You should always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer before installing angle-tap lock flooring. As a contractor, it’s your job to ensure the durability and longevity of the products installed for your client. In doing so, you can deliver a final product that’s visually appealing, and most importantly, meets the manufacturers installation standards.
Landmark Interiors carries several flooring options that use this installation method, like our water-resistant laminate products. If you’re looking for some pointers on how to properly install angle-tap lock flooring, we’re here to help.
Tools of the Trade: What You Need
The right tools will help streamline the installation process—and you likely use most of the required tools in your everyday repertoire. The must-haves needed for this job require a mallet with a metal back, pull bars, shims, a scraper or sandpaper block, leveler, spacers, and a caulking gun. We don’t recommend using a tapping block as it tends to damage the locking mechanism.
It takes just one ding on the outside of a box to damage every plank. Before accepting your angle-tap lock flooring shipment, carefully check every side of every box for any damage.
Prep Your Layout
Once every box has been checked for damage, you can set up shop. Remember to carefully read the manufacturer instructions as you unbox, as they may include specific instructions you may be otherwise unfamiliar with for installation.
First, you’ll need to ensure the subfloor is properly prepared, level, and stable. A flat subfloor is required for any angle-tap lock flooring installation. In most cases, the levelness should have no more deviation than 3/16” every 10 feet.
Before installing your angle-tap lock flooring, you should also carefully plan your layout. Typically, there are two methods to lay out laminate flooring: the repeating stair-step pattern and a randomized layout. The stair-step pattern aligns the end joints of each plank in a repeating pattern, whereas the randomized layout better mimics the appearance of hardwood flooring.
Work Row-by-Row
With your prep work squared away, it’s time to install the angle-tap lock flooring. To start, measure the room to ensure the first and last rows are the same width. Remember to work row by row to ensure each plank is properly installed.
Lay the first plank against the spacers along the wall, and as you drop the next rows into place, set the plank at an angle. Use a deadblow hammer to tap the peaked portion into place. Continue by placing the second plank’s tongue near the first plank’s groove and tapping it into place, using a pull bar for the end plank to close gaps while maintaining an expansion gap.
Begin the next row by angling the plank into the previous row’s groove, working from left to right, ensuring all joints are locked and rows are flush. Proceed by trimming the final row’s planks to fit to leave a proper expansion gap.
Once every plank is installed, remove the spacers and create a watertight seal using a 3/8” inch foam backer rod. Cover any remaining gaps with 100% silicone sealant; do not use any acrylic sealants. If needed, also apply silicone sealant at connections to any door frames, T-joint mouldings, or any other fixed objects.
Do One Final Check
Be prepared the next time a client requests angle-tap lock flooring for their project. Landmark Interiors provides comprehensive instructions for every angle-top lock flooring option we carry, like our Laminate and Hilltop offerings, to ensure you execute each installation with ease.
Contact us to learn more about our angle-top lock flooring options.