Install Laminate Plank Flooring

A. Finished-Project Specification

Quantity: one complete laminate plank floating floor for the defined room, with a calculated starter row, controlled end-joint stagger through every course, fully engaged locking joints, preserved expansion clearance at every wall and fixed object, correctly fitted obstacle cuts, an installed final row, and one completed installation and inspection record.

B. Layout and Installation Schedule

Item	Target Condition	Verification Method
Plank direction and pattern	Matches the approved finish schedule and does not change mid-project	Written record and visual confirmation
Starter- and final-row widths	Calculated from the perpendicular room dimension; neither row narrower than the manufacturer's minimum	Measurement and calculation record
End-joint stagger	Meets or exceeds the manufacturer's minimum offset in every course	Direct measurement between adjacent end joints
Joint engagement	Every long-side and end joint fully seated with no visible gap or lip	Visual and tactile inspection at each joint
Expansion clearance	Manufacturer-specified gap maintained at every wall, column, cabinet, pipe, and fixed object	Spacer placement and direct measurement
Obstacle fitting	Every pipe, column, and cabinet cut accurately with expansion clearance preserved	Visual inspection and measurement at each cutout

C. Material Takeoff

• Laminate plank flooring: cartons matching the approved finish schedule, quantity calculated from room area plus the manufacturer's recommended waste allowance for the selected pattern.
• Expansion spacers: sufficient quantity to maintain the specified clearance continuously around the full room perimeter and at every fixed object during installation.
• Documentation: one installation record per room, including layout calculations, stagger pattern, and inspection results, plus photographs of layout, expansion clearance, and any obstacle cuts.

D. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Layout accuracy	Starter- and final-row widths match the calculated and recorded values, with neither row narrower than the manufacturer's minimum
Joint engagement	Every joint fully seated, with no visible gap, lip, or unlocked section anywhere in the field
Stagger compliance	Every end joint offset from the nearest joint in an adjacent course by at least the manufacturer's minimum distance
Expansion clearance	Measured clearance at every wall, column, cabinet, pipe, and fixed object matches the manufacturer's specified value
Surface condition	No damaged, chipped, or discolored planks remain in the finished field
Movement	Floor produces no clicking, hollow sound, or binding when walked, and moves freely at the perimeter
Documentation	Installation record complete with layout, stagger, expansion, and inspection entries

E. Layout Review and Product Preparation

1. Review plank direction, pattern, minimum end-joint offset, room dimensions, expansion requirement, transitions, and underlayment. Confirm every value against the approved finish schedule before opening any carton.
2. Confirm environmental and substrate readiness. Verify the Project 01 readiness decision and Project 05 underlayment inspection remain valid, and confirm ambient temperature and humidity are within the manufacturer's approved range.
3. Mix planks from multiple approved cartons when required. Distribute color and grain variation evenly across the installed field.
4. Inspect each plank for damage, color variation, bowed edges, and locking-profile defects. Set aside any defective plank before it reaches the installation area.

F. Layout Calculation and Reference Line

1. Measure the room perpendicular to the plank direction. Record the measurement at both ends of the room to confirm the wall is not significantly out of parallel.
2. Calculate first- and last-row widths. Divide the perpendicular dimension by the plank width and record the remainder.
3. Adjust the starter-row width to avoid an unacceptably narrow final row. Reduce the starter-row width so both rows meet the manufacturer's minimum width.
4. Establish a straight reference line. Snap a chalk line parallel to the starting wall at the calculated starter-row distance, independent of the wall's actual straightness.
5. Rip the starter row where required. Cut the starter-row planks to the calculated width using the table saw or laminate cutter.

G. First-Row Assembly

1. Place manufacturer-approved spacers at walls and fixed objects. Set spacers at the specified interval along the starting wall before positioning the first plank.
2. Assemble the first row with the required end-joint method. Engage each end joint fully before adding the next plank to the row.
3. Keep the row straight and fully locked. Check the row against the reference line and straightedge before proceeding to the second row.

H. Course Installation and Stagger Control

1. Begin the next row with an approved starter length. Select or cut a starter plank that produces the required end-joint stagger from the first row.
2. Maintain the specified end-joint stagger. Measure the offset between end joints in adjacent rows before locking each new plank.
3. Engage long-side and end locks without striking unsupported edges. Confirm each plank is fully seated at both the long-side and end joint before advancing.
4. Use tapping blocks and pull bars only as permitted. Strike the tapping block, never the plank edge directly, to seat each joint.
5. Cut around pipes, columns, cabinets, and obstacles while preserving expansion space. Mark the cutout location precisely and maintain the manufacturer's clearance at the obstacle.
6. Undercut jambs using Project 16 before installing doorway pieces. Do not attempt to fit flooring under an un-undercut jamb.
7. Do not fasten through the field or trap the floor beneath fixed cabinets. Verify no fastener or adhesive has been applied to the field during this or any prior step.
8. Continue course by course while checking alignment. Re-check the straightedge and reference line at intervals no greater than every fourth row.

I. Final Row and Perimeter Completion

1. Measure and rip the final row. Measure the remaining width at both ends of the room and cut the final-row planks to match.
2. Install the last row with the pull bar or approved method. Engage the final joints using the pull bar against the wall where a tapping block cannot be used.
3. Remove spacers only after the floor is complete. Confirm every joint in the field is fully engaged before removing any spacer.
4. Install transitions and trim without pinning the floor. Coordinate with Project 15 for transition installation and confirm no transition fastener penetrates the floating floor field.

J. Final Inspection

1. Inspect joints, stagger, surface damage, expansion space, movement, and sound. Walk the completed floor and visually inspect every course.
2. Protect the floor and document installation conditions. Record the completed layout, stagger measurements, expansion clearances, and inspection results on the installation record.