How To Replace Carpet With Laminate: Complete Guide

Replacing carpet with laminate flooring can transform the look and feel of a room, providing a fresh and modern update to your space. Laminate flooring offers durability, easy maintenance, and a wide range of styles to choose from.

Whether you’re tired of stained or worn-out carpet or simply want to upgrade your flooring, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process. From preparing the room and removing the old carpet to installing the underlayment and laying down the laminate planks, you’ll learn the essential steps to successfully replace carpet with laminate.

Get ready to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your space with this exciting home improvement project.

Can You Replace Carpet With Laminate?

Yes, you can replace carpet with laminate flooring to give your space a fresh and updated look. Laminate flooring offers numerous advantages, such as durability, easy maintenance, and a wide range of styles to choose from.

To replace carpet with laminate, begin by preparing the room and removing the old carpet and padding. Make sure the subfloor is clean, level, and free of any damage. Then, install a suitable underlayment to provide a smooth and stable surface for the laminate planks.

Finally, carefully lay down the laminate flooring, following the manufacturer’s instructions. With proper planning and execution, you can successfully replace carpet with laminate and enjoy a beautiful and functional new floor.

Is It Cheaper To Replace Carpet With Laminate?

In general, replacing carpets with laminate flooring can be a cost-effective option. While the initial cost of laminate flooring and installation may be higher than carpet, laminate offers long-term savings due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. Laminate flooring is known for its resistance to stains, fading, and wear, which means you won’t have to replace it as frequently as carpet.

Additionally, laminate is easier to clean and doesn’t require professional steam cleaning. Moreover, laminate flooring can increase the value of your home, potentially offering a return on investment in the long run.

Therefore, when considering the overall lifespan and maintenance costs, replacing a carpet with laminate can be a more economical choice.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Carpet With Laminate?

The cost of replacing carpet with laminate flooring can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the quality and type of laminate flooring, the size of the room or area, the cost of underlayment, and the complexity of the installation. On average, the cost of laminate flooring can range from $2 to $8 per square foot, including the cost of materials and installation.

Additional costs may include removing and disposing of the old carpet, purchasing underlayment, and any necessary floor preparation. It’s advisable to obtain quotes from different suppliers and contractors to get a better understanding of the total cost involved in your specific project.

How To Replace Carpet With Laminate: Complete Guide

Replacing carpet with laminate flooring can be a transformative and rewarding home improvement project. Here’s a complete guide to help you through the process:

Gather Materials and Tools:

• Laminate flooring and underlayment
• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Safety goggles
• Knee pads
• Vacuum cleaner
• Adhesive remover (if necessary)
• Floor leveler (if needed)
• Spacers
• Tapping block
• Pull bar
• Circular saw or jigsaw

Prepare the Room:

• Remove all furniture and accessories from the room.
• Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove any debris.

Remove the Old Carpet:

• Wear safety goggles and start by cutting the carpet into manageable sections.
• Use a pry bar and hammer to carefully remove the carpet and padding.
• Remove any remaining staples or adhesive residue.

Evaluate and Prepare the Subfloor:

• Inspect the subfloor for any damage or unevenness.
• Repair or replace damaged sections.
• Clean the subfloor and ensure it is dry, smooth, and free of debris.

Install the Underlayment:

• Lay down the underlayment, ensuring it covers the entire floor.
• Trim excess underlayment along the edges.

Plan the Layout:

• Measure the room and plan the layout of the laminate planks.
• Consider starting along a straight wall for a cleaner look.

Install the Laminate Flooring:

• Begin by placing spacers along the walls to create an expansion gap.
• Start in one corner and lay the first row of planks, tongue-side facing the wall.
• Use a tapping block and hammer to secure the planks tightly together.
• Continue installing subsequent rows, interlocking the planks.
• Use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut planks to fit around doorways or corners.

Finishing Touches:

• Install transition pieces between laminate flooring and other floor types.
• Remove spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap.

Clean up and Enjoy:

• Vacuum or sweep the laminate flooring to remove any debris.
• Clean with a laminate floor cleaner as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Replace furniture and accessories in the room.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific laminate flooring product and consult a professional if needed. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully replace carpet with laminate, transforming your space with a beautiful and durable flooring option.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Carpet And Install Laminate?

The cost of removing carpet and installing laminate flooring can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the area, the quality of the laminate flooring, the complexity of the installation, and your location.

On average, the cost can range from $2 to $8 per square foot, including both the removal of the carpet and the installation of laminate flooring.

The cost breakdown may include:

Removal of Carpet:

• This cost can vary depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the removal process. On average, carpet removal can cost around $1 to $2 per square foot.

Laminate Flooring and Underlayment:

• The cost of the laminate flooring itself can range from $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the quality and style you choose.
• Underlayment cost can range from $0.20 to $0.50 per square foot.

Installation:

• Installation costs can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the layout, the need for additional floor preparation, and the expertise of the installer. On average, installation costs can range from $1 to $3 per square foot.

It’s important to note that these are average estimates, and prices can vary significantly depending on your specific project and location. To get an accurate cost estimate, it is recommended to consult with local flooring professionals and obtain multiple quotes.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Carpet With Laminate On Stairs?

The cost of replacing carpet with laminate on stairs can vary based on several factors, including the size and design of the staircase, the type of laminate flooring chosen, and the complexity of the installation.

On average, the cost of replacing carpet with laminate on stairs can range from $500 to $1,500, including both materials and labor. This cost includes the removal of the old carpet, preparation of the staircase, installation of the laminate flooring, and any necessary finishing touches.

Factors that can impact the cost include:

1. Number of stairs: The more stairs you have, the higher the cost will be.
2. Laminate flooring type: Higher-quality laminate flooring will generally cost more.
3. Staircase design: If your staircase has unique angles, curves, or landings, it may require more labor and materials, thus increasing the cost.

To get an accurate cost estimate for your specific project, it is recommended to consult with local flooring professionals. They can assess the specifics of your staircase and provide you with a detailed quote.

Read Next:

• How Much To Replace Carpet With Hardwood?
• How Much Does It Cost To Replace Carpet With Vinyl

Final Words

Replacing carpet with laminate flooring is a rewarding home improvement project that can instantly elevate the look and value of your space.

By following the proper steps, you can achieve a professional and polished result. Remember to thoroughly prepare the room, remove the old carpet carefully, and ensure a smooth and clean subfloor before installing the laminate planks.

Take your time during the installation process, paying attention to details like proper measurements and cutting the planks to fit seamlessly. With laminate flooring, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a durable and low-maintenance surface that can withstand daily wear and tear.

So bid farewell to your old carpet and embrace the beauty and functionality of laminate flooring for years to come.