Beckies Story11

I have made HUGE progress on my studio cabinets (AKA My Biggest DIY). In fact, they are painted! Want to see them? Then read my Sawdust Diary on Sawdust Girl!

Beckies-Story1

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One of the things we decided to do when we moved my studio up to the loft was to pull up the carpet.  Not only would be it easier to build the cabinets on a level surface but if I am going to be painting, sewing, mod podgin’, and all the other mediums that happen in a studio something easy to clean was essential.  I opted for a laminate surface.  We got the laminate flooring at Lowes and the color is Fireside Oak.  It was one of their in stock products.  For my 16’ by 21’ room it took 13 boxes and cost us right at $534 ($396 for the laminate and $138 for the underlayment).  I went with a mid to lower range laminate because much of the flooring was going to be covered up by cabinets and an island.

I think laminate is really pretty and does a great job of mimicking wood while being a ton lighter on the wallet.  It also is simple to clean and pretty indestructible with normal use.  I recommend a laminate that has more of a matte finish.  I often hear people complain about cleaning laminate when you opt for a super shiny finish.  People say it streaks easy.

installing-laminate-flooring

So after I built the 9 cabinet shells for my studio we moved them out of the area and then laid the flooring. We could have waited to install the flooring until after the cabinets were installed but I wanted the flooring to run under the cabinets. You never know down the road if a future home owner doesn’t want the built-ins (GASP!) and removes them. I didn’t want them to have to piece in the flooring. So we installed the flooring the whole length and width of the room.

We usually opt for a laminate that has the underlayment built in but the price was right and since it was a rectangle room with no fancy cuts we didn’t think upgrading was necessary.

We first removed all the carpet, padding and tack strips from the room and also took off the baseboards. That isn’t essential if you are going to add shoe molding. If not, then I recommend removing the baseboards to get a tight fit.

Next cut your underlayment to fit.  Then you can add the laminate on top of it.  Installing laminate is like putting a puzzle together really.  It is a very simple DIY project especially in a room with no tricky cuts like this one.

underlayment-laminate-flooring

You just have to remember to snap a whole length of laminate in at a time.  Then use the little tappy tappy to knock it in place.  It also helps if you have two people to lock the entire long piece in at the same time.

installing-laminate-floors

In one day you have a newly installed floor.

laminate-flooring-installed

Here it is with the cabinets back in the room.

studio-remodel

I am making major progress and I am ready to build the doors on the cabinets next week.  Check out Sawdust Girl to see the play by play and all the challenges I encountered!

Disclaimer: Lowes has helped pay for a portion of my studio remodel, including this floor.  All my opinions are my own.

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12 Comments

  1. Love the laminate you chose! It looks fabulous! We have Pergo throughout our home and love it. So easy to care for and since we always have a dog or two, it’s nice that laminate is pretty indestructible.

    I’m re-doing an extra bedroom into and office/craft room space for myself and I’m trying to think of what to do with flooring. I might also do laminate or I might just paint the plywood subfloor.

  2. I LOVE how your Studio is coming together! I am so pumped for you! I can’t wait until I can get started on my craft room! But first I’ll have to get going on my pantry. I promise I’ll share photos with you!!! Thanks for all you have done for me and my blog! You are amazing!!!!!!!

  3. Ok, I am loving the journals over at sawdustgirl. I always imagine you so happy-go-lucky, so its funny to read the at times frustrated Beckie! I am super impressed though. And I’m sure I would be just as frustrated if not give up all together. Way to go. It is coming along so nicely and looks great. Can’t wait to read more!!

  4. Ok, I just read parts 1,2 & 3. How amazing!! So proud of you, woman. And way inspired. Guess who I am calling when we finally buy a house and it is time to create my creative space?

  5. I have the same flooring and love it. I have 2 120lb bloodhounds and the flooring holds up to the beating. The color is beautiful too.

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