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Which to Install First. Which side is the tongue, which the groove, and which goes first during installation? The tongue is the side that you will want to place against the wall as you start your laminate-flooring installation.
Which is the tongue and which is the groove?
On one long side of the plank you’ll find the tongue and on the other long side you’ll find the groove. The same is true on the short sides. So on each of the four sides you’ll either find a tongue or a groove, thus the name tongue and groove.
Do you cut the tongue off the first row of laminate?
Place the first plank with the tongue side towards the wall, being sure to allow 1/8″ for expansion. We recommend cutting off the tongue on this first row to avoid any problem with the expansion gap. If it is too short, cut a new plank in half and use one half to start the second row.
Is there a right or wrong way to lay laminate flooring?
In what direction should you lay a laminate floor? In most cases, you should lay your laminate flooring parallel to the longest side of the room or your home. This will create a more natural flow and will accentuate the length of the room better.
Which side is tongue side?
The tongue on laminate flooring is the small flat edge on one side of the board, this is the top edge that is going to angle and lock into the bottom side of another board.
Which way does tongue and groove flooring go?
Yes the top is to be the thicker side but the thin side is too thin to hold up over time and not crack here or there. There should be a relief cut on the bottom face to help prevent cupping and where the nail goes through to keep the splinters raising the board off the subfloor.
Do you nail the tongue or groove?
For tongue-and-groove flooring, drive a nail at a 45-degree angle through the tongue, then conceal it by engaging the groove of the next board. Be sure to countersink the nail — drive it slightly below the surface of the wood — to prevent interference in the joint.
What part of the room should you start laminate flooring?
Always start hardwood flooring along the most prominent and noticeable wall in the room. This way, if the room is out of square, the crooked cut will be hidden under the cabinet’s toe kick. In order to keep the floor straight and square, start laying the laminate away from the wall because the wall may not be straight.
Which way do you lay laminate flooring in multiple rooms?
The best direction is based on the shape of your house. There is no right direction, but the more accepted rule is that the floor direction should run parallel to the longer walls, but long hallways are exempt from this rule.
Which side of laminate flooring goes against the wall?
The tongue is the side that you will want to place against the wall as you start your laminate-flooring installation.
Do you lay laminate flooring vertically or horizontally?
You can lay your flooring either horizontally or vertically. Vertically will elongate a room and works great if pointing towards a window, as it will follow the natural light. Laying laminate flooring horizontally will can make a small room appear larger.
Which direction do you lay laminate flooring in a hallway?
Hallway Plank Direction As a rule, laminate flooring looks best when it runs in the same direction as the long walls in a hallway. The sight lines of the floor and walls match, making the hallway appear longer and more spacious.
What direction should wood flooring be installed?
The most common way to lay hardwood flooring is by aligning the planks parallel to the longest wall. Apart from a few exceptions like sagging joists, this is the preferred direction to lay wood floors because it aesthetically provides the best result.
Can tongue and groove flooring be floated?
Floating. Many tongue and groove floors can be floated over premium underlayment with good success. This is done by gluing the tongues and grooves together with a T&G adhesive. Unlike click-lock floating floors, T&G floors are not designed to be floated.
Should tongue and groove be glued?
The recommended glue for floating installation is Tongue and Groove engineered flooring glue. Glue placement is very important. The glue must be placed along the topside of the groove the full length of the grooved side and end.
Can you install tongue and groove backwards?
Vinyl plank flooring was designed to install in one direction but it is still possible to install it backward. When doing so, you either have to modify the tongue and groove or be prepared to work slowly and perhaps have some waste.
How do you stop laminate flooring at doorways?
How To End Flooring at a Doorway Lift to Fit. Plan on a seam in the middle of the doorway. Notch and cut the first piece to fit and then slide it completely under the jamb. Slide Both Pieces Over. Once the two pieces are connected, slide them both over just far enough so that both jambs cover the flooring ends. 11 / 12.
Do you need to stagger laminate flooring in hallway?
Laminate flooring manufacturers often require their floors to be staggered anywhere between 6 to 12 inches, some manufacturers even want more. Don’t ever short-stagger your flooring, it is both not aesthetically pleasing, and can also bring up some of the same issues as not staggering the floor at all.
Can you lay laminate over laminate?
Laying laminate flooring over old laminate is possible but there is product that you may have to spread on the old flooring first so that the old pattern doesn’t wear out under the new one. Make sure that you use a specific type of glue or adhesive that is recommended for gluing laminate tiles.
