LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION GUIDE

Imperial Flooring Australia®

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This installation guide outlines the correct procedures for installing Imperial Flooring Australia® Laminate Flooring products. Installation must be completed in accordance with these instructions and relevant Australian Standards. Failure to comply may void product warranty.

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Laminate flooring is a floating floor system and must not be mechanically fixed or glued to the subfloor.

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1. Materials and Equipment Required

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The following materials and tools are required:

• Imperial Flooring Australia® Laminate Flooring planks

• Compliant floating floor underlay (as specified)

• 10mm spacers

• Measuring tape

• Straight edge (minimum 2m; 3m recommended)

• Mitre saw or table saw

• Jigsaw (for detailed cuts)

• Utility knife

• Rubber mallet

• Tapping block

• Imperial Pulling Iron

• Multi-tool (for undercutting door frames)

• Vacuum and cleaning equipment

• Imperial Flooring Cutter (optional)

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2. Subfloor Requirements

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Correct subfloor preparation is critical to long-term performance.

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The subfloor must be:

• Structurally sound

• Dry and moisture compliant

• Clean and free of debris, adhesives, and contaminants

• Flat within tolerance

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All carpet staples, glue residue, and loose materials must be removed prior to installation.

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Flatness Tolerance

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The subfloor must not exceed: 3mm variation over 3 metres (as per Australian Standards)

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Flatness must be checked using a straight edge. Non-compliant areas must be rectified using approved levelling compounds, grinding, or sanding methods.

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Failure to meet flatness tolerances may result in joint failure or excessive movement.

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3. Underlay Installation

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A compliant floating floor underlay must be installed over the prepared subfloor prior to laying laminate planks.

Underlay must:

• Be suitable for laminate flooring

• Provide moisture protection where required

• Be installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications

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4. Planning and Layout

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Prior to installation:

• Measure the room carefully.

• Determine plank direction (generally parallel to the longest wall or natural light source).

• Plan layout to avoid narrow finishing rows where possible.

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All expansion allowances must be accounted for before installation begins.

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5. Expansion Requirements

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A continuous 10mm expansion gap must be maintained:

• Along all perimeter walls

• Around fixed objects and penetrations

• Around columns and cabinetry

• At transitions between rooms

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For larger areas, expansion breaks may be required in accordance with Australian Standards and product specifications.

Skirting boards or scotia must not restrict natural floor movement.

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6. Undercutting Door Frames

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Door jambs and architraves must be undercut to allow flooring to slide underneath without restriction.

• Use a laminate plank as a height guide.

• Undercut using a multi-tool or appropriate cutting equipment.

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This ensures correct expansion allowance and a professional finish.

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7. Installation Procedure

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7.1 First Row Installation

• Begin installation along the longest straight wall.

• Cut off the tongue on the wall side of the first row.

• Insert 10mm spacers along the perimeter.

• Ensure the first row is straight and aligned, as it determines overall floor alignment.

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7.2 Installing Subsequent Rows

• Angle the plank at approximately 15–25 degrees.

• Engage the long edge locking system.

• Lower the plank to secure in place.

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End joints must:

• Have a minimum plank length of 200mm

• Maintain a minimum stagger of 400mm between adjacent rows

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Start each new row with the offcut from the previous row where practical, ensuring stagger requirements are maintained.

Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to close joints. Planks must not be struck directly.

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8. Cutting and Fitting

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When installing around obstacles such as doorways, cupboards, or fixed units:

• Measure accurately.

• Cut using appropriate cutting equipment.

• Maintain the required 10mm expansion gap around all fixed structures.

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9. Completion

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Upon completion:

• Inspect all joints for full engagement.

• Confirm expansion gaps are unobstructed.

• Remove spacers prior to installing skirting boards or scotia.

• Install transition trims where required.

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The finished installation must allow unrestricted movement of the floating floor system.

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10. Maintenance

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To maintain the performance of Imperial Flooring Australia® Laminate Flooring:

• Clean using a manufacturer-approved cleaner suitable for laminate flooring.

• Avoid excessive water exposure or wet mopping.

• Clean spills immediately.

• Install protective pads under furniture.

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Laminate flooring is moisture-resistant but not waterproof.

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Disclaimer

Installation must be carried out in accordance with this guide and relevant Australian Standards. Imperial Flooring Australia® accepts no responsibility for failure resulting from improper installation, subfloor non-compliance, site conditions, or failure to maintain required expansion allowances.