LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION GUIDE
Laminate Flooring is designed to be installed as a floated floor. Heavy and bulky objects, such as island bench & cabinetry, should not be installed on floating floors. Laminate Flooring must be cut in and installed around such objects. 10% installation wastage when ordering floors is recommended to cover installation cuts, fitment & wastage. Floating Floor Underlay is purchased separately & laid prior to the laminate flooring being installed.
Step 1.
The subfloor must be completely even, dry, clean and solid. To ensure proper installation, carpet staples or glue residue must be removed and the floor must be clean.
Step 2.
Check for subfloor flatness before proceeding with any installation: Using a minimum 2metre straight edge or laser level. Any floor uneven must be rectified to manufacturer's subfloor flatness tolerance guideline
Moisture problems of the subfloor must be thoroughly checked. Any moisture issues must be resolved before installation. New concrete subfloors must cure for at least 60 days before the installation.
Step 3.
Foam or Rubber underlay is required to be installed prior to the laminate flooring. Shop Flooring Underlay Online.
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DAMP ROOMS SUCH AS BATHROOMS, SAUNAS, ROOMS WITH DAMP CONCRETE, ROOMS WITH FLOOR DRAINS OR ROOMS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY FLOOD.
Step 4.
The tongue on the long side of the panels facing the wall need to be removed from the appropriate number of panels for the first row. Cut the tongue and ensure that the decorative surface of the laminate is not damaged before installing the finished trim eg. (Skirtings). Score the tongue several times with a utility knife until it snaps off easily, for Diyers with tools or trade professionals you can use a table saw for a finer cleaner cut setout
Step 5.
Making sure the room has been checked, place your first panel with the trimmed locking system removed facing the wall with packers for expansion set either side to commence the installation. We recommend a minimum of 10mm & greater for the perimeter expansion. DO NOT install Laminate Flooring flush to the wall without expansion gaps, the floors require breathing room to expand and contract.
Step 6.
Using a rubber mallet and a tapping block, carefully align the edges.
Continue along the wall until the last panel is requiring fitting. To fit the last panel, mark off the excess and cut with a mitre saw. Tap the last panel into place with a pull bar.
Step 7.
Start the next row with the offcut piece from the previous row to stagger the pattern. The board piece should be minimum 20cm long with a joint offset of at least 40cm. To attach the panels, tilt the panel slightly upwards to about a 15-25° when lowered the plank, it will then click into place with light pressure. Ensure that any gaps are as small as possible. Continue locking each panel into place, ensuring a straight and tight fit beginning with the long side first and then tapping the short side into place. Always use a rubber mallet and tapping block instead of striking the floor directly, which could damage the locking system.
Step 8.
To fit the last row, place a panel on top of the previous row. With the tongue to the wall, place another panel upside down on the one to be measured and use it as a ruler. Do not forget to allow room for spacers.
Cut the panel and tap it into place with the pull bar.
Expansion space is always needed for areas, such as door frames, door jambs and heating vents. First, trim the panel to the proper length. Then place the cut panel next to the actual position and use a ruler to measure and mark the areas to be cut out. Cut out the marked points and allow the necessary expansion distance on each side.
Step 9.
Trim door frames by turning a panel upside down as a height measurement and using a multi-tool cutter to cut away the necessary height so that panels can slide easily underneath for a clean finish.
Step 10.
Still not sure? chat to our friendly floor experts today!
Need an installation package? View our installation coverage regions from our services page or chat to our team to learn more.
