How to Install Snap and Lock Laminate Flooring
Although it was introduced to the U.S. less than 20 years ago, laminate flooring has quickly become a popular floor choice. It's durable, doesn't stain easily and comes in a variety of colors and styles. Manufacturers have even made it easy for do-it-yourself installations through the introduction of snap and lock laminate flooring. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Snap and lock laminate flooring
- Moisture barrier (if needed)
- Foam underlayment
- Table or hand saw
- Hammer
- Block of wood
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Pry bar
- Quarter round molding
- Nails
Instructions
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1
Clean the sub-floor. Use a vacuum cleaner to pick up any dust or debris. Scrape off anything stuck to the sub-floor with a putty knife. Check that he sub-floor is level. On a wood sub-floor, sand down any high spots. With concrete, use self-leveling compound to smooth out any valleys.
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2
Install the proper underlayment for the flooring. This usually consists of a thin layer of plastic called a moisture barrier and a foam padding. The moisture barrier prevents water from condensing on the laminate, causing it to warp, while the foam padding cushions the laminate and also has some sound proofing qualities. Depending on your installation, you may or may not need to use a moisture barrier. In general, a moisture barrier is not required on wood sub-floors. Consult with the salespeople where you bought your laminate for the proper underlayment for your particular installation.
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3
Take your first plank and place it in the corner of the room. Use laminate spacers (tile spacers will do if you can't find these) to keep the wood at least 1/4 inch away from the wall. This "expansion gap" allows the laminate to expand and contract with the ambient temperature.
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4
Saw your second piece of laminate in half. By cutting the board, you stagger the laminate planks. This gives a more natural appearance. Hold it lengthwise next to the first board, with the cut end along the wall. Remember to use the spacers. Keep it at about a 45 degree angle and insert the tongue in the board into the groove in the board on the floor. Slowly lower the board to the ground until you hear it "snap" and lock into place. Hold the block of wood against the open end of the board. Tap on this with the hammer. This will give the boards a nice, tight fit.
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5
Return to the first row and install another plank next to it, attaching the smaller ends of the boards together. Use the same technique to snap and lock the board into place. Tap with the hammer and make sure to remember the spacers along the wall.
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Do the same thing on the second row, except for the spacers. You only have to use those along the wall. Lower and snap the board into place and then give it a few taps with the hammer.
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Complete this process, doing first one row and then the other, until you reach the wall. Unless you're very lucky, the last boards aren't going to fit. You will have to measure and cut them. Remember the 1/4 inch when measuring for your expansion gap. Because these pieces are against the wall, you will have to use a pry bar to get them wedged into place.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow the laminate to sit in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours in order to bring it to room temperature.
Always use proper safety equipment when using power tools.
