnace, individual units, and the vacuum. If they are reusable, set a schedule to clean them often.
While you may be able to filter out allergens with air filters, start by reducing irritants with effective ventilation. Use the kitchen fan when cooking and open windows when pollen isn’t a concern. Try keeping your windows and doors open late in the evening or even overnight when pollen counts are lower. Also use your bathroom exhaust fan anytime you shower, and open a window if available. Ventilating the space doesn’t necessarily remove allergens from the air, but it can decrease smells, grease, and moisture. It’s also effective in keeping mold and mildew from forming. Dehumidify Many bugs seek out humid environments. Work year- round to reduce humidity in the home by cleaning up water spills, eliminating drips, and pulling moisture out of the air. An efficient dehumidifier can also help reduce moisture from damp areas like the basement, bathrooms, laundry room, and kitchen so that mold and mildew can’t form. Just remember to empty the water bin in your dehumidifier often if you have one.
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Yank the Carpet
Use Organic or All-Natural Cleaners and Personal Care Items Chemicals in cleaners and personal care items can cause a range of symptoms, from rashes to breathing issues. Read labels when purchasing these items. It’s best to go with brands that use only natural ingredients. You may still have a reaction, but it makes it easier to identify what you’re allergic to when you can easily understand what you’ve been exposed to.
If you have any plans to remodel, reconsider replacing the carpet. It’s a magnet for pet dander, pollen, and other allergens in the home. In turn, dust mites feed on the dead skin cells and other food sources that collect there. This is why vacuuming and steam- cleaning with a high-heat cleaner are effective tools in the short term. However, your battle will be much easier if you yank the carpet and replace it with a less allergen-friendly material like laminate or tile.
Shower Before Bed
After going through all the work to keep your bedding clean and allergen-free, keep it that way by jumping in the shower before you crawl between the sheets. This will keep you from transferring irritants from your skin and hair into the sleeping space.
Develop Systems for Clothing and Shoes
Promptly Fix Plumbing Issues
Your clothes can be enemies in your fight against allergens. From pollen to oils on poison oak, the outside world sticks to clothing and shoes. While it’s great to wipe your shoes before entering the home, it’s best to remove them altogether. Create a space where you have a place to sit to put shoes on and take them off when you return. Also, provide storage cubicles or shelving to keep them organized and accessible. As for clothing, you’ll need to evaluate your level of sensitivity. If you’re really cracking down, clothes can be removed at or near the door, laundry room, or as soon as you enter the bedroom, but definitely before you sit on furniture or get into bed. If someone in the home has been working or hiking in areas with poison oak, poison sumac, or poison ivy, put those clothes directly into the wash and shower with a skin cleaner like Tecnu.
While you might be annoyed by having to occasionally dump the bucket beneath the sink that’s catching a slow drip, that little leak could be causing more damage than you think. When it comes to mold and mildew, it’s drawn to damp environments. Fix any plumbing issues before they multiply into moisture- loving mold and humidity-hungry dust mites. Allergies can be annoying, and they can also be life-threatening for some people. When it comes to eliminating them, consider every entry point and surface. With a few new systems in place, you can create new habits that will keep allergens away and promote a healthy environment within the home.
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A FRESH TAKE ON SUNDAY BRUNCH Mother’s Day Edition This Mother’s Day, treat Mom to a brunch that’s as special as she is. These fresh, flavorful recipes put a modern twist on brunch classics. Pair with her favorite tea, coffee, or a celebratory mimosa for a Mother’s Day brunch she won’t forget!
Instructions: 1. Steam cauliflower until soft, then blend with almond milk until smooth. Set aside. 2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté mushrooms and garlic until fragrant. Remove and set aside. 3. In the same pan, add arborio rice and toast for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed. 4. Once the rice is tender, mix in the cauliflower purée and sautéed mushrooms. Stir well. 5. Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm. Serving Tip : Serve in a shallow bowl with a drizzle of truffle oil or a side of toasted sourdough for an elegant touch.
Creamy Cauliflower & Mushroom Risotto
Ingredients::
z 1 cup arborio rice z 2 cups vegetable broth (low- sodium) z 1 cup cauliflower florets z ½ cup unsweetened almond milk z 1 tbsp olive oil z 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or cremini), sliced z 2 cloves garlic, minced z ¼ cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
z Salt & pepper to taste z Fresh thyme for garnish
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Avocado & Smoked Salmon Brunch “Sushi”
Ingredients:
z 4 large eggs, whisked z ½ avocado, sliced z 3 oz smoked salmon
Berry Almond Chia Pudding Parfait
z 1 tsp olive oil z 1 nori sheet z 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional) z Microgreens for garnish z Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for dipping Instructions: 1. Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan and scramble the eggs on low heat until soft and fluffy. Set aside. 2. Lay out the nori sheet and evenly spread the scrambled eggs across the surface. 3. Arrange avocado slices and smoked salmon on top, then gently roll the sushi using a bamboo mat. 4. Slice into bite-sized pieces, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and top with microgreens. 5. Serve with soy sauce or tamari on the side. Serving Tip : Arrange on a wooden board with chopsticks and a side of pickled ginger for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Ingredients:
z ½ cup chia seeds z 1½ cups almond milk (unsweetened) z 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey z ½ tsp vanilla extract z ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) z ¼ cup sliced almonds z ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess) Instructions: 1. In a jar, mix chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well and refrigerate overnight. 2. In the morning, layer the chia pudding with Greek yogurt and fresh berries in a glass. 3. Top with sliced almonds for crunch and enjoy!
