Laminate Installation Instructions

After ensuring that the subfloor is free of any debris, begin to lay the underlayment. In order not to damage the underlayment, you should lay only enough for the next 5-10 rows of the laminate flooring.

To lay the first panel, start in the left hand corner of the room and lay the panel so that the "tongue" side faces the wall. Be sure to observe the 3/8" expansion requirements between the first row and surrounding walls.

Secure the first row against slipping suing 3/8" spacers or wedges. Use the piece left over from the first row to start the next row. Make sure that the joints are offset by at least 12". Cut a new panel if necessary.

Insert the first panel of the second row into the groove side of the panel already in place. Lay it completely flat down on the floor

Take the next panel and rotate it on the short side into the first panel of the second row, which is still laying flat on the floor. You should take care that this panel is on the long edge as close as possible to the first row.

Place your fingers under the second panel of second row. While standing on the first row, simultaneously lift panel slightly and pull panel towards you. This closes the joint. Lay locked panel flat. Repeat this technique for other panels.

The last panel in the row is fitted by turning the panel so that the groove side lies to groove side and the panel with the front side has a 4" distance on the panel laid in front of it.

Now you should saw the panel which has been marked to the correct length and fit it in. Tip: You can achieve edges without damage by sawing on the reverse side of the decoration using a circular saw.

For heating pipes you should drill and saw, depending on the position of the pipes, as shown in the sketch. In all cases, account for an extra 3/8" beyond the size of the pipe to meet expansion requirements.

Existing wooden door frames can be shortened to allow the laminate to be laid beneath them. However, be sure to allow for 3/8" expansion.

The last row can be fitted by stenciling out the remaining area using two unlaid panels as show here. Pull the tongue of the cutout panel into the groove of the second to last row to join using technique from above.

Use coordinating transitions to cover the 3/8" expansion area around walls and between rooms. Never glue transitions to the floor. When affixing is recommended , do so to the walls.