Hardwood Flooring Installation

If you can run a miter saw, measure cuts to within a 1/4 inch and glue 2 pieces of wood together, you can install Pergo.

ETA: it doesn't even have to be a miter saw. I just used mine to make straight cuts.

What's a good underlayment? I'm seriously considering Pergo handscraped laminate as well, and doing the installation myself.

Depends whether your application is on a slab or a wood subfloor. Moisture protection and sound barrier/foot fall noise reduction are the most important factors.

FloorMuffler UltraSeal Flooring Underlayment is what I use most of the time. It runs .65sqft or about $65 per 100sqft roll.

I would glue it down.

I shopped around. The Big Box stores are always going to be the most expensive. Lumber Liquidators was shady (thank God I passed on that last summer) and nickel and dimed me to death on the installation. With better hardwood quality, I got the same total price, including installation, from Halpin's along with 3 years of 0% interest (free money, so stupid to pass on it).

I am very happy with the Halpin's installation. My dad recommended them since he is constantly renovating his house and usually uses Halpin's.

everything the rest have already said...

but I do want to add that when you purchase the boxes, check for damage. Do not allow the employees to load without your inspection of every case. My first time out, I ran into a couple boxes that had what seemed like minor dings only to find out that the tongue/grooves were damaged.

I sold flooring at Lowe's for three years when I was going to college and did installation on the side. Laminate is total DIY project do not pay to have someone install it for you from Lowe's most of their installers at least who I dealt with were usually the worst installers in the area. In my time there, I would say buy Armstrong laminate because Pergo had some warranty issues back then which might be corrected now. I would buy the flooring without the attached underlayment because flooring with the attached underlayment leaves a gap where the pieces connect making it pop and crack when stepped on. Leave the flooring in the house for two to three days before installing in order for it to acclimate to the temp in your home. Always leave a 1/4" gap around the edges to allow for expansion and contraction.

I would use wooden 1/4 round and stain to match color because the 1/4 round sold to match the flooring will look like crap if it ever gets wet. Also if installing on a slab, I would to a moisture test before putting down laminate.

Buy an oscilating multi-tool (Craftsman, Fein, Kobalt), it will make under cutting door jambs a heck of a lot easier than using the undercut saw you find in the flooring department. Use a scrap piece of flooring in order get the height right for the cut. Use a rubber hammer and tapping block to get a tight fit in the joints.

You will pay more at Home Depot or Lowes and have more trouble than dealing with a local store.

I got Home Depot to come measure the 2 rooms I want done. Their estimate does not include a sound barrier underlay, just a basic cheap moisture one. Should I go ahead and get the additional sound one?

I was thinking of going pergo as it seems to be recommended alot but wonder about the pads already attached to the boards and if the seams would creak or pop when stepped on?

Also for the rounded fireplace, they did not offer to undercut to fit boards but will use a flexible molding that you have to paint or stain yourself so not too keen on that.

Anyone have experience with Home Depot contractors installation and those items above?

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My first time out, I ran into a couple boxes that had what seemed like minor dings only to find out that the tongue/grooves were damaged.

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This is VERY common as the ends are easily damaged. We just put a laminate floor in our family room. We bought an extra box and returned the ones that were damaged. Measure your square footage and figure in a 10% loss due to scraps. Buy an extra box (just in case) and return the worst pieces. If you have wide planking, you'll need a sliding miter saw. The underpayment we got was made by Shaw. It is silver in color and comes in folding sheets. It locks together like a puzzle and was very easy to install. We bought everything at Menard's.