Installation Methods

How to Install Glue-Down Engineered Wood Flooring

Hardwood engineered floors are scratch and stain-resistant, impervious to mould and rot and are available in diverse finishes, textures and shades. Glue-down engineered floors can be laid on the existing floor covers, which makes the installation process easy and cost-effective.

A Little Pre-planning

Before you buy the hardwood engineered planks, measure the floor area accurately to determine how many planks are required.

Use a chalk to demarcate the floor according to the plank’s dimensions so that these are aligned perfectly straight post installation.

To acclimatise the planks, let the boxes rest flat for a few days before opening.

Prepare the Subfloor

Be sure to prepare the subfloor thoroughly. Remove all debris, dirt, particles, remaining wax or adhesive. Fill up all cracks and gaps so that the subfloor is perfectly even and smooth. Mop it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before beginning the installation process.

Install Your Glue-Down Engineered Wood Floor

Insert spacers along the edges of the wall to create expansion gaps while laying the first row. Begin by installing the first row of planks against the longest wall in your room.

It is important that the first row is perfectly aligned in a straight line. This is the only way to ensure that the successive rows are installed straight.

Pour just enough glue on the subfloor to cover two to three planks at a time. Use a urethane-based adhesive that works best with floors that feature tongues and grooves. Hold a trowel at a 45-degree angle and spread the glue evenly on the subfloor.

Attach the planks together leaving a little space in-between for natural expansion and contraction. Start from the left side of the room and work your way gradually towards the opposite wall.

Once the planks in the first row are attached, position the grooved side towards the wall. Now press gently but firmly onto the glued surface for strong adhesion. Move the trowel backward and forward several times over the planks so that they are set evenly. This also ensures there are no air-pockets trapped underneath.

Continue this way until you reach the last row. If the planks for the last row are too wide, cut them to size to ensure the floor fits snugly against the wall. Use a pry bar to install the last row correctly and pull the planks into place. Allow the floor to set for at least 24 hours before using.

How to Install Floating Engineered Wood Flooring

Hardwood engineered flooring is an excellent option when you love the warm and rustic hues of solid wood floors. Apart from adding value to your property, hardwood engineered floors are easier to maintain and more durable as compared to solid hardwood floors.

Engineered wood floors are easy to install using the floating floor method.

Things to Consider

The entire installation process takes at least two to three days. Moreover, you can’t just walk on your new floor immediately. So plan your movements accordingly.

Measure the floor area accurately. Divide the total area of the floor by the dimensions of the planks to know how many you will need. This will also give you an idea of how many rolls of foam underlayment you’ll need.

The planks also have to be acclimatised to the room’s temperature for at least 48 hours prior to installation. Just let the boxes lie flat (not staggered or standing) in the middle of your room for 48 hours.

Prepare the Subfloor

It is vital that the subfloor i.e. the pre-existing floor is completely level, smooth and free from cracks and gaps. Remove all dirt and debris and mop it with a neutral cleaning solution. Let the subfloor dry out completely.

Roll out your underlayment and place it in a single layer across the subfloor. Size it accordingly and snip off any extra edges using a utility knife. Attach the seams of the subfloor and the underlayment together using duct tape.

Install the Engineered Wood Planks

Installing the planks along the longest wall has the best effect. Remember that the last row should be at least 1.5” wide. If need be, trip the planks to be used in the first row to ensure that the final row of planks is wide enough.

Install the first row by applying glue along the edges of the planks and arrange them with the tongue positioned towards the centre of the room.

Install successive rows from left to right. Apply the glue on the seams of the tongues and the grooves to connect them firmly and place the new planks carefully on the subfloor. Wipe off any extra glue immediately.

Do not join the planks too tightly. Leave a little space for natural expansion and contraction. Complete the installation process and nail the floor to the walls and NOT the subfloor. Allow the new floor to set for at least 24 hours before use.

