Prepare for Installing:
Step 1 Prepare the Subfloor
Step 2 Acclimate the Planks
Step 3 Prepare the Door Jambs
Step 4 Plan the Flooring Layout
Step 5 Cut the Planks
Step 6 Roll out the Underlayment
Step 7 Install the First Row
Step 8 Install the Remaining Rows
Step 9 Install Thresholds and Moulding
NSTALLATION
First row
Start the first row with whole boards. Start the second row with boards cut to 2/3 and the third row with boards cut to 1/3, thus giving the appropriate design flow. Never start with cuts of boards <30 cm long. Never line up joints between rows (stagger).
Start laying the flooring from left to right, with the ‘tongue’ facing the wall. Make sure you place the boards 10 mm away from both walls. If the wall is irregular, the boards will need to be adapted to the contour of the wall.
To lock in short end of the second plank, place the short ends of the two pieces together (trying to leave them lined up straight), lift the piece at an angle of 15º-20º, pushing lightly forwards and downwards so that the piece automatically hooks into the adjoining piece. Continue this process until the row is finished. Place the last board, turning it 180º and facing it on the short sides groove to groove.
Second Row
Use a section of the board cut in the previous row. This section must be at least 30 cm long. If it is too short, start the row with a new board cut to 1/3 the length of the piece. Ensuring to stagger planks for a more random finish.
Next Rows
To continue laying, place the next piece flat, parallel to the board of the adjoining row, raise the board at an angle (±15º), push forwards and down lightly and the pieces should automatically interlock.
Placing the short end of the board at an angle, opposite the board just installed, push forwards and down lightly. Make sure that the board lengthways along the piece is close to the adjoining board and lock it together with the previous piece.
Lift the board ±15º (along with the previous board laid in the same row), push lightly forwards and down, sliding the piece so it can lock into the length sides of the previous piece.
Last Row
Measure and cut the board. Leave 10 mm from the wall for the necessary expansion gap.
ACCLIMATION
This laminate flooring is extremely versatile and can be installed in all areas of your home, except for areas with higher levels of humidity in the environment, such as saunas, sinks, washing areas, etc. where its use is not recommended.
The product needs to be stabilized 48 hours prior to use with the boxes unopened and stored horizontally, well away from any walls.
The room temperature should be around 18ºC – 25ºC and the humidity between 50% – 70%.
If the subfloor is uneven, the laminate flooring may have gaps that wear it down quicker and lead to damage over time. Laying your laminate on an ill-prepared surface can also cause the flooring to shift or even buckle, leading to an unsafe, unsightly finish.
ATTENTION
In some circumstances, it is not possible to lift the boards at an angle, so they lock together (for example, underneath door frames or radiators etc.). In such cases, you can fit the pieces together with the boards flat, bearing in mind that you should not directly strike the boards.
Tap the pieces gently until they lock together, taking care not to damage the laminate, ensuring the hitting block is in complete contact with the edge of the laminate flooring.
Do the same on the long side but starting progressively at an end to move forward the length of the piece.
After Installation
For 3 days after installation, it is advised to maintain floor surface temperatures at a minimum of 15ºC, with a minimum room temperature of 18ºC and relative humidity levels at a maximum of 75%.
The ideal conditions for avoiding problems with the boards’ dimensions and static loads are 50-70% RH and +/-20ºC. Use a humidifier if needed.
Do NOT varnish, sand, polish etc. the laminate flooring.
Products with wax, soap or polish may leave behind residue.
Never fix the laminate flooring to the base floor or other construction elements (with glue, nails, fixed door stops etc).
Place felt pads or floor protectors on the bottom of furniture to prevent scratching when moving furniture careful not to drag any furniture across the surface of your vinyl floors.
Using large rugs can heat the area under them, which is detrimental to laminate flooring.
If water or any other liquid is spilled, promptly wipe, and dry the area – avoid wiping into the bevel between planks.
Placing area rugs and mats at doorways and high traffic areas is highly recommended to lessen wear and tear.
Always clean area rugs and mats regularly as they are prone to trapping abrasive materials.
Regular cleaning of dirt, grit, dust, salt and any other abrasive materials will help to prevent scratches or blemishes.
During the winter months – when your central heaters are running; we recommend using a central humidifier to minimize shrinkage which occurs under low humidity conditions.
During non-heating seasons – summer, fall, spring. We recommend turning on the air conditioner, or dehumidifier, periodically heater as necessary.