Hey everyone! I'm currently renting an apartment and the laminate flooring in my kitchen is in really bad shape—it's warped, cracked, and just uncomfortable. Since I can't do any major renovations, I'm thinking about a budget-friendly DIY project to improve the flooring. I'm considering removing the old laminate and installing linoleum instead. Here's my plan:
1. Remove the old laminate flooring.
2. Install linoleum as a more durable choice.
But I've hit some challenges and have questions:
1. **Height difference** - The old laminate is thicker than the linoleum, which means removing it will create a step down into the kitchen. What's the best way to handle this transition? Should I use underlayment, plywood, or something else?
2. **Subfloor condition** - I have no idea what's underneath the laminate. If the subfloor is uneven, should I use a self-leveling compound or install plywood to create a stable surface?
3. **Working around cabinets** - I can't remove the kitchen cabinets or appliances since I'm renting. How do I manage to cut and remove the laminate around them? Should I just leave it under the cabinets and only remove the visible parts? Any tool recommendations would also be helpful.
I want to keep this project as cheap as possible while still making it functional and nice-looking. Any advice or personal experiences would be super appreciated!
1 Answer
Honestly, if the old laminate is relatively flat, one of the easiest ways to go about it is just to lay down a floating vinyl floor right on top of it. That way, you won’t have to deal with all the hassle of removing the old stuff. Just make sure the surface is even so you won’t run into any bumps later on.
Sounds good, but how high will that make the floor? Won't it make it uneven compared to the other rooms?