How to Install Click-Lock Vinyl Flooring

Click-lock vinyl floors are suitable for any space. They are installed using the floating floor method. This means you can install these floors on existing floor covers like linoleum, tiles, parquet, laminate or even vinyl.

These floors are perfectly suitable for wet and humid spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens or the basement. With click-lock vinyl floors, you get quick, affordable and beautiful flooring that you can install easily and quickly.

Prepare the Subfloor

For a smooth installation, it is important to prepare the subfloor. A clean, dry and even subfloor ensures that the vinyl planks are laid evenly without any undulations or air-pockets beneath.

Remove all traces of dust, dirt or other particles from the subfloor using a neutral cleaning liquid. Allow the subfloor to dry completely. In case the existing subfloor is too glossy, a primer is effective in ensuring a firm adhesion to the subfloor. Be sure to fill up all cracks and gaps.

Prepare the Click-Lock Vinyl Flooring Planks

Allow the planks to acclimatise to a temperature of 15°C for at least a day before installation. Measure the space carefully to determine the exact width of the last row of planks to be installed.

In case the width of these planks is less than 50mm, you will have to adjust the width of the first row of planks accordingly.

Keep at least ¼” space on all four sides and around fixtures such as pipes to allow for normal expansion and contraction of the planks.

Install Your Click-Lock Vinyl Floor

In general, vinyl flooring planks are installed along the direction of the primary light source. However, in case the space is narrow such as a corridor, install the planks along the length of the space irrespective of the direction of the light.

Using a chalk, draw a line to mark the starting point so that the floor is perfectly aligned post installation. Click and join the planks and start installing them from the left side and gradually move towards the right side. Remember that the tongue of the first row of planks will always face the starting wall. Use spacers between the edge of the wall and the planks.

In case you need to trim the last plank, use a utility knife to score the surface and bend it down to cut off the extra edge. It is crucial that the first two rows are aligned perfectly straight as this will affect the alignment of the successive rows.

How to Install Glue-Down Vinyl Flooring

When you want a durable, cost-effective floor that’s high on aesthetics, vinyl tiles are an excellent choice. Vinyl tile floors are less expensive than hardwood flooring or ceramic tiles and are available in a multitude of designs, patterns and textures.

Moreover, vinyl floors are softer and highly resistant to humidity, scratches and stains. Installing these floors is simple as you can lay them on any existing floor cover.

Pre-Installation Preparations

The first step is measuring the space accurately where the tiles will be laid. Once you have calculated the area, you will know exactly how many boxes of tiles will be required. It is prudent to buy a few extra boxes to allow for breakage during installation or to replace damaged tiles in the future.

Evaluate Your Existing Floor

Before installing the vinyl flooring; it is crucial to evaluate the condition of your present floor. The best part about vinyl tiles is that they can be laid on any existing surface such as laminate, parquet, linoleum or tiles.

However, the floor must be in good condition and strong enough to absorb the weight of an additional floor on top.

Prepare the Existing Floor

Prepare your existing floor before spreading the glue. Dust and mop to remove traces of any particles, dust or dirt that may lead to an uneven installation. Let the floor dry out completely before beginning the installation process.

Demarcate Your Floor

Once your existing floor is ready for installation, demarcate it accurately using chalk to draw lines in keeping with the measurement of the tiles. This creates a grid so that your tiles are aligned perfectly.

Start from the Centre

One of the fundamental rules of laying vinyl tile flooring is to start at the centre of the room and spread outward instead of the other way round. Demarcating the floor will help you locate the centre point.

Use a trowel to spread the glue on the subfloor and ensure at least 90% of the bottom layer of the tiles is covered by the adhesive. Use enough glue to cover two to three tiles at a time.

Press the tiles gently on the glued surface and install it firmly through backward and forward strokes. This not only ensures a straight and stable floor but also eliminates chances of air-pockets underneath.

Install the vinyl tiles within two hours before the glue dries up.

