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. Do not attach to the subfloor at any point. Do not fit flush against any fixed vertical surfaces like walls, pipes, passageways, or staircases. For most installations, where the relative humidity is between 45 and 65%, a minimum 1/4″ (6.35 mm) expansion zone is required around the perimeter of the room as well as against any fixed objects. This zone accounts for the normal movement of the floor system. Where the room is larger than 40′ in plank length (12.19 m) or wider than 26′ across the width of planks (7.92 m), T-mouldings must be used to compensate for this movement. Refer to the section on Transitions & Moulding Pieces for further details.

Temperature changes will have little effect on the movement of these floors. The number of square feet of laminate required is not equal to the number of square feet in the area of the room because the laminate must be fit to walls and objects. A cutting allowance of 10% for wood visuals and 15% for tile visuals must be added to the square footage estimate.

Laminate Flooring Glue Specifically designed to create a strong, water-resistant bond between the tongue and groove. The integrity of the floor installation depends on the use of the appropriate glue, the amount of glue and the proper installation techniques. Use for locking laminate installations in full bathrooms or high moisture areas.

Easy cleanup.
Coverage: up to 100 sq.ft/16 ounce bottle.
Two-in-One Advanced Hard-Surface Flooring Underlayment Recommended under all laminate flooring with no attached underlayment (use moisture barrier sheeting under laminate flooring with attached underlayment). A polyethylene closed cell foam product. Acts as a moisture barrier when the seams are taped together with 1-3/4″ wide polyethylene tape. (Refer to Subfloor Requirements for further details.) Provides a cushion between the floor and the subfloor and compensates for slight subfloor irregularities.

Provides a thermal barrier, reducing the "cold floor" feeling common to floors that are directly bonded to the subfloor. Eliminates the need for a separate vapor barrier. Installed with the logo side up. Moisture Barrier Sheeting Recommended under all laminate flooring with attached underlayment when installed over concrete. .005″ polyethylene film. Acts as a moisture barrier when seams are taped together with 1-3/4″ wide polyethylene tape.

Care Instructions

Laminate flooring is extremely easy to clean.
DO NOT WAX OR POLISH your floor. For everyday cleaning, vacuum with a wand attachment or damp mop. To remove excessive dirt buildup, use floor cleaner. Before using water or floor cleaner, thoroughly wring out your mop or sponge. Excessive amounts of either are not necessary. As with any hard surfaced material, laminate flooring can be slippery when wet. Promptly wipe up spills with a moist sponge or soft cloth. DO NOT CLEAN THIS FLOOR WITH ABRASIVE CLEANSERS, ABRASIVE SCRUBBING PADS, STEEL WOOL, OR SCOURING POWDER. To avoid scratching, use floor protectors or protective pads under chairs and furniture legs. Use walk-off mats at entryways to collect tracked-in dirt and grit and to absorb excess moisture. Because metal rolling casters can damage the floor, we do not recommend them.

Subfloor Requirements

Laminate flooring can be installed over most subfloors and existing floors on all grade levels. All substrates must: meet applicable building codes be structurally sound show minimal deflection be dry, clean and flat

Precautions:
Laminate flooring may be installed in bathrooms following the guidelines outlined in the Bathroom Installation section. Laminate flooring is not recommended over most carpets or in high-humidity areas where the floor is normally wet – e.g., steam rooms, or saunas.
The slope should not exceed 1″ in 6′ (2.54 cm in 1.83 m). Variations in subfloor flatness should not exceed 1/4″ in 10′ (6.35 mm in 3.05 m). Level floors with a suitable cement-based self-leveling underlayment following the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines. Radiant heated subfloors should not exceed 85°F (29°C).

Concrete Subfloors

Concrete floors must be cured properly and allowed to dry for at least 60 days after the curing process. Concrete floors must not show any signs of moisture or alkali. Use Two-in-One™ Underlayment (or moisture barrier sheeting for laminate with attached underlayment), butt the edges together and tape the seams with polyethylene tape that is a minimum of 1-3/4″ wide. Test for moisture in concrete prior to installation. Too much moisture can cause significant damage to laminate flooring. Tape 3′ x 3′ (91 cm x 91 cm) pieces of polyethylene film to the subfloor. After 24 hours, if moisture condensation appears on the film or the concrete appears dark-colored, it is likely excessive moisture is present and a Calcium Chloride test must be run.
The maximum acceptable moisture emission level for laminate
flooring installations is 5.0 lb./1000 sq. ft./24 hours (2.26 kg/101.6 m2/24 hours).

