Shaw Laminate Flooring Installation Guide

• Temperature: Maintain a consistent indoor environment between 65°F and 85°F. Avoid sharp temperature fluctuations. 

• Relative Humidity: Must remain between 35% and 65% before, during, and after installation. 

• HVAC: All heating and air conditioning systems must be operational. 

• Other Trades: Installation should begin only after all other construction work (drywall, painting, plumbing) is finished. 

• Shaw laminate does not require acclimation when installed in climate-controlled spaces. However, keep all flooring in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours to stabilize temperature. 

• Do not stack boxes vertically. Lay them flat. 

• Avoid placing boxes near heating vents or in direct sunlight, as this can alter material moisture content. 

• Sweep or vacuum thoroughly. 

• Remove all debris, nails, adhesives, and paint from the subfloor. 

• Repair low spots using Portland-cement-based levelling compounds. 

• Sand or grind high spots until the floor is flat. 

• Floor flatness tolerance: maximum variation of 1/8 inch in 6 feet or 3/16 inch in 10 feet. 

• Use a reliable concrete moisture meter. Moisture should not exceed 4%. 

• If moisture is above 4%, conduct a Calcium Chloride test. Acceptable result: <5 lbs./1,000 sq. ft./24 hrs. 

Wood Subfloors: 

• Use a pin-type wood moisture meter. 

• Moisture content must not exceed 12%. Higher readings require checking the crawlspace or basement for moisture intrusion. 

• Subfloors must be structurally sound and free of movement. 

• Install over concrete, OSB, plywood, ceramic tile, terrazzo, vinyl, or marble. 

• DO NOT install over carpet, glued hardwood over concrete, or sleeper systems. 

• Concrete Subfloors: Lay a 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier over the slab. Overlap seams 6–8 inches and seal with moisture-proof tape. 

• Wood Subfloors: No vapor barrier required. 

• Install a premium-grade acoustical underlayment. 

• Follow the underlayment manufacturer’s guidelines exactly. 

• Roll it out along the longest wall and ensure it lies flat without gaps or bunching. 

• Always leave a 3/8" expansion space around walls, columns, pipes, door frames, cabinets, and any vertical obstruction. 

• Use spacers to maintain this gap during installation. 

• Install T-molding at: 

• Every 45 feet in length or width of continuous floor space 

• All room-to-room doorways under 36" wide 

• Changes in flooring direction or between different floor types 

• Measure the width of the room and divide by the width of a plank to calculate how many full planks fit across. 

• If the last row will be less than 2 inches wide, cut the first row narrower to balance the layout. 

• Plan for planks to run parallel to the longest wall or to incoming sunlight for visual appeal. 

• Measuring tape, level, pencil 

• Circular/table saw with carbide blade 

• Jigsaw or handsaw for notching 

• Tapping block, pull bar, and installation spacers 

• Rubber mallet or hammer 

• Vacuum or broom 

• Safety glasses 

• Cut-resistant gloves 

• NIOSH-rated dust mask or respirator (especially while cutting indoors) 

• Begin in the left-hand corner of the room. 

• Place spacers along the wall to maintain a 3/8" expansion gap. 

• Lay the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. 

• Connect the short edge of the next plank by angling it into the end of the first plank. 

• Fold it down gently to lock into place. 

• Continue this process across the first row. 

• When you reach the end of the row, measure and cut the last plank to leave a 3/8" gap from the wall. 

• Use a straightedge and pencil for accurate cuts. 

• Use the leftover cut from the previous row (minimum 12" in length) to start the next row. 

• Insert the long side of the plank at a low angle into the previous row, then rotate down. 

• Tap gently with a tapping block to ensure a tight fit. 

• Continue adding planks row by row. 

• Always stagger seams by at least 12–16 inches. 

• Check each joint for tightness. No visible gaps should exist. 

• Pull planks toward yourself to secure the lock. 

• Undercut door jambs using a handsaw or oscillating multi-tool. 

• Use a scrap piece of plank as a guide for height. 

• For tight spaces where angling is not possible, remove the bottom groove and use laminate glue. 

• Use painter’s tape to secure the plank in place until the glue sets. 

• Use a full-width plank to mark the contour of the wall. 

• Trace and cut with a jigsaw or handsaw. 

• Install the final row using a pull bar to ensure a tight fit. 

• Once installation is complete, remove all spacers. 

• Install baseboards or quarter-round to cover expansion gaps. Nail into the wall, not into the flooring. 

• In wet areas, apply silicone sealant with a foam backer rod along perimeters. 

• Walk the entire floor to check for uneven joints or soft spots. 

• Clean up all debris and vacuum thoroughly. 

• Wait at least 24 hours before placing heavy furniture. 

• Use felt pads under all furniture legs. 

• Do not drag furniture—lift and place it gently. 

• Dry sweep or vacuum with a hard floor attachment (no beater bar) 

• Damp mop with Shaw TOTALCARE® Hard Surface Cleaner 

• Wipe spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth 

• For stubborn stains (gum, wax, tar), use acetone or alcohol and a plastic scraper 

• Wet mops or excessive water 

• Steam mops 

• Abrasive cleaners, bleach, or polish 

• Allowing liquids to pool 

• Use doormats at all entrances 

• Trim pet nails regularly 

• Use vinyl-backed rugs and avoid rubber mats 

• Use Shaw Colour-Fill kit to correct small scratches or surface imperfections 

• Disassemble the flooring backward from the damaged plank 

• Replace with a properly acclimated new plank 

• Reassemble planks in order and reinstall moldings 

• Use adhesive installation with proper edge trimming 

• Press into place and secure with painter’s tape until dry 

• Lifetime structural integrity (for residential use) 

• 30-year surface wear, stain, and fade coverage 

• Subfloor conditions are out of spec 

• Expansion gaps are not maintained 

• Floors are exposed to standing water or wet mopping 

• Improper adhesives or cleaning agents are used