As a busy mom, you already know what it means to balance a budget without scrimping on results-- you do it with your children, your work and your home. When it comes to installing new flooring in your home, cheap laminate flooring fits right in with your need for a material that stays within the budget, while still producing high quality results.

Laminate flooring complements a variety of home decor, which is vital because the overall look of a room is dependent upon how all the different components look together. The variety of colors, styles and patterns available with laminate flooring, along with its low maintenance, make laminate floors the most versatile and efficient choice for the busy mom and the remodeling of your room.

If a DIY flooring project sounds right up your alley, but your family's schedule doesn't allow for a project that takes a whole week or more, then laminate flooring installation is the ideal way to redo your floor. Our step-by-step instructions were written with you in mind so you can install cheap laminate flooring in less than a weekend and enjoy the results for years.

Assess Existing Flooring Materials

Laminate flooring can often be installed directly over your current floor materials. While this definitely makes the job easier, you already know that easier doesn't always result in the best outcome. To determine if your existent flooring can be left in place, you must assess it first.

Look at the existent flooring for any pitting, bumps, buckles or anything else that keeps it from being smooth and level. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and continue to focus on the ultimate eye appeal you want to add to your room. Consider removing old flooring or carpet to be part of the prep work and know it will result in a more attractive and durable laminate floor.

Follow these simple steps to remove old carpet:

• Step 1: Lift up the corner of the carpet, pulling it toward you and away from the tack strip.
• Step 2: Cut the carpet into 3-foot strips. Roll up each strip, one at a time, to remove the carpet.
• Step 3: Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to remove the carpet padding.

Prepare to Install

Preparation is key when you're the mother of a busy family because you know that being prepared makes all the difference in how smoothly things go. The same principle applies to your laminate flooring installation. A sub-floor surface that's not well-prepared can cause your new laminate floor to bulge or buckle. Get your floor ready for its new look with these simple steps:

• Step 1: Use floor patching material to level any bumps or dips in the existing floor surface.
• Step 2: Pry the baseboards off and set them aside.
• Step 3: Measure the floor space. Add 10 to 20 percent to the total surface area of the floor so there's room for error in case of mis-cuts or waste.
• Step 4: Place the laminate floor boards in the room for 24 hours so they can adjust to the temperature and humidity level.

Installation Procedure

• Step 1: If you'll be installing your new laminate floor over a concrete subfloor, lay floor padding containing a vapor barrier on the subfloor first.
• Step 2: Position one laminate flooring plank on the subfloor, directly against any existent door jams. Hold a coping saw flat against the laminate floor so you can cut the door jam parallel to the laminate board.
• Step 3: Place the first laminate floor board parallel to the longest wall in the room. Insert spacers along the same wall at 1-foot intervals before pushing the first laminate floor board against the spacers. The spacers do just what their name implies -- they hold extra space which will later accommodate for natural contracting and expanding of the laminate floor boards.
• Step 4: Situate the next boards on the floor, making sure to trace around any corners, curves or contours you encounter. Lock the laminate floor boards together with glue or the locking mechanisms, as directed by the manufacturer's instructions. Tap each laminate floor board into place using a tapping block to ensure they're securely in place.
• Step 5: As you install each subsequent board, be sure to stagger the joint seams by six to eight inches to create a strong floor surface and avoid a single seam line.
• Step 6: Create a precise fit by trimming the last laminate board. Place the board in between two boards that lie directly on top of the second to the last board. Trace a line on the last board to be installed, using the edge of the other two laminate boards as your guide.
• Step 7: Lay the trimmed board into position, then stand back and admire your gorgeous, new laminate floor.

Laminate flooring is versatile enough to complement any home decor style and sure to draw "oohs" and "aahs" from family members and guests, alike. Who knows? You might find yourself inspired to take on another DIY project after you discover how simple it is to update the look of a room with laminate flooring.