8 Crucial Things You Need To Know Before A Pergo Laminate Flooring Installation

Pergo Laminate Flooring has become known as one of the giants in the laminate hardwood flooring industry. The floors are designed for home remodeling DIY enthusiasts, so questions relating to installing laminate flooring abound. First-time home remodelers pounce on Pergo Laminate Flooring (view the entire Pergo range, with free samples). They know that an average-sized floor can be ready to use and admire within a day - just imagine all the compliments from somewhat green-around-the-gills neighbors...

The days of battling to fit messy, sticky, glued planks are long gone thanks to ranges such as resilient Pergo glueless laminate flooring. The unique tongue and groove designs simply click together for a perfect finish. This is one of the most gratifying do it yourself jobs to tackle, as progress is measurable and the end result can be quite spectacular.

1. Is Installing Pergo Flooring Over Existing Floors Advisable?

The beauty of this collection is that it can be laid directly over ceramic, vinyl, tiles or real wood floors, saving you the trouble of ripping out an old floor first. Make sure that the floor is clean, smooth and take the time to carefully sand down any bumps or peaked joints. Carpeting needs to be taken out, however. It is always recommended to do fittings of cabinets or cupboards first, before tackling your flooring project. Real hardwood installed over a concrete sub-floor also needs to be removed before the new installation.

2. Do I Need To Leave An Expansion Space Around The Perimeter Of The Room?

Pergo Laminate Flooring is a floating floor product, meaning that it isn't permanently fixed to the sub-floor area. These ranges expand and contract due to changes in humidity and temperature. It is therefore vital to leave an expansion space between the flooring planks and the adjacent walls or cupboards. If you don't do this, you will have unsightly buckling floors. The size of the space depends on the size of the floor you are covering. A variety of decorative moldings can be used to hide these spaces after installation. The moldings also ensure a professional finish. Use spacers to keep your distances even.

3. Can I Do Anything About The Hollow Sound Associated With Laminates?

The sound depends largely on the sub-floor layer and the thickness of the laminate flooring installation. One way to get around this is to install a well-padded sound underlayment and resin polyethylene film underneath your Pergo laminate flooring planks. This is a highly effective technique to use if you want to dampen the sound. This protective layer also acts as a moisture barrier, lengthening the life of the flooring. Take a look at SilentStep foam, Soundbloc foam and the Moisturbloc vapor barrier. By adding such a cushioning layer, you also ensure a more comfortable, soft floor underfoot. If the sub-floor is wood, a vapor barrier usually isn't necessary, but check with your supplier to make sure.

4. Can I Install The Planks Immediately After My Purchase?

To be on the safe side, acclimate your Pergo floor planks by leaving the cartons in the room where they will be installed, for a period of 49 to 96 hours. This precaution will give you a floor that remains clicked into place, rather than becoming an ugly buckling disaster area.

5. Can I Use This Range In A Bathroom Or Kitchen?

The surface of the Pergo laminate flooring collection is highly water resistant, so the planks can be used in high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. As a precaution, the expansion spaces need to be sealed with the brand's Sealant or a similar mildew-resistant silicone product before installing the trim or molding. The same should be done where the planks were cut to make room for cupboards or a dishwasher. Some experts also recommend sealing the joints by using glue. Check with your supplier about the most satisfactory installation process. In spite of its water resistance, this collection doesn't tolerate standing water.

6. Can I Use Pergo Laminate Flooring On Stairs?

These planks are perfect for use on stairs. Steps get a professional finish with decorative color-coordinated Stair Nosing. The nosing is adhered with a quality construction adhesive and finishing screws. A stair application is the only time that the floating floor concept is replaced with a glued end product. Just remember to be careful when you clean the stairs. Any dampness will make them very slippery.

7. How Do I Ensure A Professional Finish When Installing Pergo Laminate Flooring?

A large range of color-coordinated transition moldings are available to give an elegant and stylish finish to your flooring project. T-Moldings are used in doorways, while end moldings are used along sliding doors and around tubs and basins. If you need to go from a raised area to a lower hard surface such as vinyl, you would choose a hard surface reducer.

8. Oops! I Have A Nick In My Flooring! What Now?

No problem. The folks at Pergo realized that this is an inevitable mishap in a bustling household. They therefore made sure that you have access to their Finishing Putty. Simply neaten the edges of the chipped area with a small knife, make sure the area is clean, and fill the hole with putty. A spatula gives a neat finish and the excess is simply wiped away with a clean cloth. Plank replacements are also possible if a more major repair is needed.

With a gleaming discount Pergo American Cottage or Presto floor installation, your home will be transformed into a wrinkle-less, stylish lady overnight. Pergo Laminate Flooring has been performing plastic surgery on properties for years. It's about time to let that tattered carpet go...

Download your free "Ultimate Laminate Flooring Buyer's Guide" and create the dream home you have always wanted. You can view the entire Pergo Laminate Flooring range, with free samples!