It’s ‘Only’ Laminate Flooring,
So Why Read the Instructions?
by Bob Middleton
T
he evolution of hard surface
flooring today has truly given
the consumer an amazing
selection of color, texture and application
options. As more products with unique
applications enter the marketplace it
becomes even more imperative that
professional installers take the time to
read, ask questions and understand the
manufacturer’s written instructions.
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To illustrate the need for installers and
flooring inspectors to keep up-to-date
with the varied application methods,
it’s important to know everything you
can about the product going in. For the
purposes of this article, let’s take a look
at laminate flooring. First, let’s focus on
the construction and application of the
product, then we’ll talk more specifically
about the instructions.
May/June 2013
Laminate construction and ratings.
Laminate offerings in today’s market
have proliferated. Many feature ceramic
or hand-scraped textures while others
Students work with laminate flooring during
a CFI training event in Kansas City earlier
this year. Photo courtesy of CFI.
can have embossed patterns mimicking nature so well you can’t
stop admiring the installed floor. Boiling it down to the basics,
An AC3 rating is just about
perfect for light commercial
and residential use, whereas
laminates having higher
commercial AC5 ratings are sure
to quickly wear holes through
socks!
the top surface of laminate flooring usually consists of a firstquality photographic décor paper, a core constructed with a
high-density fiber board (HDF) and a melamine backing added
for extra stability. The total construction is then heated and
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May/June 2013
pressed under thousands of lbs. per sq. inch, producing a very
strong plank.
However, care must be taken as laminate edges are susceptible to
chipping from shipping/handling or during assembly when using
tapping blocks and other related tools. Due to its construction,
laminates are very scratch- and moisture-resistant, though not
entirely impervious to either. Many quality laminates are equipped
with a built-on pre-attached pad on the back that will satisfy most
condominium and apartment association requirements for sound
isolation; those that do not will require an underlayment.
Many styles are available in a variety of finishes: from
traditional matte to UV-cured and high-gloss. Quality
laminates will feature an aluminum oxide protective wear layer
and feature a numerical Abrasion Criteria (AC) rating of 1 to 5,
indicating the overlay film resistance to abrasion, impact, stains
and cigarette burns. Having a rating verifies that the product
has been tested for the effects of furniture legs, casters, swelling
along its edges and so on.
CFI instructor Bob Gillespie (standing) explains the finer points of
laminate flooring installation. Photo courtesy of CFI.
Educated laminate costumers will shop AC ratings. An AC3
rating is just about perfect for light commercial and residential
use, whereas laminates having higher commercial AC5 ratings
are sure to quickly wear holes through socks! In general,
laminate warranty coverage is stated in years and is related to
the product’s wear layer and thickness. Depending on the
manufacturer, warranties are only applicable to adherence to
the instructions, foot traffic and board construction. Issues with
moisture, scratches and denting are viewed as site-related for
which the manufacturer has no direct control over, and are often
disclaimed.
Laminate applications. Laminates also have a variety of
fitment or assembly methods, each directly related to the design
of a manufacturer’s locking system. Terms such as glueless, lockand-fold, angle-angle, tap-and-lock or Uniclic are used not only
to describe the way a particular laminate is to be assembled, but
can also reflect licensing agreements between brands. Because
laminates are not being permanently attached to the subfloor, the
product can also be a smart choice for radiant heat and cement
applications. Laminates have found their way to wall and ceiling
applications as well, due to their lighter weight as compared to
heavier solid wood. Laminates can be installed in one room then
later disassembled and installed in another. Some laminates even
feature a metal locking system that can be ruined if not installed
correctly the first time.
Why read the instructions? As a professional installer you
may have heard some in the business say, “I’ve been installing
(whatever product) this way for 10 years and don’t need to read
the instructions.” However, how do you know the installer
hasn’t been installing the materials wrong for 10 years? This
type of thinking is tantamount to “rolling the dice” for potential
claims, and ignores the fact that flooring products and trends
do change, as well as advancements in technologies. Installation
methodologies do get revised to address the needs of jobsite
conditions or limitations.
Discerning installers will take the time needed to read and
better understand the instructions in an effort to identify
and avoid potential failures. When an installation fails,
flooring inspectors will use the installation instructions as a
guide to determine whether the flooring was installed as per
manufacturer’s specifications. This is all the more reason to read
and follow the instructions.
General requirements. Reading the directions can be an
enlightening discovery of tips and procedures! Following
are just some examples of what manufacturers will generally
require: Acclimate products according to the instructions.
The work area must be climate-controlled to the recommended
temperature and humidity values (this means that the electrical
and HVAC needs to be fully operational). For applications on
cement, obtain a moisture reading using a Calcium Chloride or
RH test. Installations should not proceed until the source of high
moisture has been identified and corrected.
Do not install laminates in an area with a sump-pump or fl oor
drain. When installing over cement use 6-8 mil polyethylene
film plastic or equivalent as a moisture barrier; however, do
not use polyethylene film plastic over wood subfl oors as wood
structures and components need to breathe. Note directions for
board assembly, left-to-right or right-to-left. To ensure best
overall appearance in shade and color, install fl ooring from
several boxes.
Do not install flooring in a “stair-stepped” pattern as this can
weaken the total floor and may cause flooring to separate. Ensure
the subfloor is flat to within 3/16” in 10’ or 1/8” in 6’ (3/16” is the
thickness of three stacked quarters; 1/8” is the equivalent of a grain
of rice). Room areas exceeding the recommended distance in length
or width will need T-moldings as expansion breaks.
The recommended expansion spacing must be placed around the
perimeter of the installed area and all fixed objects. Do not install
laminates under fixed or permanent cabinetry. When laminates are
used to overlay stair treads and risers, omit the use of underlayment.
When an installation fails,
flooring inspectors will use the
installation instructions as a
guide to determine whether the
flooring was installed as per
manufacturer’s specifications.
This is all the more reason to
read and follow the instructions.
Attach all stair components using flexible urethane adhesives; For
safety, laminate stair nosing must be both glued and nailed.
Putting it all together. Now, keep in mind that a variety
of laminate application methods exist, and each can have their
own unique joint assembly and limitations of use. Therefore,
before starting installation, floor installers are wise to read the
manufacturer’s written instructions and when in doubt ask
questions – especially when a particular application seems out of
the ordinary.
Adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions can promote a
more positive experience between all parties concerned, from the
manufacturer, to the installer and customer, as well as keeping
you and your crew out of the “tall grass” of costly claims! FCI
Bob Middleton has been in the flooring
business for over 30 years as an installer
and consultant. He is an ICFI, NWFA and
LEES Certified Professional and a NALFA
Installer/Inspector. As Lumber Liquidators
Technical & Installation Manager, he
conducts installer training sessions and
participates in product warranty reviews.
He also contributes to Lumber Liquidators’
blog and Twitter, BobVila.com’s “Fix It
Forum,” and other industry sites.
May/June 2013
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