How to Install Pergo Laminate Flooring

Do you want a hardwood floor, but you're afraid of the expense and the work, or worse, the expense of having it installed? Pergo laminate flooring is a good alternative. It is hassle free to install, less expensive than hardwood and long lasting. Installation of Pergo can be a do-it-yourself project with great results. It can be installed over tile, linoleum, wood, concrete and ceramic tile. Carpet and padding, however, must be removed before installing Pergo. Pergo comes in many finishes and styles, even some that resembles ceramic tile.

Things You'll Need

• Pergo flooring Polyethylene film Pull bar Mallet Pergo sealant Tapping block Felt pads

Instructions

How to Install Pergo Laminate Flooring

1. 

   Measure the room that the flooring will be installed in. Purchase the amount of flooring you need, allowing 10 percent extra for waste. Stack the flooring in or near the area where it will be installed and allow it to adjust to the room temperature for at least 48 hours before installation.

2. Remove all furniture from the room and thoroughly clean the floor and allow to dry. If the room is carpeted, remove the carpeting and padding, and clean the floor. Remove baseboards. Lay polyethylene film on the floor starting on the long side of the room.

3. 

   Begin installation on the longer side of the room. Trim off the tongue side of the Pergo planking that will be placed against the wall. Allow a quarter-inch clearance between the first piece and the wall, so that the floor can move or float. Add the next plank. Use the tapping block to ensure that the ends of the planks are butted-up tight by placing the tapping block on the end of the board and tapping it with the mallet until it moves into place.

4. 

   Install the next row of flooring by inserting the tongue of the plank into the groove of the first row of planks. Gently push down on the plank until it snaps into place. Use the tapping block to ensure a smooth fit.

5. 

   Trim off the last row of planks to allow a quarter-inch clearance from the wall. Use the pull bar to snap the planks in the last row into place. Apply Pergo sealant around the outside parameters of the wall to seal out moisture. Reinstall the baseboards. Install transition strips anywhere that the flooring meets another type of flooring, such as ceramic tile or carpeting.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply felt pads to the legs of furniture to prevent scratching the new Pergo floor. Use door mats at outside entrances.

• Never use steam cleaning equipment on Pergo flooring.