Flooring Installation
Installing flooring is a meticulous task, requiring careful diligence and an understanding of the specific flooring type you're dealing with. This guide provides general steps for installing several types of flooring such as Wood, Parquet, Laminate, Luxury Vinyl, Herringbone, Chevron, and Vinyl Tile Flooring. However, do keep in mind that the manufacturer's specific instructions are always paramount.
Preparation of the Subfloor
The success of any flooring installation begins with proper subfloor preparation. The subfloor should be thoroughly cleaned, ensuring it's free of dust, dirt, and debris. It should be completely dry and level. Any uneven areas or cracks should be repaired to provide a smooth, level base for your new flooring.
Acclimation of the Flooring
Most flooring materials, particularly wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl, need to be acclimated to the room's temperature and humidity before installation. This requires at least 48 hours but check your manufacturer's recommendations for precise acclimation times.
Layout and Planning
Effective planning can make the difference between a smooth installation, and one filled with challenges. Consider the direction of the planks or tiles and the pattern you want to achieve, such as herringbone or chevron. Take accurate measurements of the room and calculate the flooring needed, considering additional material for cuts and waste.
Installation Methods
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Wood Flooring: Installation wood flooring can vary. There are many ways of laying wood including nail-down using a specialist bonding glue, secret nail device, or floating techniques where the wood is installed on an underlay, if the wood has a click system. Each method has its own set of guidelines, so be sure to follow the instructions specific to your product.
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Parquet Flooring: Typically, parquet flooring is glued directly onto the subfloor using a high-quality adhesive. It's essential to apply the adhesive evenly across the entire surface and allow for the recommended drying time. Dependent on the flooring that you choose, parquet flooring click system floors can also be floated on an underlay.
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Laminate Flooring: Laminate flooring is usually installed using a floating method that incorporates a click-lock system. The planks are interlocked together according to the manufacturer's instructions. We alwasy advise a uniclic locking system as this will make the job much easier, which will also increase the lifespan.
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Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Luxury vinyl flooring can be installed using either a floating or glue-down method. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific installation technique that applies to your product.
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Herringbone/Chevron Flooring: The installation of herringbone or chevron flooring demands precision in both measurements and installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely when planning the layout.
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Vinyl Tile Flooring: Vinyl tile flooring can be installed using a glue-down method. Ensure that the subfloor is flat and smooth before you start installing the tiles. Sread the glue lightly, but evenly. Let the glue go tacky before laying the tiles.
Finishing Touches
After the floor has been laid, final additions will give your space a profesional and complete look. Install any required trim pieces such as scotia beading to cover expansion gaps, door plates or Incizo Profiles to finish of the doorways. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and maintaining your specific type of floor to keep it looking its best and to ensure its longevity. We recomend the Quick-Step Cleaning Kit for all types of floors. The solution is designed to keep the floors looking their best for longer.
Always bear in mind the importance of thoroughly reading and following the manufacturer's installation instructions for your specific flooring product. Every flooring type may have unique requirements and fitting techniques. If you're unsure about any step in the installation process, seek advice from a professional flooring installer.
Remember, installing your flooring correctly is vital for achieving a beautiful and durable floor. Take your time, adhere to the instructions, and relish the process of transforming your living space with your stunning new floor. Please see below videos for visual instructions on the installation of all floor types.
Wood Flooring
Parquet Flooring