Hi all,
Trying to put some laminate flooring on top of the existing floor in the basement. I opened 2 boxes and it looks like when I try to clip the boards together, they don’t level... Is it a defect (that would explain the price) or is it just me and I need to apply force there? pictures of the actual boards
Posted Apr 6, 2021, 6:59 PM UTC
i used a rubber mallet to slap down... just sliding it in wont "click" all the way usually.
dont use a legit hammer, itll mar the surface
Can confirm this. Get a rubber mallet. Youll run into othee uses fpr it in the future as we
I just did our entire house last year, definitely get yourself a tapping block and soft face mallet. Not all of the blocks/pull bars are created equal. I used a few and this one was my favorite. It also caused the least incidental damage.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-Various-4-pack-Installation-Kit/50330851
Insert them at an angle and if they don't click, give them a little tap to get them seated.
I did buy a kit as you linked. However, I’m not sure if I should use it as even when I try to put just two boards together, they end up like a “v” almost. I’m afraid the quality is not there. I’m thinking about buying some higher quality material just to see whether I am the problem 😅
They also go together a lot better when you have more than two rows. Try doing like three rows and see how it goes. Moving them back and forth in the channel can help. I felt really unsure in the beginning but as the piece gets more weight to it, it helps keep everything in line.
Yes apply force down and it will kinda click into place
The first two rows are always the hardest IMO. Apply pressure and they should click down to be flat.
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You need to do it properly.
They need to be fully engaged (clipped) all the way along to lay flat. I did a load last week & noticed it wouldn't sit flat, even if only a fraction of a mm not fully clipped.
Usually just lift it back to 45 degrees, & pull towards when lowering it. Sometimes they need a little persuasion..... Just go along the length & tap with either hand or a proper laminate hammer block /puller.
Don't be tempted to just use a normal hammer, as it'll chew up the edge.
Source: I'm a tradesman