Serving Tip : Serve in clear glass cups or mason jars for a beautifully layered look.
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There are countless reasons laminate flooring is an abundantly popular choice with homeowners—one of the biggest reasons being that it’s an approachable DIY project. Installing click-together laminate planks takes a bit of practice, but with a few tools and some tips on technique, it’s something many homeowners can tackle themselves. From living rooms to bedrooms and kitchens, laminate is a solid option. It’s durable, delivers varying levels of water damage protection, and provides a relatively inexpensive update to a space. It’s available in a vast variety of finishes, making it a cornerstone of any interior design. Whether you’re going for the look of wood, marble, tile, or stone, laminate flooring is surprisingly easy to install. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process. Step-by- Step Guide to DIY Laminate Flooring Installation
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Step 1: Choose the Right Products
Measuring Your Space to Calculate Material Needs
Step into any showroom and you’ll find an overwhelming number of options when it comes to laminate flooring. There’s more to consider than just the look. They can be made up of a diverse range of materials, from real wood to tile or resin, and each has its own list of pros and cons. Each combination affects the product’s durability, function, and cost. Talk with a professional about the best option for your space, since not all products serve all purposes. For example, look for water-resistant or waterproof options for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Basements or other concrete floors have special requirements, too.
Before you can order or purchase your flooring, you’ll need to measure the space. Think of each room as a rectangle or square. To calculate the square footage, measure the length times the width of each space. If you have a closet, alcove, or other cutout, measure it as a separate space. Once you’ve added up all the square footage, add 10% for cut-off waste. Calculate the number of boxes of flooring you need by dividing the total square footage by the coverage amount. For example, if your space is 778 square feet (with 10% waste added in) and each box covers 15.71 square feet, your calculation will be 778/15.71=49.52 boxes. So you’ll need 50 boxes to complete the job. You will also need transition pieces for doorways and areas where your flooring meets up with another flooring material, such as carpet. It’s typically more cost-effective to order the transition pieces at the same time as the flooring. Some companies won’t even ship transition pieces as stand-alone items. In addition to flooring, you’ll either reinstall your existing trim or get new trim to finish the look. Plus, you may need an underlayment. Some planks come with the underlayment attached. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to buy and roll it out before installing the flooring. If you’re installing over concrete, the underlayment will need to provide a vapor barrier. You may also want to consider whether soundproofing underlayment makes sense for your project.
Step 2: Gather Tools and Materials
You don’t need a lot of special tools to install laminate flooring, but you will want to have a good understanding of how to use a miter saw. Alternatively, you can use a circular saw or jigsaw. Also, have a good quality tape measure, a sharp utility knife with extra blades, and a straight edge or triangle for making cuts. Other tools include a pencil, chalk line, level, rubber mallet, pull bar, pry bar, and a tapping block. While you can use a scrap piece of wood as your tapping block, this is one specialized tool that’s worth the investment. You’ll also want some spacers to use around the edge as you work. Finally, make sure to use safety glasses, ear protection, and gloves as needed.
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Step 3: Prepare the Floor
Step 4: Acclimate the Laminate Planks
As with any home improvement project, prepping the surface is one of the most important steps. Start by removing old flooring. The exception here is vinyl flooring. Laminate planks can usually be installed over the top of vinyl if the laminate flooring creates a “floating floor”, which means the planks aren’t nailed into place. When installing laminate flooring, the surface needs to be clear of projecting nails, staples, or other elevated materials. Any lumps or dips can cause the laminate to buckle, separating at the seams. Therefore, it’s essential the surface is as smooth and flat as possible. Fill holes in subflooring and patch cracks in cement. Use a long level to ensure the subfloor is even. If there are any uneven areas, fill them with a floor-leveling compound and allow it to dry completely.
Laminate flooring has a tendency to expand and contract in different environments. For best results, bring the boxes of laminate planks into the room where they will be installed and leave them for 48-72 hours. This allows the planks to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity, reducing the chance of warping or gaps later on.