Wood Subfloors

Wood subfloors must be suspended and have a minimum of 18″ (45.7 cm) of well-ventilated crawl space. Regardless of grade level, do not install over wood subfloors applied directly to concrete or on sleepers over concrete. Installation of a polyethylene film vapor barrier over the ground in the crawl space is recommended. The seams of Two-in-One Underlayment do not need to be taped.

Underlayment Boards

Laminate flooring can be installed over any wood, cement, or gypsum-based underlayment boards that are installed according to the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines. The seams of Two-in-One Underlayment do not need to be taped.

Wood Flooring

All wood flooring must be dry, level, flat and installed over suspended subfloors. Sand any ridges or uneven portions and repair squeaks. The seams of Two-in-One Underlayment do not need to be taped. Install laminate flooring at a 90° angle to existing wood plank flooring.
Wood flooring over concrete must be removed.

Ceramic and Resilient Tile

Tile installed over concrete:
• Use Two-in-One Underlayment (or moisture barrier sheeting for laminate with attached underlayment), butt the edges together and tape the seams with polyethylene tape that is a minimum of 1-3/4″ wide. Tile installed over wood:
• The seams of Two-in-One Underlayment do not need to be taped.

Vinyl Sheet installed over concrete:
• Use Two-in-One Underlayment (or moisture barrier sheeting for laminate with attached underlayment), butt the edges together and tape the seams with polyethylene tape that is a minimum of 1-3/4″ wide.

Vinyl sheet installed over wood:
• The seams of Two-in-One Underlayment do not need to be taped.

Carpet
• Fully adhered, 1/4″ (6.35 mm) carpet over a suspended wood subfloor is a suitable substrate. All other carpet and any carpet pad must be removed. If the carpet was glued in place, remove all remaining debris and excessive adhesive residue.
• Do not install laminate over carpet adhered to concrete. Two-in-One Underlayment is not recommended.
• Use clear polyethylene plastic over the carpet. The seams do not need to be taped.

Room Preparation

Conditioning/Acclimation
1. Store flooring flat in unopened packages in the center of the room in which it will be installed for 48 hours before installation*.
2. The room temperature should be at a minimum of 65°F/18°C for 48 hours before, during, and 48 hours after installation.
3. During and after installation, the room temperature should not exceed a maximum of 100°F/38°C.
* Note: 8mm and 11mm locking laminate flooring do not require 48 hours acclimation.

Preparation
1. Removal of existing wall base, millwork, or trim is optional.
2. Door trims and doorjambs must be undercut to allow the floor to move freely. Use a discarded piece of floor and foam underlayment to support the saw blade at the correct height for undercutting.
3. Sweep the subfloor and remove all dust and debris.
4. If the drywall is slightly elevated at the floor and wall juncture, create a solid wall surface by fastening a 2-3″ wide facing strip such as 1/4″ (6.35 mm) plywood to the wall at the stud location.
5. New wall base or moulding must be installed at the end of the job to cover the 1/4″ (6.35 mm) expansion zone around the perimeter of the floor.
6. It may be necessary to plane or cut the bottom of the door to accommodate the change in floor height.

Layout
Install parallel to incoming light from any windows or if lighting is not a concern, parallel to the longest wall in the room.

High Moisture Areas
It is a good idea to use 100% silicone caulk in areas of rooms where excessive moisture may be present, such as at kitchen sinks, dishwashers and ice makers. See Bathroom Installation section for instructions on Full Bathroom Installations.

Installing Cabinets
Install cabinets and then install the laminate around the cabinets leaving the 1/4″ (6.35mm) expansion zone. If installing cabinets after the laminate has been installed, most or all of the cabinet weight should be supported by the wall mountings. To secure the cabinets to the substrate with screws or nails, drill oversized holes through the laminate to allow for expansion.