Installing St James Collection Laminate Flooring

Installing St James Collection Laminate Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing laminate flooring from the St James Collection is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed by do-it-yourselfers with some basic home improvement skills. Here's a detailed guide to help you through each step:

1. Preparation:

Before you begin, ensure that the subfloor is level, smooth, and dry. Remove any existing flooring, baseboards, and quarter rounds. You may need to add underlayment to level the subfloor further.

2. Acclimation:

Allow the laminate flooring planks to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before installation. This helps prevent buckling or warping.

3. Layout:

Plan the layout of the flooring, starting from a corner of the room. Consider the direction of natural light and traffic flow when determining the plank orientation.

4. Floating Installation:

St James laminate flooring features a floating installation system. Begin by laying a row of planks along the starting wall, leaving an expansion gap around the perimeter. Interlock the planks by inserting the tongue into the groove of the adjacent plank.

5. Second and Subsequent Rows:

Stagger the joints of the subsequent rows by at least 6 inches. Continue interlocking the planks until you reach the opposite wall.

6. Cutting Planks:

Use a circular saw or a laminate cutter to cut the planks to fit around obstacles or to accommodate the end of the row. Measure twice and cut once for precise cuts.