Step 5: Install Underlayment
If your laminate flooring does not have a pre- attached underlayment, roll out the underlayment across the entire floor, ensuring it covers all areas. Trim any excess material with a utility knife. Make sure to tape the seams according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 6: Plan the Layout
Planks can lay in either direction, and it’s often a matter of preference. However, the eye naturally follows the length of the plank so typically, planks are installed parallel to the longest wall or the main light source. Think about how the flooring will connect to other rooms when making your decision. Before laying the first row, measure the width of the room and divide it by the width of your planks. If the last row leaves less than two inches of a plank, consider trimming the first row to ensure a balanced look.
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Step 7: Install the First Row You may want to start in a fairly square room with few obstacles in order to get a feel for the process before tackling more complicated obstacles. With the tongue side facing the wall, start by placing a plank in the corner. Attach the next plank by sliding it into the end groove from a 45-degree angle. When you lower it into place, you’ll feel it make a solid connection. High-quality planks may even make a clicking or snapping noise that confirms the lock into place. Lower-quality planks may have more movement and a less firm connection. Use ¼ -inch spacers to create a gap between the planks and walls. This allows room for the flooring to shift and expand. Don’t worry, the gap will be covered by trim. Just make sure to monitor the size of gaps as you work. Work your way down the row with full planks. Then, cut the last plank in the row and install it into place. Use the remainder of the same board to begin your next row. This will create a staggered look so your seams are spaced across the floor. It also makes efficient use of materials to limit waste.
Step 9: Cut Planks Around Obstacles
Obstacles are the most challenging part of installing laminate flooring. Take your time and think about each cut before grabbing the saw. For doorways, vents, or other obstacles, measure and mark the laminate plank accordingly. Use a jigsaw to make precise cuts. You may need to install around obstacles before attaching the surrounding boards. A pull bar comes in handy when the boards don’t want to slide together.
Step 8: Install Subsequent Rows
As you work on the second and subsequent rows, you’ll attach the tongue to the groove in the prior row, along with the groove to the tongue on the board beside it. This is where your tapping block comes in. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the boards together, ensuring a tight fit before moving on to the next board. This takes some practice, but you’ll get into a rhythm after a few rows. Stop frequently to make sure your seams are evenly staggered, and, for stability, don’t use partial boards less than six inches long in the main areas of the room.
Step 10: Install the Final Row
You’ll probably need to rip boards for the final row. You can do this with a table saw, jigsaw, or circular saw. Measure the width needed for the final row, accounting for the expansion gap, and cut the planks lengthwise to fit. Insert the final planks into place, using the pull bar to gently maneuver them into the correct position.
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Step 11: Install Transition Strips and Molding
Install transition strips where the laminate meets other types of flooring, such as tile or carpet. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. Then reinstall old, or install new, baseboards and quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap along the walls.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Installation
Installing laminate flooring for the first time will require a bit of trial and error, so give yourself some grace when you make mistakes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. • Align your saw blade with the outer portion of your cut line (the part you are cutting off, not the part you are installing). If you align your blade with the center of your line, your board will be short because of the width of the blade. • Before making any cuts, look at your board a few times. Make sure it is facing the direction of installation. If you have the tongue or groove side facing the wrong direction, you will cut off the wrong end of your board. • Never hammer on the laminate flooring directly. Either use a tapping block or a scrap piece of wood. Also, use caution when using a pull bar. Too much pressure can crush the tongue or edge of the plank. • Do not install the flooring too tightly against the edges of the room. It needs room to expand and contract, or it can buckle under the pressure. • If you have an area that won’t be covered by trim, such as a fireplace, get the planks as close to the surface as you can and finish with an appropriate caulking material to fill the gap. • In narrow spaces such as hallways, avoid repeatedly cutting the ends off full boards. This not only creates waste but also interrupts the staggered effect. Instead, use partial boards, creating a varied seam pattern.
Laminate flooring is a durable and affordable flooring option that can be installed by DIYers with some basic tools and skills. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully install laminate flooring in your home. Remember to take your time, measure carefully, and be patient. With a little effort, you can achieve a professional-looking result that will last for years to come.
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What Is Your Home Truly Worth?
To Request a Copy of My No Obligation Home Value Report to Determine What Your Home is Truly Worth, Call 770-843-8184 or Email keishatompkins@kw.com . This is all 100% free with no obligation. After you submit the online questionnaire, you will receive my free report with information that will help you determine your home's value. I recommend printing it out and taking a drive to see the homes I've identified as comparable to yours. See how your home measures up. This will help you get an even more accurate idea of what your home is worth.
An appraiser would charge hundreds for this service, but I will provide one at no cost.
If you would like my free, professional opinion on the value of your home, I'd be glad to help. We can talk on the phone, or we can meet in person. I look forward to helping you!
Keisha Tompkins Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners 770-843-8184 keishatompkins@kw.com www.keishatsells.com
Keisha Tompkins Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners
770-843-8184 keishatompkins@kw.com www.keishatsells.com
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