The following installation steps and supply list are provided only as general guidelines. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications prior to beginning any installation.

Necessary Materials and Tools 

Laminate Flooring
Underlayment or Moisture Barrier Sheeting
Glue
Tapping Block
Pull Bar
Spacers
Coordinated Transitions & Moulding Pieces
Quarter-Round Moulding
End Moulding
T-Moulding
Reducer Strip
Flush Stairnose
Baby Threshold
Over-the-Top Step Nose
Wall Base
Carpenter’s Square
Tape Measure
2″(5.1 cm) Wide Polyethylene Tape
Hammer
Utility Knife
Safety Glasses
NIOSH-Designated Dust Mask
Saw (see optional tools)
100% Silicone Caulk (for bathroom & high moisture installations)
Bucket of Warm Water
Clean Cotton Cloths
Touch-Up Kit/Filler Kit
Plastic Scraper for Glue Removal

Optional Tools & Materials

Router
Router Bit
7mm and 8mm Laminate
11mm Laminate
Splines
7mm and 8mm Laminate
11mm Laminate
Drill
Saws:
  • Table Saw
  • Miter Saw
  • Circular Saw
  • Hand Saw
  • Jigsaw
Dividers
Chalk Line
Cleaner
White Vinegar
Clamping System
Pocket Plane

Wood Dust

Sawing, sanding or machining wood products can produce wood dust.
Airborne wood dust can cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation. The
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified wood dust as a nasal carcinogen in humans. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended safety instructions and practices when using power tools.

Precautionary measures if power tools are used:
The power tools must be equipped with a dust collector. If high dust levels are encountered, use the appropriate NIOSH-designated dust mask. Avoid dust contact with eyes and skin.

First aid measures in case of irritation:
Flush eyes and skin with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.



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Do-It-Yourself Laminate

Floating Floor Structure

Laminate Flooring is considered a "floating" floor and is installed
using a floating floor system. These floors are intended for indoor use only and can be installed over virtually any existing floor structure. Since these floors are composed of natural cellulose fibers, they will expand and contract with changes in relative humidity... read more.

Locking Laminate Planks – Wood & Tile Visuals

Begin the second row of planks with the piece cut from the last piece in the first row. If the piece is shorter that 8″ cut a new plank in half, and use it to begin the second row. Whenever practical, use the piece cut from the preceding row to start the next row... read more.

Gluing Laminate Planks

A good-quality carbide-tipped cutting blade that has been designed for composition and laminate materials such as melamine, coreboard, or other hard, dense, man-made materials is recommended. When extra clean cut edges are required – e.g., custom installations – you may need more elaborate cutting equipment... read more.

Flush Stairnose Installation for a Step-Down and Landing

All expansion zones between the edge of the laminate flooring installation and all vertical surfaces parallel to the stairnose should be increased per the chart below: If distance between nosing Expansion zone and vertical surface is... read more.

Flush Stairnose Installation for Stair Treads and Risers

The installation of laminate flooring on stairs is a fully adhered system. Under no circumstances should foam underlayment be placed on stair steps or risers. This will result in an unsafe condition. Do not use over-the-top step nose moulding on individual stair treads... read more.

Special Cutting Procedures

Vacuum, use a dust mop or wipe with a damp cloth. For spills, just wipe up with a cloth. In sandy areas or at the beach, sweep or vacuum regularly to avoid surface scratching. Do not use soap-based detergents or “mop and shine products”, as these may leave a dull film on your floor. Do not wax or polish your floor... read more.

Where to Install

Over smooth, well bonded vinyl floors; over concrete, ceramic tile, terrazzo, and marble; over board type underlayments; and over fully adhered carpet if the pile is less than 1/4˝ high and there is no pad. Bathroom Installations: 100% silicone caulk must be used around the entire perimeter and... read more.