I'm trying to install Quick Step laminate flooring from Lowe's. The instructions say to lift the piece being added at a slight angle and press together. I've got about a 6' x 10' section complete but I'm damaging and having to undo-redo way too many planks. It's impossible to lift both the end and the side at the proper angle at the same time. Frequently it boogers up on edge on a plank and then they don't fit together properly and there's a small gap between planks. I've watched a number of YouTube videos and they may it look rather easy.

Frankly, I'm about ready to return the whole thing and start with a different product but if it does the same thing I haven't gained anything.

Am I missing something simple?

Thanks,
Jim

 

I havent used that brand, but I "think" you click the long side together first, then use a mating scrap and hammer to tap the short ends together until they click. You shouldn't have to undo anything ever if you cut it right.

On some you can click the short ends together then insert a whole row at a time, tipping it up and locking the long side in all at once.

 

Thanks for the reply. The reason I'm having to redo it is because the edges get mashed flat when I use the "mating block" to hammer them together. Once that happens they won't mate together properly and leave a slight gap between planks.

I've tried both assembling the entire row and then adding as one piece, assembling the short side and then tapping in the long side and assembling the long side and then tapping in the short side. I've seen videos with all of those methods.

None work well. Any other thoughts?

Thanks,
Jim

 

No idea what you are doing wrong then. Maybe hitting them too hard. Watch more videos... then think about your technique.

 

Thanks Xsleeper. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

I can only say that I had a click lock type of laminate that I installed in the basement hobby area and it sucked, found that small slivers of the material were left in the jointsl

Never again, would go back to the old tongue and groove glue type next time!