Although today’s laminates are designed for easy installation, unless you
are a do-it-yourselfer we recommend using a professional installer.
While most laminate flooring manufacturers have their own installation guidelines,
the basic process is the same. Before any installation begins, your laminate flooring
must acclimate for 72 hours. More on this in Before
Installation.
- Step 1: Clean and inspect subfloor for imperfections because gaps and ridges
may cause problems. You want a smooth level surface.
- Step 2: Lay down the underlayment. Or choose a laminate with a pre-attached
underlayment, which simplifies installation and results in a more realistic sounding
floor.
- Step 3: Lay your planks or tiles according to the manufactures installation
guidelines—make sure that at least 1/4” of spaces is left between the flooring,
walls or cabinets. This will allow the installed floor to expand due to climate
changes and prevent peaking and/or buckling.
- Step 4: Secure planks or tiles—today, most laminates are primarily glueless
and create a tight, secure bond simply by clicking together.
- Step 5: Finishing touches—Use appropriate moldings to finish off exposed
edges and create transitions between rooms and other types of flooring.
Below are links to our laminate partners. You can visit their sites for any specific
information.
Pergo: http://www.pergo.com/US_Installation_Instructions.aspx
Alloc: http://www.alloc.com/usersimage/section/10/install.pdf
Mohawk: http://www.mohawk-flooring.com/laminate-flooring/laminate-installation/Mohawk_Laminate_Installation.pdf
Armstrong: http://www.armstrong.com/resflram/na/laminate/en/us/article18121.html
Quickstep: http://www.quick-step.com/us/ae/installation_instructions.aspx
Wilsonart: http://www.mairmg.com/wilsonart/homeowner/installation-view.cfm
Before Installation Day
Being prepared for installation day through careful planning and smart preparing
will make your laminate flooring experience enjoyable right from day one.
- Step 1: Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas
where the installation will take place. Some installers might move your furniture,
but ask if there is an additional charge. When your material comes in we will call
you. It is important that you know the materials need to acclimate at the job site
for 72 hours in area not close to a heater vent or a window or any other area that
might cause a change in the room temperature. It is always important to check the
manufacturer’s specifications for their recommendations.
- Step 2: The beauty of laminate floors today is that this product is designed
to go over many existing surfaces. Removal of your old floor covering could be required
if you have several prior floors down making it too thick for doors to open or close;
or the existing surface is too textured or not level. If it has been determined
that your existing floor requires removal and you have chosen to do this yourself;
this task should be accomplished one or two days prior to installation. If the floor
has been contracted to be removed by a professional installer; this will be done
on the day of installation. We will discuss these details and options prior to installation.
- Step 3: In some cases, moldings and baseboards will need to be removed
for laminate installation. Your installer may do this but at an additional charge
and they will probably not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle
wood. You will be responsible for any retouch painting that’s required after
the installation is complete, i.e., baseboards, woodwork etc.
- Step 4: When laminate is installed, there’s always the possibility
that the doors, especially closet doors, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear
the new laminate and swing free. Some installers will remove doors in order to install
the laminate and re-hang them if possible, however, they probably won’t shave
or cut down doors to insure clearance. Please check with us as to the installer’s
policy and cost. You may need to arrange for a qualified carpenter to provide this
service after the installation of your new laminate floor.
Additionally if the laminate floor is being installed against a floor of a different
height, a transition piece will be necessary. A molding, like the Pergo’s
Four-in-One, will be used to create a smooth transition between the two floors and
protect the laminates exposed edges.
The Big Day
Installation day is a stay at home day.
Our installers will call you between 7-9 am to let you know the window of time when
you can expect our installers at your home. Be prepared to be available in case
the installation crew has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct
laminate is installed in the right areas.
Your safety is top priority.
Your installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work
area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the
work area on installation day.
The walk-thru is a key step.
We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation, you walk thru the
job with the chief installer. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions
and be clear on any final details.
The day after the big day...
Air on the healthy side.
If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for
48 to 72 hours after installation.
Enjoy your new laminate floor.