INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION
OVERVIEW
Jason
Walker
FlooringGuide.com Editorial Staff
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.
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
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