Floor pieces are too difficult to assemble...
#1
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Floor pieces are too difficult to assemble...
I'm installing an interlocking floor and the problem is that I'm having a very hard time adding additional floor boards. With the piece that I'm placing down, I put the tongue side in first (along the long side of the board), and then I tap it down so the groove on the short side interlocks with the tongue on the preceeding board. The problem is that I'm doing more than tapping; I'm knocking the hell out of these boards to get them to join which seems like I'm doing something wrong. In the process I'm damaging some of the tongues which isn't helping. What am I doing wrong? Is there an easy way of getting the new board to join what's already down on both sides at one time?
#2
For Pergo brand, I put the end of the plank (short edge) in first, then lift up the long edge several inches and push into the groove. I have to work it up and down as I push until the tongue and groove come together.
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The way I've always done it is to cradle the new board under my wrist, with fingertips at the joint, while positioning with my other hand and finally tapping it locked with the heal of that hand. I try not to force one side tight but rather "walk" the entire joint closed. Yeah it's hard on the hand, but hands heal; dents in flooring do not.
In that example the 1st board is lifted about 1/2" off the floor. I do it this way because I'm scared of crumbs getting into the joint or the underlayment getting pinched. Silly, I know. Anyhow, it works for me.
In that example the 1st board is lifted about 1/2" off the floor. I do it this way because I'm scared of crumbs getting into the joint or the underlayment getting pinched. Silly, I know. Anyhow, it works for me.
#4
Sounds like your trying to install a rotating lock, like a tap tight, which will damage the end joints and the will separate later.
You need to rotate the end in first and then, raise the adjoining planks and angle the length in. A wedge helps hold the board are that sweet angle while you work it in the length.
You need to rotate the end in first and then, raise the adjoining planks and angle the length in. A wedge helps hold the board are that sweet angle while you work it in the length.