Installing Pergo Flooring | Suggestions For Success

If you are considering installing pergo flooring, you first need to know what exactly it is. It is a specially constructed type of floor that is assembled using a distinct tongue and groove system, which ensures a tight and fairly easy installation. Most homeowners can handle the install by following some easy steps, but if you are unsure you can contact local subcontractors to get quotes.

The first step in your pergo floor installation is to calculate precisely how much flooring and accessories to purchase. The best way to do this is to use a room size calculator to help determine the amounts you'll need. Remember to buy some extra pieces to compensate for any unforeseen problems. Once you have the area figured out, you will need to not only purchase the floor itself but also other items to aid in the installation. These should be available wherever you decide to buy the floor, and they will make your life easier if you decide to do it yourself. We've put together a small list of the essentials, and they are listed below:

1 - Installation Kit which includes spacers as well as a tapping block to get tight joints

2 - Under-layments to even out minor irregularities in the sub-floor, and provide additional heat and sound insulation

3 - Installation straps which are not required to install Pergo, but they do simplify the process quite a bit

4 - Pergo Glue (they recommend using this to not void your warranty)

5 - Pull bar to help to ensure a tight fit in any hard to reach spaces

6 - Floor clamps to simplify installation and make your finished floor much stronger

7 - Pergo Sealant which secures any gaps between the floor and wall, ensuring maximum resistance to moisture

8 - Pergo Putty to mend any damage that might occur to your floor during installation...a good piece of mind thing to have

Pergo floors are intended for indoor use only as the elements will cause damage to the material. It must be installed as a floating system, with ample space around the perimeter for moving as needed. The recommendation is 1/4" to accomodate changes in humidity and temperature which in itself will cause expansion and contraction. You also don't want to fix it to the sub-floor at all, just set it on top of your existing floor. It should be installed over Pergo underlayment foam or Whisperwalk except when used over concrete. In that case use a Pergo 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier.

When your materials arrive it is important to leave them in the unopened cartons in the vicinity of where they will be installed for approximately 48 hours (or more) before beginning. Should your weather be unusually dry or humid it is recommended you allow 96 hours. Doing this helps minimize the expanding and contracting of the flooring as time goes on.

You will really enjoy your new floor as it has a fantastic finish and is quite durable. For the money, ease of installation, and appearance it really is one of the top choices.