Installation Guide

Drop & Lock Glueless Floating Floor Installation Instructions Page 3 of 6 Revised 8/12/14
INSTALLATION TOOLS
For all installation methods:
• Tape measure
• Tapping block (trimmed piece of flooring)
• Pencil
• Pry bar or pull bar
• Chalk line
• Wood or plastic spacers (3/8")
• Crosscut power saw
• 3M
®
Blue Tape
Acceptable subfloor types:
• CDX Underlayment Grade Plywood (at least ½" thick)
• Underlayment grade particleboard
• OSB (at least ¾" thick)
• Concrete slab
• Existing wood floor
• Ceramic tile
• Resilient tile & sheet vinyl
STARTING YOUR INSTALLATION
Make sure subfloor is tested for moisture first and is properly prepared.
Work from several open boxes of flooring and “dry lay” the floor before permanently laying the floor. This will allow you to
select the varying grains & colors and to arrange them in a harmonious pattern. It also allows you the opportunity to
select out very dark/light pieces for use in hidden areas in order to create a more uniform floor. Remember, it is the
installers’ responsibility to determine the expectations of what the finished floor will look like with the end user first and
then to cull out pieces that do not meet those expectations.
Begin installation next to an outside wall. This is usually the straightest and best reference for establishing a straight
working line. Establish this line by measuring an equal distance from the wall at both ends and snapping a chalk line.
The distance you measure from the wall should be the width of a plank plus about 3/8" for expansion space. You may
need to scribe cut the first row of planks to match the wall in order to make a straight working line if the wall is out of
straight.
You may want to position a few rows before starting installation to confirm your layout decision and working line. When
laying flooring, stagger end joints from row to row by at least 8". When cutting the last plank in a row to fit, you can use
the cut-off end to begin the next row. If cut-off end is 8" in length or less, discard it and instead cut a new plank at a
random length and use it to start the next row. Always begin each row from the same side of the room. When near a wall,
you can use a pry bar to pry close the side and end joints.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Inspection: Prior to installation, inspect planks in daylight for visible faults/damage. Check if subfloor/site conditions
comply with the specifications described in these instructions. If you are not satisfied do not install, and contact your
supplier.
Moisture Protection: Lay the PE film, allowing for at least 20 cm (8") overlapping and tape. Turn the film upward 5 cm
(2") along the walls. Trim after the skirting boards are fixed.