Install Laminate Flooring

A. Laying of the First Row

1. First lay the underlay properly and correctly. Start laying the panels in the left corner of the room by laying the panels so that the tongues face the wall (diagram 1). Then connect two panels without offset by simply »locking« the transverse sides. To do this, hold the right panel at an angle of approx. 30° and move the tongue toward the groove of the left panel and then bend it downwards until both panels lie flat on the floor (see diagram 2).
2. Connect all further panels of this row laterally to the previous ones. It is important to keep the orientation of the first row of panels straight. This is the only way that subsequent rows can be fitted exactly. Prior to laying, measure the room, so that you know how wide the last row of panels will be. This is not to be any narrower than 5cm. If so, the first row of panels must be cut to correspond with the width calculated. Using the laminate spacers, secure the distance to the wall of 1.5mm per running metre (at least 10mm). (See diagram 4)
3. The last panel of a row should have a length of at least 40cm or 15.75 inches. If necessary, shorten the first panel of the row. To obtain the exact length of cut for the last panel of a row, rotate this by 640° and (decorative side up) lay it next to the rows already laid, so that the grooves face each other. Leave sufficient room at the head end for the expansion joint. Mark the section and saw it off (see diagram 3). If using a handsaw the decorative side must face up to avoid splintering at the edges. If using an electrical sabre saw or a hand-held circular saw the decorative side should be facing down.
4. The panels must follow the course of the wall. If the wall is not straight the course of the wall must be copied onto the flooring panel of the first row of panels. The panels must be sawed to fit, in accordance with the marks previously copied onto them.

B. Laying of Subsequent Rows

1. Start with the second row. To do this, use half a panel or the offcut of a panel from the previous row, min. 40cm (see diagram 5).
2. Holding the panel as flat as possible (at an upwards angle of approx. 20 - 30 degrees) bring the longitudinal side parallel to the first row and lock it in. Due to the form of the profile the panel will initially retain a slight, locked angled position (please note: at this point, do not force the panel flat onto the floor against the resistance). The following panel is now docked onto the previous one at a slight upward angle. It is then angled and pushed downwards in the direction of the longitudinal side, until it is virtually connected with the previous row (diagram 6). Only after having connected all panels of the row in this manner, does the entire row virtually lock in by itself, through several upwards and downward movements and simultaneous pressure in the direction of the row already laid (diagram 7).
3. Use the same procedure for all further panels. Please observe, that the distance to the wall is adhered to in laying all further panels.
4. Continue using this method, lock the individual rows of panels together until the room is finished (diagram 9).

C. Laying of the Last Row

When laying the last row of panels, determine the exact width. For this purpose lay a panel on the second to last row of panels. Then lay a second panel (with the groove facing the wall) on the panel to be measured and use this as a rule. And, please keep in mind the expansion distance from the wall. Saw the panels to fit the markings and lay as described above (see diagram 8).

D. Disassembly

If required, the panels can also be disassembled (moving house, repairs, change of furnishings...) To disassemble the panels, first carefully remove the complete row on the longitudinal sides and then separate the individual panels from one another. This is easiest done if you lift the panels upwards. If sufficient care is taken, this process can be repeated at least two to three times without causing damage.

Installing Laminate Flooring in Special Areas Including Stairs

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