Armstrong Laminate Flooring Installation Instructions

Essential Armstrong Laminate Flooring Installation Instructions

Armstrong Laminate Flooring offers durability, style, and ease of installation. To ensure a successful DIY project, follow these essential steps:

1. Preparation:
- Clear the installation area and remove any existing flooring or underlayment.
- Inspect the subfloor for flatness and levelness. Correct any imperfections with leveling or patching materials.

2. Underlayment Installation:
- Install the Armstrong underlayment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Ensure that the underlayment is smooth, flat, and free of seams or gaps.

3. Plan the Layout:
- Determine the starting point based on the room's focal point.
- Layout a few rows of planks to visualize the result and ensure a pleasing pattern.

4. Start Installation:
- Use a utility knife to trim the plank's edge facing the wall to avoid protruding edges.
- Engage the first plank into the underlayment along the starting point.
- Continue installing successive planks by aligning their edges and tapping them together using a tapping block and hammer.

5. Expansion Gap:
- Maintain a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the flooring to allow for natural expansion and contraction.
- Use spacers or wedges to maintain the gap during installation.

6. Transitions and Moldings:
- Install transition pieces between different flooring types or to cover expansion gaps.
- Use moldings, such as baseboards or quarter-rounds, to finish the edges of the flooring.

7. Post-Installation Care:
- Clean the flooring with a damp mop and manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution.
- Use protective mats or chair pads to prevent scratches or dents.
- Schedule regular inspections to monitor the flooring's condition and address any issues promptly.

Additional Tips:
- Stagger the plank joints by at least 8 inches to enhance the flooring's durability.
- Use a moisture barrier over the subfloor in areas with high humidity or potential moisture exposure.
- Hire a professional installer if you are not confident in your DIY skills or have a complex installation.