How To Lay Laminate Flooring
This guide gives you the essential steps for installing our Xtra Step laminate floors with the uniclic flooring system, which lets you join the panels without glue by either folding or tapping them.
The following are some general guidelines for laying click laminate flooring. Our PDF guide provides in-depth instructions and recommendations for everything from subfloor preparation to radiant heating installations to under-door clearances to care and maintenance. Remember to check our guides and tips section for additional tips about flooring!
Key Installation Steps and Tips for Xtra Step Laminate Flooring:
- Acclimatise: Allow closed flooring packs to acclimatise for 48 hours in the installation room.
- Subfloor Preparation: Ensure the subfloor is flat within 2mm across 1-metre lengths, address any unevenness, and maintain proper moisture levels.
- Foam Underlayment: Utilise foam underlayment as needed to address minor inconsistencies or enhance sound absorption.
- First Row Installation: Begin the first row with a full plank along the wall, using expansion spacers. Trim the tongue and groove on the plank ends before installation.
- Uniclic System: Click long edges together by placing planks at a 20–30 degree angle and folding down with forward pressure. For flat tapping, use the Uniclic block and hammer gradually to prevent damage.
- Staggered Joints: Stagger adjoining row end joints by a minimum of 15cm (6 inches).
- Expansion Gaps: Maintain 8–10mm (5/16"–3/8”) expansion gaps around all fixed objects like door jambs.
- Tight Spaces: If the angling method is impractical in tight spaces, use a pull bar and hammer to tap planks together.
