How to Install Shaw Wood Laminate Flooring
Shaw laminate flooring comes in a variety of colors and styles to fit in with just about every home decor. In addition, the flooring is durable, resistant to stains and cleans easily. Best of all, installing Shaw wood laminate flooring is something that the average homeowner can tackle for himself. As with any project, careful preparation is the key to success with laminate flooring. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shaw wood laminate flooring
- Saw
- Moisture barrier
- Foam underlayment
- Quarter round moulding
- Hammer
- Block of wood
- Pry bar
- Spacers
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
Instructions
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1
Ensure that the floor is level and free from debris and protruding objects. On concrete floors, you can use a self leveling compound to smooth out any valleys. Carpet must be removed before installing Shaw laminate flooring.
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2
Stack the Shaw flooring in its packing boxes in the room that is to be covered. Do not stack more than three boxes high. Allow the flooring to sit in the room for at least 48 hours in order to acclimate.
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3
Remove all floor moulding except for the baseboard moulding.
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4
Roll out the moisture barrier. Tape pieces together with clear packing tape. Do not use tape when installing over wood floors.
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5
Roll the foam underlayment over the moisture barrier.
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6
Place the first piece in the corner of the room. Use the tile spacers to maintain a 1/4-inch expansion gap between the board and the walls.
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7
Cut another board in half. Place this lengthwise against the first board, in the corner, being sure to maintain the proper space between the board and the wall. Check the tongue to make sure that it is clear of debris. Angle this downward and insert it into the groove on the first board. Press down until you hear the two boards click together. Hold the wood block against the first board. Tap the second board with the hammer to lock the boards together.
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8
Go back to the first row and insert another whole piece of Shaw laminate against the head of the first piece. Tap this into position.
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9
Alternate filling in the first and second rows of laminate until you reach the other wall. You will have to carefully measure the end pieces to make sure they fit against the end of the wall and also provide the 1/4-inch necessary expansion gap. Use the pry bar to lever these last boards into position.
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10
Finish the rest of the room, alternating rows as detailed above.
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11
Measure and cut quarter round moulding to cover the expansion gaps along the wall.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also purchase foam padding that comes with a built-in moisture barrier. Make sure to order more square footage than you need to cover the area. This will give you some extra flooring pieces if you mess up while cutting.
Carefully inspect each board before you install it, as boards may have been damaged during shipping.
