What is the correct way to lay laminate flooring?
In most cases, you should lay your laminate flooring parallel to the longest side of the room or your home. This will create a more natural flow and will accentuate the length of the room better. This, however, is just one of the many ways to lay your laminate flooring.
Which is the tongue side of laminate flooring?
The tongue on laminate flooring is the small flat edge on one side of the board, this is the top edge that is going to angle and lock into the bottom side of another board.
What is SwiftLock?
SwiftLock is a brand of laminate flooring made by Armstrong. Unlike solid wood flooring, engineered laminates are floating floors — the planks connect to each other but are not nailed to the subfloor. SwiftLock, and some other brands of laminates, have interlocking tongues and grooves milled into mating edges.
How do I start my first row of laminate flooring?
Begin the first row of flooring by placing the planks with the tongue side facing the wall. Install the second plank next to the first by aligning the tongue into the groove and press the plank down to snap it in place. When you come to the end of the first row, cut the length of plank needed to complete the row.
Which side of laminate flooring starts against the wall?
tongue
The tongue is the side that you will want to place against the wall as you start your laminate-flooring installation.
Why do you cut the tongue off laminate flooring?
We recommend cutting off the tongue on this first row to avoid any problem with the expansion gap. Insert the second plank into the first at an angle pressing the short ends together; then press it down. Repeat the same procedure down the row.
How do you install a swiftlock floor?
Proper Installation of a SwiftLock Floor Preparation. Laminate flooring can be installed over most hard surfaces, including concrete, other laminates or plywood. Foam Underlayment. Laminate flooring must be installed over sheets over thin foam underlayment. The foam acts as a… Layout. Experiment
What is swiftlock laminate?
SwiftLock, and some other brands of laminates, have interlocking tongues and grooves milled into mating edges. This feature allows an installation free of messy glues.
How do you install laminate flooring over foam underlayment?
Laminate flooring must be installed over sheets over thin foam underlayment. The foam acts as a cushion for the floor, helps prevent noises — should the laminate floor rub against the subfloor — and acts as a vapor barrier. Butt the edges of underlayment rather than overlapping them. Tape the seams with duct tape or a similar type of tape.
How do you prepare a concrete floor for laminate flooring?
Test concrete subfloors for excessive moisture by taping a sheet of plastic to the floor and waiting 24 hours. If you discover a damp floor after lifting the plastic, the concrete draws too much moisture for laminates. Other preparations include baseboard removal and trimming doorjambs.