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. Although the traditional glue systems still dominate, the "glueless" laminates are expected to dominate the market by mid 2002.

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 toll free 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 (prybar) Underlay (usually foam or cork) 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 (prybar) Underlay (usually foam or cork)

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 (USA), Steps (Canada) and several other periferary lines. Recently, Unilin has sold licenses for some of their competitors to manufacturer a "glueless" system by incorporating their Uniclic joint. Licenses in North America have been granted to Pergo and Columbia Flooring, and some others.

by incorporating their Uniclic joint. Licenses in North America have been granted to Pergo and Columbia Flooring, and some others. As Laminates continue to grow in popularity the installation of them will also become easier. We have now started to see this with the invention of "glueless" Laminate floors.

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

Author: Jason Walker - FlooringGuide.com Editorial Staff Jason Walker is a Professional Flooring Consultant Copyright © 2000 FlooringGuide.com All Rights Reserved