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Installing a Click-Together Engineered Floor

This story covers installing click-together engineered wood flooring.

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Roll out underlayment Enlarge Image

Step 1

Roll out the underlayment in the same direction that you plan to install the flooring. Abut edges or overlap as directed by the manufacturer. Seal the edges as recommended.

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Lay longest plank Enlarge Image
Step 2

Select the longest plank available; start from the right and position the first plank with the groove toward the wall. Use 1/2-inch wood scraps at the wall to maintain the required expansion gap. Continue working down the first row, clicking together the planks end to end. Cut the end plank to fit as needed.

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Angle and click illustration Enlarge Image
Clicking Together: Angle and click

To install the second and subsequent rows, first interlock the plank end to end, then interlock the long sides. You will have to angle the edge to properly fit the tongue and groove together, then push down. Use the tapping block to complete the seat or click the lengths together.

Seat tongue and groove with tapping block Enlarge Image
Step 3

Start the second row using the leftover length from the last piece in the first row -- provided the piece is at least 8 inches long and 6 inches away from an end joint. Otherwise cut another piece to the desired length. Use the tapping block to seat the tongue and groove together.

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Lay last row Enlarge Image
Step 4

Use the same technique to complete all the rows. You may need to rip-cut the last row to fit, allowing for the recommended expansion gap. If necessary use a pry bar to seat the last row.

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Door jamb illustration Enlarge Image
Shave off the lip to install under doorjambs

To fit click-together engineered wood planks under door casing, reduce the height of the groove lip. This avoids a visible gap. Using a small plane or a utility knife, shave off about 75 percent of the groove ledge as shown. Remove the board and slip it into place beneath the casing; snug with the pry bar if needed. Run a thin bead of glue along the top edge of the tongue on the next plank and snug into place, using a pry bar if needed. Use blue painter's tape to hold the boards secure until the glue dries.

Comments (1)
6314400375
housevickiann wrote:

Ilive in a double wide and want to put laminate floor in how do you do it around the doors & patio door?Vicki

9/25/2010 12:13:10 PM Report Abuse
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