Installing Pergo Floors in Your Home Yourself

Pergo flooring is also available in a plethora of styles and colors, so even for the most discriminating homeowner there is inevitably something they’ll find that matches their taste. Pergo flooring is also easy to maintain. In regards to Pergo flooring installation, its important to understand that there are two basic types of Pergo flooring, glue and glueless. Pergo flooring can be installed over a concrete slap, a wood subfloor, and over vinyl.

Prior to visiting your local Pergo flooring supplier measure the room and record the measurements. You’ll need this information to order the correct quantity of Pergo flooring planks.

To install Pergo flooring yourself you’ll need a few key tools and supplies. First of all you need to install a vapor barrier on the subfloor first, so make sure to pick up some polyethylene plastic when shopping for supplies. This is a must regardless if you plan to install glue or glueless Pergo flooring. You’ll also need to purchase padding for the subfloor as well. Sometimes the padding serves as a vapor barrier too. For tools, you’ll need a miter saw, measuring tape, pencil, and carpenters square. If you are installing a glue type Pergo floor, you’ll also need a tapping block and tightening strips.

It’s also important to read the specific Pergo flooring installation instructions to see what other specific tools and/or supplies the manufacturer recommends. In addition, the store where you purchase the Pergo flooring may also offer a brief training course on how to install Pergo flooring. I highly recommend taking the course or watching the instructional video.

When installing Pergo flooring the planks must be installed over a special padding designed specifically for the type of Pergo flooring you’re installing.

The padding functions as a sound dampener so that when you walk on the floor it doesn’t make a loud hollow sound. In many cases the padding also serves as a vapor barrier. Another key consideration when installing Pergo flooring is the direction you want to see the planks run in the room where it is to be installed. When installing it in a long or narrow room run the planks so that they run the length of the longer room measurement. This way there is less cutting and it is aesthetically more appealing to the eye. Also, after purchasing Pergo flooring material it is important to place it in the room that it is to be installed in for 2 to 3 days to let the flooring have time to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the room.

Doing so will help prevent the Pergo flooring from eventually expanding and contracting in such a way that bulges or gaps show up in the finished flooring.

Pergo flooring should not be glued down to the subfloor. Also, when installing a Pergo floor keep in mind it is a floating floor that will expand and contract. Consequently leave a 1/4 inch space around the perimeter of the room so that the Pergo flooring has room to expand. If you don’t do this the floor could buckle during warmer and more humid conditions in the room.

When installing Pergo flooring start by placing a few rows of planks on the subfloor and positioning them such that you minimize the needs for cuts and short stubby pieces. Once you’ve found the right location for running rows then apply glue, if you’re using a glue type Pergo flooring, per the Pergo flooring manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, keep in mind that you will need to use a tapping block and tightening strap when installing a glued Pergo floor to ensure the planks are placed tightly together. This will prevent unwanted gaps from showing up.

Continue installing the Pergo flooring planks in this method until the floor is completely installed. If you installed a glue type Pergo flooring allow it to set up for the manufacturer’s recommended time before walking on it.