Laminate Floor Installation Overview

As most people now understand, Laminates are a "Floating Floor". That means that the planks or tiles are fastened to each other, but in no way fastened to the substrate. By using a thin underlay, the floor now floats over the plywood or cement floor beneath it. Once the floor is together, it is very strong and heavy. Held down by gravity, a "floating floor" can be more forgiving if some moisture or uneven surface preparation problems exist.

Tongue and Groove or Glueless When Laminate floors first came on the market, there was only one method of installation. The tongue and grooves were glued together, then clamped and left to dry. However, tremendous advances in technology now enables manufacturers to make a Laminate flooring that requires no glue at all.

Manufacturer's Instructions
The single most important factor when installing ANY laminate floor is to check the manufacturer's instructions. Most have some subtleties that make their product or methods of installation differ from their competitors. Check with your retailer for complete instructions. You may also visit the manufacturer website or call their technical help number.

Equipment Required

TRADITIONAL GLUE

Fine tooth saw
(table, hand, jig or circular)
Wall spacer wedges
Tapping Block
Measuring Tape
Hammer
Pencil
Last row puller
Underlay (usually foam)
Clamps (usually 'strap' style)
Glue
Glue Scraper
Bucket with warm water

GLUELESS

Fine tooth saw
(table, hand, jig or circular)
Wall spacer wedges
Tapping Block
Measuring Tape
Hammer
Pencil
Last row puller
Underlay (usually foam)

What is Easier?
Although many people have successfully installed traditional glue-together Laminate floors, the "glueless" are definitely easier. On average the "Glueless" systems are installed approximately 50% faster than the traditional systems. One manufacturer of a "glueless" system has done an impeccable job.

Unilin Decor, of Belgium, has created the "Uniclic" joint. It has become the industry standard of "glueless" systems. No other joint works as well, or has been more widely accepted. Uniclic markets their own brands as Quick Step through out Europe.

Unilin has sold licenses for some of their competitors to manufacturer a "glueless" system by incorporating their Uniclic joint. Licenses have been granted to manufacturers such as Pergo and some others.

As Laminates continue to grow in popularity the installation of them will also become easier. We now see this with the invention of "glueless" Laminate floors.

As Laminates continue to grow in popularity the installation of them will also become easier.

Frequently Asked Questions...

Can I have a Laminate floor in the Bathroom ?

Can I have Laminate / Wooden / Engineered flooring on my stairs ?

What is a floating floor ?

What is Laminate flooring ?