How To Install Laminate Flooring

1. Remove any existing carpeting or wood flooring glued to a concrete floor.(Wood flooring NOT glued to a concrete floor can remain.)Ensure the floor is clean and dry. 2. Remove baseboards. Note: If installing over concrete or a concrete floor covered by tiles, you must first lay down a 6 mil plastic sheet vapor barrier. Sheeting should overlap at least 7-8 inches and extend up the wall 2/2". Secure seams with masking tape. Do not use plastic sheeting over an existing wood floor 3. Measure the width of the room and divide by 12*, the width of one plank. If the remainder is 2 1/1" inches or smaller, cut down the first row of planks on the tongue side (the less machined side) to have sufficient width for your last row 4. If possible, install planks with their length parallel to incoming sunlight. 5. Start in the left corner of the room. Trim the first row per the above instructions or cut off the tongue of the planks (whichever is applicable), and run this trimmed edge parallel to the wall using the expansion spacers. 6. Install each sequential plank by inserting one short end into the other at an angle and pressing down 7. When you reach the end of the row, measure and trim the last plank to fit.(Cut with the decorative side up with a handsaw, decorative side down with a power saw. If this last piece is 15-16" or shorter, cut a new plank in half and use this to start the next row.  8. Lift the previously installed row slightly to enable you to snap the first adjacent plank into position. For subsequent planks, the short end is positioned at an angle to engage the planks Then give the board a sharp rap with your hand to fully engage and press down firmly Continue until you are done.

INSTALLATION TIP #1 To install flooring around pipes, drill a hole in the plank that is 1/4"to 1/2" larger than pipe diameter. Cut the plank across the center of the circle, position on the floor, glue plank pieces back together and clamp (do not glue laminate to subfloor).Cover expansion gaps with molding or pipe rings when the floor is complete. Water pipes require silicone sealant. INSTALLATION TIP #2 Flooring should extend under the doorframe. Use a piece of scrap flooring to mark the depth that the doorframe should be trimmed. To install the last row, trace the wall contour and cut. Remember to leave room for expansion. 9. To install the last row, trace the wall contour and cut. Remember to leave room for expansion. INSTALLATION TIP #3 To replace any planks that may have been damaged in installation, simply raise the last installed board approximately 1 1/4" until it disengages. Do not engage and disengage more than 3 times. Continue until you reach the affected plank, replace and reinstall the planks. 10. Trim any excess plastic sheeting and remove spacers. Reinstall baseboards without nailing to the floor.