Conditioning/Acclimation
- Store flooring flat in unopened packages in the center of the room in which
it will be installed for 48 hours before installation*.
- The room temperature should be at a minimum of 65°F/18°C for 48 hours
before, during, and 48 hours after installation.
- During and after installation, the room temperature should not exceed a
maximum of 100°F/38°C.
* Note: 8mm and 11mm locking laminate flooring do not require 48 hours
acclimation.
Preparation
- Removal of existing wall base, millwork, or trim is optional.
- Door trims and doorjambs must be undercut to allow the floor to move
freely. Use a discarded piece of floor and foam underlayment to support
the saw blade at the correct height for undercutting.
- Sweep the subfloor and remove all dust and debris.
- If the drywall is slightly elevated at the floor and wall juncture, create a solid
wall surface by fastening a 2-3" wide facing strip such as 1/4" (6.35 mm) plywood
to the wall at the stud location.
- New wall base or moulding must be installed at the end of the job to cover
the 1/4" (6.35 mm) expansion zone around the perimeter of the floor.
- It may be necessary to plane or cut the bottom
of the door to accommodate the change in
floor height.
Layout
- Install parallel to incoming light from any
windows or if lighting is not a concern,
parallel to the longest wall in the room.
High Moisture Areas
- It is a good idea to use 100% silicone caulk in areas of rooms where excessive
moisture may be present, such as at kitchen sinks, dishwashers and
ice makers. See
Bathroom Installation for instructions on Full
Bathroom Installations.
Installing Cabinets
- Install cabinets and then install the laminate around the cabinets leaving
the 1/4" (6.35mm) expansion zone.
- If installing cabinets after the laminate has been installed, most or all of the
cabinet weight should be supported by the wall mountings. To secure the
cabinets to the substrate with screws or nails, drill oversized holes
through the laminate to allow for expansion.
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