Basement Flooring Project Update

Well, thought I would stop in a give an update. I started my basement floor project by priming the floor. I got the primer at HD and a couple of bags of floor levelor. I spent one day priming. Let it dry, then the next day I mixed up the levelor. I followed the mix directions exactly, but have to say both mixes to me seemed a different consistancy. The first mix was pourable but felt like it had more hydrolic properties. It did level itself to some extent, but I did go ahead and trowel it a bit and feathered the edges. The 2nd batch appeared a bit thinner but self leveled much quicker. I would say if your spot is deep a little on the thicker side might be beneficial. If it is minor like a lot of mine then the thinner mix really seemed to go faster but took as long to dry. They both turned out well. The level doesn't lie. If you need to the bag says additional coats could be put on up to 1" thick. I then laid the 2n1 moisture barrier underlayment (HD). Taped it together then began laying the Kronotex flooring. I am about half way done but have to say I am impressed with the finish and the seam are very difficult to see. This product (in my opinion) looks much more realistic than Pergo. My only complaint is that it is touchy putting it in. I spent about 6 hrs on it Monday and was a bit frustrated. I wish I had a 3rd hand. But yesterday I found a technique and it has gone much quicker. (plus I am picky). I found while installing that once the front lip and the end of the lip are clicked in place, if you slid your hand under the center and push up slightly while tilting the piece down, the majority of the panel will be in. I would leave about an 1" from the next piece then tap it in place. While tapping sideways the piece would click in place(this is evident when the piece lays flat on its own.) Then just make sure it is snug. With this method I have yet to damage a piece. Before, I admit, I would relie a little too much on the tapping block to try to hit it in place. The edges are strong, but too much will ruin them or maybe accidentally clip the edge. I did more yesterday after work than the previous 2 days. I feel much better about finishing. So far the floor looks awesome. Keep ya posted.

 

Final Update. We all thanks for the help. The floor turned out really nice. I think it really makes the basement unique. Once I figured out the technique the job went much, much easier. I found the above technique damages less product and is less stressful to deal with. I really had to learn the product did not need to be forced all the way in before it could be tapped in place. If the majority of the products lip (say 80% or more) was in, a light tapping sideways would put it in place. On it's own, but that is not how you would think it would best go together. But it works. My only last suggestion.. but the installation kit, it makes it go very easy. Now that I am done, I would say the larger metal hook that can be purchased separately would be a good idea if you had a lot of flooring to do. If it is a small area then the regular 2" would be fine. Also I cannot stress how important flatness is. This is probably more important than actual level, but it should be flat. Over all, I feel quite satisfied that project is complete. I was nervous prior to getting issue addressed here at the forum. But the replies I got made the project much easier to finish. Good luck on your project, there isn't anything you cannot do without the right info. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. ..