How to Install Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is an excellent flooring option. Vinyl floors are durable, moisture resistant, affordable, low on maintenance and very easy to install on any existing floor.

Loose lay installation is one of the quickest and mess-free installation processes. Loose lay installation does not involve the use of any glue or nails. The loose lay vinyl tiles/planks have a rough bottom surface. This creates enough friction with the subfloor to hold them firmly in place and give you a sturdy and stable floor.

Acclimatise your Vinyl Tiles/Planks

Before the loose lay installation, it is essential to acclimatise the tiles/planks. Remove them from the boxes and let them rest flat for at least 48 hours at a room temperature between 18°C - 29°C.

Prepare the Subfloor

Since vinyl tiles or planks can be laid on any existing floors, it is essential to prepare the subfloor. The subfloor should be absolutely dry, clean of debris and dust, and perfectly level.

Remove any remaining adhesive, wax or oil finish on the existing floor and patch up any cracks before installation.

In case damp permeates through the subfloor, apply a coat of damp-proof or moisture-resistant material before installation.

For rooms with underfloor heating systems, be sure to switch off the heating system at least 48 hours before installation. Keep it turned off during installation and at least for 48 hours after installation.

The Installation Process

Lay the vinyl floors in such a way that the tiles/planks are directly against the wall surface. Seal any gaps and use a good quality adhesive to fix the edges in open spaces without walls.

The outer edges of the planks or tiles should fit snugly against the edges of the walls or any permanent fixtures. This ensures a strong and stable floor since no glue is used in the loose lay installation process.

Before installing, ensure that the tiles/planks are fixed tightly to each other. However, do not compress them too tightly as a little space is required to adjust to seasonal expansions. Planks/tiles that are joined together too tightly may bulge out at the joints.

Start installing the planks/tiles in rows from one corner of the room. Spread out gradually until the entire floor is covered. In case the installation is not firm enough, you can lift the tiles/planks and re-lay them.

How to Install Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring has its own timeless appeal. Whether you want a rustic themed interior or an opulent look, hardwood flooring can create the right ambience. Solid hardwood flooring adds elegance and warmth to your living spaces, bedrooms or dining areas and is guaranteed to increase the value of your property.

It is possible to install solid hardwood floors without professional help. However, a few tips can make the procedure easier for you.

Pre-installation Preparations

Measure the floor area accurately and divide by the dimensions of the planks you’re looking to buy. This will help determine the number of boxes of planks you require. Be sure to buy extra boxes to allow for breakage during installation.

Using a chalk, demarcate the floor into sections. This will help you to lay the planks in a perfectly straight line.

Acclimatise the planks well before you begin the installation process. Depending on the species of wood, this may take two to three days. Place the planks upright inside a climate-controlled enclosed environment so that all the sides are exposed equally.

Do not acclimatise hardwood planks in your basement, garage or in the open.

Prepare the Subfloor

Clean the subfloor thoroughly before installation. Remove all debris, particles or existing adhesive and mop it. Allow the subfloor to completely dry before the planks are installed.

Begin the Installation

Installing the first row correctly is of vital importance as it will affect how the successive rows are installed. Start by placing the tongue side of the longest and straightest plank towards the centre of the room. Insert spacers between the first row and the wall. Now drill holes for nails at 6-inch intervals along the entire length of each plank.

Tap the nails well with a nail punch through the hardwood planks into the subfloor. Fill up any gaps with putty. Then blind-nail i.e. conceal the nails underneath the next plank.

To blind-nail, drive the nails at a 45-degree angle through the tongue section. Insert it really well so that the top does not stick out and obstruct successive plank-to-plank connection.

For the second row, join the planks through the tongues and grooves and tap with a mallet for a firm joint. Blind-nail the planks along the tongue side as mentioned above until the entire row has been nailed.

When you reach the last row, cut and size the planks so that the floor fits tightly against the wall without any gaps.

