How To Lay Stone Laminate Flooring

If it s not start the row with a plank cut to a length greater than 1 foot.

How to lay stone laminate flooring.

Start on the right side and work to the left. Once you are getting to the last plank of the row cut the plank decorative side up if using a handsaw or side down when using a power saw and fit into place. Begin laying the first row on the longest wall with the trimmed edges of the planks against the wall. Shorten the first piece of laminate flooring so the joints in this row will be offset staggered in relationship to the first row.

Insert the tongue of the second row plank into the groove of the first row plank at a slight angle until the laminate edges meet. Most dips can be taken care of with a trowel and vinyl floor patch. Use the remainder of the laminate flooring planks you cut at the end of row one to start the next row as long as it s longer than 1 foot. Buy a fast drying variety if you want to start laying the floor the same day.

Install laminate flooring planks by inserting one short end into the other at an angle approximately 20 degrees and pressing down. For the next plank join the short end of the plank first image 2. Use a wooden block to tap the next row of boards into the first. Lay down a full size plank against the wall spacing it about 1 4 to 3 8 inch as directed by the manufacturer away from the wall and making sure the groove edge faces out.

Directly on the subfloor install a layer of plastic sheeting to create a moisture barrier image 1. You will see a gap on the long side joints when the plank is rotated down. Slide the first two rows into their final position and repeat steps 5 and 6 above using the same alternating plank technique to complete the process. Hold the block securely with your left hand and hit the block with a hammer in you right hand.

When installing a floating laminate floor you don t need to use any adhesive nails or staples. Avoid self leveling floor compounds especially on older homes says jay our flooring pro. A dip in the floor will cause a soft spongy section in the laminate floor. Next rotate down until the joints lock image 1.

Tape the sheeting to the wall two inches above the floor using painter s tape image 2.