How to Install Click-Lock Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular flooring option. Laminate floors are highly durable, sturdy, moisture-resistant and scratch-resistant. What’s more, these floors are low on maintenance and affordable too.

Installing click-lock laminate floors is extremely easy. The planks feature specially designed tongues and grooves that are just clicked and interlocked to make a sturdy floor. Click-lock laminate floors are installed using the floating floor method. This means that they can be installed on most pre-existing surfaces.

Initial Preparation

Before buying your laminate planks, measure the space accurately to know how many boxes of planks you’ll need. Always buy a few extra boxes in case some planks break during installation. Use chalk to demarcate the floor into straight sections for perfect alignment during installation.

Prepare the Subfloor

It is crucial to prepare the subfloor i.e. the existing floor before installing your new laminate floor. The subfloor should be absolutely clean and free of dust, dirt, debris, glue, wax or other particles. Dust and mop it with a neutral cleaning solution and allow it to dry completely.

Fill up any cracks and seal any gaps to make the subfloor smooth and perfectly level.

Also, ensure the subfloor is damp-proof.

Install Your Click-Lock Laminate Floor

Unroll the underlayment sheets that are installed between the subfloor and new laminate planks. Secure its edges to the subfloor with an adhesive tape. Now cut the first row of laminate boards slightly narrower so that the last row is at least two inches wide. Begin the installation process by clicking the planks together in rows.

While interlocking the planks, don’t join them too firmly. Allow a little space for the planks to adjust to seasonal expansion and contraction. If the planks are joined too tightly, they may bulge out at the joints while expanding.

It is important to install the first two rows in perfect alignment as this will affect the way successive planks are installed.

Installing the laminate planks near doorjambs can be slightly tricky. Usually, the planks are inserted under the doorjamb rather than tilting it upward and snapping the plank into place. To do this correctly, slice off the locking portion of the tongue from the plank with a utility knife so that it slides in smoothly and stays firm.

Complete your installation by cutting and sizing the last row so that the laminate floor fits snugly against the wall.

How to Install Glue-Down Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors are an excellent choice when you want affordable and durable floors that look stylish too. The floors come in diverse patterns and designs and are also resistant to moisture and scratches, making them easy to care for.

Installing laminate floor planks is very easy too. The planks are designed with tongues and grooves and can be glued down on any existing floor.

Prepare your Space

Before buying your planks, measure the space you want to cover accurately so that you will know exactly how many boxes of planks to buy. Use a chalk to demarcate your space according to the size of the planks.

Demarcating your space also helps you to install the planks in perfect alignment so that the final floor looks neat and well installed.

Prepare your Subfloor

The subfloor is the existing floor on which your new laminate planks will be installed. Preparing the subfloor is crucial when you want a stable, sturdy and perfectly levelled floor. Clean the subfloor thoroughly removing all debris, particles, wax or adhesive. Dust and mop carefully using a neutral cleaning solution. Let the subfloor dry completely.

Fill any cracks or gaps in the subfloor using appropriate sealers. This ensures that the subfloor is smooth and level. If the subfloor is susceptible to damp, apply a coating of damp-proof material before installing the planks.

Install Your Laminate Floors

Use an urethane-based adhesive that’s designed specifically for tongue-and-groove flooring. Avoid water-based adhesives unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.

Begin the process by laying the first row against the wall. It is advisable to begin along the longest wall in the room.

Be sure to install the first row straight and perfectly aligned. This will have a direct impact on how the successive planks are installed.

Lay the laminate planks with the grooved side towards the wall. In case the wall has curves or corners, size the planks accordingly by snipping off the edges. Once you are satisfied that the entire row is straight, remove the laminate planks.

Apply glue on the top surface of the tongue of the first plank and on the bottom surface of the groove of the adjacent plank. Fit and install firmly on the subfloor.

Continue doing this until the entire floor is covered. Allow the floor to set for at least an entire day before using it.